Frequently Asked Questions

I see clients both in-person and virtually. My practice is currently located in Baltimore, MD for in-person appointments on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Due to licensing restrictions, I can only meet with clients virtually if they are physically in the state of Maryland when we meet.

I do not have a practice phone number. Please email me at kitt@defianttherapy.com, or request an appointment through my online portal.

At my practice, I only accept out-of-pocket payment (also known as “private pay”) and do not accept insurance as payment for therapy. However, I can accept HSA/FSA cards, and it may be possible for you to use your out-of-network insurance benefits to be reimbursed for therapy. There are many reasons why I believe private pay is a better option for my practice and my clients. Please see the “Fees” page for more information about paying for therapy with me.

My practice can accept payment via check, cash, or credit/debit card. This includes HSA/FSA cards.

Payment is due at the time of service. Clients will not be able to schedule a new appointment if a large balance accumulates on their account. If this occurs, I may be able to discuss a payment plan to lower the balance.

I request that new and returning clients please cancel any scheduled and confirmed appointments at least 48 hours before the appointment. Any appointments canceled less than 48 hours before the scheduled time will be charged a late cancellation fee, determined based on the client’s fee tier.

Cancellation fees:

Tier 1 - $20

Tier 2 - $40

Tier 3 - $60

Tier 4 - $80

Tier 5 - $100

These fees also apply to any initial sessions in which clients decide they will not continue therapy with me, as a discounted initial consultation rate. In addition, current clients who would like to schedule “extra” sessions (in addition to regularly scheduled weekly or biweekly appointments) may refer to these fees.

At this time, instead of scheduling brief consultations, I ask that interested clients review my website and other materials to determine if they feel I might be a good fit for them. After you request an appointment and we meet, if you decide not to continue with me as your therapist, I will discount your initial session to a reduced fee based on your fee tier. If you have any additional questions about my approach or background, I encourage you to reach out to me via email at kitt@defianttherapy.com.

I work with the Intercultural Counseling Connection to provide pro bono therapy to forced migrant and refugee clients. I cannot independently offer pro bono therapy at this time, but I hope to do so in the future. I also hope to allow bartering in exchange for therapeutic services. I am currently exploring how I can do so ethically and sustainably.

If you are in need of pro bono or reduced-fee services, please reach out to Pro Bono Counseling of Maryland, explore the Open Path Collective, apply for the Mental Health Emergency Fund (Baltimore) or the BIPOC Mental Health Fund, or explore other resources at https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/resources.

I am a professional counselor trained in Counseling Psychology at the Masters level. Please see my “about” page and licensure information for more details about my training, background, and education.

Precautions to prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19 are part of what I recognize as disability justice. COVID-19 is still actively circulating and causing illness, long-term disability and death. I engage in COVID mitigation practices both in and outside of my office, and I encourage folks to get vaccinated if they can and to continue wearing a mask in public spaces. I have a filter in my office, I will wear a mask during therapy sessions whenever a client requests it, and I am available for virtual sessions. You can access my full COVID policy via the link on the “Practice Documents” page, under “Resources.”

Illness and disease models of mental health only go so far in capturing the wide range of reasons that people seek therapy. You may have received a formal diagnosis of a “mental disorder” from the DSM-5-TR, or you may not. We all exist on spectrums, and while labels can sometimes be useful and provide clarity and guidance, they do not define us. Please see the page on my “Values” to learn more about the principles that guide my work.

If the therapist works in Maryland (which I do), you can make a formal complaint to the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists here: https://health.maryland.gov/bopc/Pages/complaintold.aspx.

If the therapist works in another state, you can search for the same kind of Board, usually through the state government’s website, and make a complaint.

Additionally, you can learn more about therapy harm and find support through these resources: https://www.natalierusspsyd.com/therapy-harm.

The LGBTQ+, BDSM, and polyamorous communities are often close-knit and interwoven. If you are already my client or are considering entering into a therapeutic relationship with me, I ask that you avoid interacting with me extensively at any community spaces or events, including virtual and online spaces. I will never initiate an interaction with a client outside of therapy, as this would jeopardize their privacy. Clients are, of course, permitted to greet me if we cross paths in-community, and I will leave it up to my clients to initiate any such brief friendly interactions. I am not able to provide therapy to my own family, friends, or close acquaintances as this would violate the legal and ethical codes of my profession.

I work individually with adolescents age 13 and older, and with families who have children age 8 and older if children will be involved in the family therapy. However, I am sometimes able to work individually with children younger than 13, especially if they are gender-creative or questioning. Please reach out to me directly at kitt@defianttherapy.com to inquire.

I sure do! I have a history of supporting kinky and polyamorous/non-monogamous folks in structuring positive and fulfilling relationships of all kinds, including power exchange (D/s or Dom/sub) relationships and polycules. Please see my “Offerings” page for more information.