Therapy is a structured, confidential space where you can talk openly, process experiences, and work through challenges with a trained professional. It is not about being "fixed" or told what to do. It is about gaining clarity, building skills, and having a place where you do not have to carry everything on your own.
For first responders and their families, therapy often focuses on navigating stress, trauma, and the impact of the job on daily life.
Therapy is a collaborative process. It typically begins with an initial session to understand your needs, goals, and background. From there, sessions focus on identifying patterns, developing coping strategies, improving communication, and working through specific concerns at a pace that makes sense for you.
Sessions can be short-term and solution-focused or longer-term for deeper work. Everything is tailored to your situation, whether you are addressing a specific issue or looking for ongoing support.
Therapy is for anyone looking for support — not just those in crisis. You might benefit from therapy if you are feeling overwhelmed, navigating relationship challenges, processing difficult experiences, or simply trying to function better in your day-to-day life.
For first responders and those connected to them, therapy can be especially helpful in managing the unique pressures of the role, maintaining relationships, and staying grounded in the face of ongoing stress.
A conversation. I will ask you to either describe what brought you in, or ask questions to help clarify if you are unsure or having a difficult time identifying specifics. Every step is collaborative with your goals in mind.
Absolutely not.
We currently offer both.
No. While Tough Cookie Counseling was built with a strong focus on supporting first responders and those connected to them, our services are open to anyone seeking thoughtful, effective mental health care.
We have specialized experience working within first responder culture, including the stressors, expectations, and impact that come with those roles. At the same time, many of the challenges we address — such as trauma, burnout, relationship strain, and life transitions — are not unique to one profession.
Tough Cookie Counseling is currently in the process of becoming in-network with select insurance providers. At this time, we do not bill insurance directly.
Upon request, we are happy to provide a monthly superbill for you to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. Please note that reimbursement is not guaranteed and depends on your individual plan.
We believe cost should not be a barrier to care. Limited sliding scale options may be available. Please inquire directly for more information.
We accept credit card and HSA card payments.
Your appointment time is reserved specifically for you. We require at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling.
- Appointments canceled less than 24 hours in advance will be charged the full session fee.
- Missed appointments (no-shows) will also be charged the full session fee.
- Late arrival or leaving early does not reduce the session fee.
- All clients are required to keep a valid credit card or HSA card on file.
This policy is non-negotiable, as your scheduled time is held exclusively for you and cannot be offered to another client on short notice.
Yes. However, I am legally obligated to disclose the minimum necessary information to address safety or fulfill legal requirements in the following situations:
- Duty to Warn/Protect: If a client poses an imminent danger to themselves or others, counselors must take action, which may include notifying police or the potential victim.
- Mandated Reporting: Suspected child, elder, or dependent adult abuse or neglect must be reported to the appropriate state authorities.
- Court Orders/Subpoenas: Information may be disclosed if required by a judge, a court order, or a subpoena.
- Legal/Regulatory Actions: Certain legal cases or regulatory investigations may compel the release of records (this would require a court order).
Contact 911 with any and all emergencies.
"If you're still unsure, you're not alone. Reaching out is the hardest part — everything after that, we figure out together."