If you're looking for a trauma therapist in Pensacola or Gulf Breeze, or you're considering EMDR, Brainspotting, or somatic therapy via telehealth in Florida, New York, or other PsyPact states, these are the questions I hear most often. If yours isn't answered below, you can book a free 15-minute call.
About My Practice
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What kind of therapy do you do?
I'm a licensed psychologist specializing in EMDR, Brainspotting, and somatic therapy for adults working through complex trauma, narcissistic abuse recovery, and long-standing patterns that don't respond well to talk therapy alone. My work is grounded in evidence-based trauma modalities and respectful of your pace, especially if you've learned to function well while carrying a lot internally.
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Who do you work best with?
Thoughtful, capable adults who are tired of managing their reactions and want something to actually shift. People who've often done therapy before, understand why they're the way they are, and are ready for real nervous system change rather than more insight.
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Where is your Gulf Breeze office located?
My in-person office is at 3000 Gulf Breeze Parkway, just across the bay from Pensacola. Most clients driving from Pensacola, Navarre, Pace, or Milton reach me in 15 to 30 minutes.
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What makes your trauma therapy practice in Pensacola different?
I focus on nervous system work, not just talking about what happened. If you've been in therapy before and still feel stuck, the difference is usually in the approach. EMDR, Brainspotting, and somatic therapy target where trauma actually lives, which is in the body, rather than trying to think or explain your way out of it.
Insurance & Fees
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Can I use my insurance for therapy?
Yes. I'm currently in-network with Aetna, Florida Blue, and VA Community Care (in Florida). For all other insurance, I operate as an out-of-network provider and can provide superbills for reimbursement.
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What is your session fee?
For private-pay clients in the Pensacola area or via telehealth, I offer a sliding scale from $180 to $200 for a 55-minute session. Superbills are available for out-of-network reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits.
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I'm not in-network with your insurance. How can I still work with you and get reimbursed?
I've partnered with Mentaya, a service that handles out-of-network reimbursement for you. If you have out-of-network benefits, Mentaya verifies your coverage, submits claims, and follows up with your insurance. They charge 5% per claim, and their fee is refunded if your claim isn't successful.
Mentaya is a good fit if you:
Have out-of-network benefits
Feel overwhelmed by superbills and insurance paperwork
Have submitted superbills before but failed to get reimbursed
Just want to skip the hassle
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How do you accept payment?
All payments are processed securely through Ivy Pay, a HIPAA-compliant payment system built for therapists. Your card is kept safely on file and charged automatically after each session.
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What should I know about the Good Faith Estimate?
Under the No Surprises Act, you're entitled to a Good Faith Estimate of what therapy will cost if you're not using insurance. I provide this in writing either upon request or automatically before we start working together. (See the full No Surprises Act disclosure at the bottom of this page.)
Logistics & Scheduling
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Do you offer online therapy?
Yes. You can meet with me in person at my Gulf Breeze office or online via telehealth. All telehealth sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. You can attend from any private space in a state where I'm licensed.
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Which states are you licensed to serve?
I'm licensed in Florida and New York, and authorized to practice in all PsyPact states, which currently covers 40+ states via secure telehealth.
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What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for at least 48 hours' notice to reschedule or cancel. Less than that, and the full session fee applies. This keeps my schedule predictable and ensures time is available to clients who are waiting.
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How do I get started?
You can book a free 15-minute consultation to see if we're a fit before your first full session. If you'd rather skip the call and get started right away, you can also fill out this intake form.
Specific Situations
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Do you work with Veterans?
Yes. I'm an authorized psychologist in the VA Community Care Network (CCN, Region 3). Veterans can work with me through the VA with an approved Community Care referral from the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System, located in Pensacola, Eglin, or Panama City. If you'd like to schedule, ask your VA provider for a referral to Hayfield Healing, Maria Niitepold, PsyD (NPI: 1578292579).
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Do you work with LGBTQ clients?
Yes. I work with adults from LGBTQ communities and offer trauma-focused therapy for concerns like anxiety, developmental trauma, relationship patterns, identity-related stress, and the long-term effects of feeling unseen, unsafe, or chronically vigilant.
My approach is grounded in evidence-based trauma modalities rather than identity-based coaching or advocacy. I focus on helping you build internal stability, clarity, and agency.
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Can trauma therapy help with LGBTQ-related stress or family rejection?
Many LGBTQ adults carry trauma related to chronic invalidation, concealment, or family and religious rejection. Trauma-focused therapy can address these patterns at the nervous system level, not just cognitively.
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Do you provide letters or evaluations for gender-affirming medical procedures?
No. I don't provide letters, assessments, or evaluations for gender-affirming medical or surgical procedures. I'm happy to support clients with trauma-focused therapy within my scope of practice and can offer referrals when a different provider is the right fit.
Ready to regulate your nervous system?
You have spent years out-performing your own internal terror, relying on sheer willpower to manage your trauma, perfectionism, or emotional exhaustion. It is time to discover what your mind and body actually need to heal.
Whether you are looking for premium telehealth in New York or in-person care in Florida, healing doesn't have to be hard. It just has to start safely.
Request Your Free 15-Minute Consultation
The No Surprises Act
Under the law, health care providers are required to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.
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You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
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You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.
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If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
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Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059