Question 1

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I am in-network with most Aetna, Optum and UnitedHealthcare plans. If you plan to use insurance, my billing agency can verify eligibility and review your benefits prior to scheduling. If I’m not in-network with your plan, I can also provide a Superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Many plans offer partial reimbursement, depending on your coverage.

Question 2

What are your rates?

Accepted Answer

My standard session rate is $205 per 60-minute session. A select number of reduced-fee appointments may be available on a sliding scale, based on individual circumstances. Availability for these appointments is limited and discussed on a case-by-case basis. If you plan to use insurance, your eligibility, coverage, and any copayments or out-of-pocket costs are determined by your specific benefits plan and are managed through my billing provider. While I can help guide the process, I do not determine or control insurance coverage, reimbursement, or patient responsibility amounts.

Question 3

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

I offer in-person sessions at two Tampa Bay locations—one in Pinellas County, conveniently located for those in Tarpon Springs, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg, and one serving Hillsborough County, with access for those in Brandon, Riverview, and nearby communities. Availability for new patients varies and is determined by location and current openings.

Question 4

What dates and times are appointments available?

Accepted Answer

Appointment availability varies by location and current openings. I see patients in my Clearwater office on Mondays and Tuesdays, and in Brandon on Wednesdays. Thursdays are reserved for virtual appointments. My general office hours are Monday through Thursday, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. To streamline scheduling, I ask all prospective patients to share where they are located and provide general weekly availability (days and times) for therapy sessions, which allows me to quickly determine whether I have openings that align with your schedule.

Question 5

Do you offer virtual appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes—virtual appointments are available for patients who live outside the area or are unable to attend in person due to distance. For patients within the Tampa Bay area, I primarily offer in-office sessions, as I intentionally maintain two locations and extended evening hours to accommodate a variety of patient’s work schedules while still supporting the depth of in-person work. Exceptions may be considered in certain circumstances when in-person attendance isn’t feasible. I’m of the mind that face-to-face sessions allow for a more authentic, engaged, and meaningful therapeutic process, which I prioritize in my work. While some local patients may “prefer” virtual sessions, preference doesn’t dictate my practice as I value commitment, dedication, and integrity over convenience.

Question 6

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

The first step is reaching out through my website here or by email at drval.psych77@gmail.com. From there, I’ll confirm a few details—insurance (if applicable), location, and availability—to determine next steps and scheduling options. Once everything aligns, you’ll be invited to complete intake paperwork which is available for review on my website and then we can secure your first appointment.

Question 7

What can I expect in our first session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and determine if we’re a good fit. Establishing a strong therapeutic connection is an important part of the process, and this initial meeting helps guide that assessment. We’ll review your intake information, discuss your current concerns and goals, and I may ask additional questions to better understand the bigger picture. I’ll also provide an initial sense of how the therapy process may look moving forward, including recommendations for session frequency (often starting weekly) and areas of focus. At times, I may suggest brief between-session reflection or mindfulness exercises to support progress. The goal is to leave with clarity, direction, and a sense of whether you feel comfortable moving forward.

Question 8

What happens if I cancel?

Accepted Answer

Appointments canceled with at least 24 hours’ notice avoid being charged a fee. Late cancellations and missed appointments are billed the full session rate ($205), as that time has been reserved specifically for you and is typically unable to be filled with such limited notice. If you are using insurance, the credit card authorization on file is used solely for processing payments due to missed or late-cancelled appointments, ART sessions, and any prorated fees for sessions extending beyond 60 minutes.

LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST | LIC# PY9730

Dr. Valerie Andersen, PSYD

Know Before You Go