Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs: Working Together

  • I combine traditional therapy with an integrative perspective — mental, emotional, physical, and (when it fits) spiritual. Sessions can include mindfulness or movement-based practices, or even nature, but only when they genuinely support the work. It’s never about quick fixes. It’s about building safety, strengthening connection, and creating changes that actually last.

    I don’t work on people. I work with them.

    I specialize in teens, parents, and young adults, and I’ve spent over 15 years supporting these groups — from crisis intervention to treatment planning to outpatient therapy. I also consult regularly with other clinicians and treatment teams, so you’re not just getting my perspective; you’re getting a well-rounded, thoughtful approach.

    When working with teens, I keep parents appropriately informed while still protecting confidentiality. There are clear ways to keep you updated, and if needed, we can work together through parent sessions or short-term intensives.

    I don’t believe in diagnosing someone and then going through the motions. Knowledge only matters if it turns into meaningful action. I focus on helping clients understand what’s happening inside them and what to do with that information in real life.

    I keep a intentionally smaller caseload so clients have more access, more space, and a more personal environment for deeper work.

  • Therapy should move at a pace that feels safe for you. I don’t force change, push disclosures, or make you talk about things you aren’t ready for.

    We usually begin by building a foundation—understanding your nervous system, coping skills, patterns, and symptoms. From there, we develop strategies, insight, and real-life tools you can actually use.

    Sessions are typically 60 minutes, but because I’m independent, we can adjust length when appropriate.

    My approach is humanistic and practical. I often help clients understand behaviors (their own, or their child’s) as signals of something deeper emotionally. When people understand what they’re dealing with, change becomes much more possible.

  • Intensives are extended 90-minute sessions that allow us to slow down, go deeper, and make meaningful progress without feeling rushed.

    Common reasons people choose intensives include:

    • Parents wanting support with connection, boundaries, and conflict
    • Families preparing for a teen’s transition home from treatment
    • Individuals wanting somatic or foundational work around trauma, stress, or life transitions

    They’re designed to create space for clarity, emotional processing, and practical direction.

  • Yes. When working individually with teens, confidentiality is essential and I follow all ethical guidelines. I only share specific information if a teen is at risk of harming themselves or others.

    That said, I keep parents informed about general progress, engagement, motivation, and themes we’re working on—without breaking trust.

    I also offer collaborative parent–teen work when useful. This may include values exploration, communication practice, accountability, or addressing thinking traps. Clear boundaries ensure we don’t fall into triangulation or “taking sides.” Everyone has space to look at their own patterns and contribution to what’s happening at home.

  • I can update parents on engagement, consistency, motivation, and how therapy is going overall. I can discuss goals, progress, and skills we’re working on.

    I don’t share the specific content of sessions unless there is a safety concern. This balance keeps teens safe while keeping parents appropriately involved.

  • This is incredibly common—and completely okay.

    Over the years I’ve worked with every version of shutdown, defensiveness, and avoidance. I use motivational interviewing to gently point out discrepancies in what they’re saying, helping them explore their own patterns without shame or judgment.

    If they’re lying, minimizing, or manipulating, I see those behaviors as emotional cues—not character flaws—and we explore what’s underneath.

    When a teen shuts down, I shift the energy rather than push harder. We might play a quick game, talk about music, or step outside for a walk. Creativity helps build trust. When teens feel seen and respected, they tend to open up naturally.

  • Yes. Virtual sessions are available for teens, young adults, and parents.

  • I meet in person at my contracted office location in Midvale (I’ll confirm availability when scheduling).

    I’m also open to in-home sessions when appropriate and agreed upon in advance.

    For walk-and-talk sessions, I use local parks and walking trails that are well-lit and have steady foot traffic. I can offer recommendations based on where you’re located.

FAQs: Special Situations/Higher Level of Care

  • Yes. I can use an ASAM-informed assessment to help evaluate safety, risk, and what level of care might be appropriate. My background in residential treatment gives me a strong understanding of what programs look for, what questions to ask, and how to determine whether home-based therapy is enough or if additional support might be needed.

  • Not directly. I’m not contracted with any programs and I don’t provide formal placement services.

    What I can do is help you understand what your child needs, evaluate risk, and guide you on what to look for in a program. When placement becomes necessary, families often work with an educational consultant. I collaborate with those consultants when appropriate, and I’m happy to help with a smooth handoff when we reach that stage.

  • Absolutely. When it’s appropriate and with your consent, I collaborate with schools, programs, and other providers. If your child is entering or leaving a program, I can work with the team to support a smooth transition and continuity of care.

    I also often work with parents while their teen is in treatment so they have guidance and support during the process—and to prepare for the transition home.

  • Yes. My years in residential treatment have given me a clear understanding of the challenges families face when a teen transitions home. I’ve provided aftercare support in both residential and outpatient settings, and I can help families navigate structure, communication, boundaries, and expectations during that period.

    If a program doesn’t offer aftercare or step-down planning, I’m able to help fill in those gaps.

  • If your child is already in a program, I typically defer to their clinical team when it comes to determining level of care. They’re the ones working with your child daily, and I respect the work they’re doing.

    I’m always open to consultation and collaboration, but I’m careful not to undermine or contradict the treatment team. My role is to support you, offer perspective, and help you navigate the process—not to step on anyone’s toes.

FAQs: Payment & Insurance

  • Working privately gives us more room to build the kind of therapy that actually works — flexible, personalized, and focused on long-term change rather than meeting insurance requirements.

    • More flexibility. Insurance limits where, how, and for how long we can meet. Private pay lets us slow down, extend sessions when helpful, meet outdoors, or integrate movement and mindfulness without worrying about what fits a billing code.

    • Greater privacy. Insurance requires a mental-health diagnosis and keeps records of our work. Paying privately protects your confidentiality and keeps our work between us.

    • Deeper work. Without insurance guidelines dictating the pace or structure, we can go beyond symptom management and into root-cause understanding — nervous system work, somatic practices, and the emotional patterns underneath behaviors.

    • Collaborative freedom. When necessary, I can consult with other clinicians, treatment teams, or schools without worrying about whether the work is “covered.”

    • Shared investment. I’ve found that clients who choose private pay tend to be more engaged, motivated, and ready for change.

    I choose this model because it allows me to protect the quality and integrity of the work — and design therapy based on your needs, not policy restrictions.

  • Yes. I currently accept insurance through Tava and SonderMind.

    SonderMind profile:
    https://www.sondermind.com/providers/7uoql7jp/cody-johnson

    Tava
    https://care.tavahealth.com/providers/cody-johnson

    If you want to use insurance, we’ll go through these platforms.

  • You can still work with me as an out-of-network provider.

    I provide superbills (detailed receipts) that you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Many clients receive partial reimbursement, but every plan is different — so I always encourage checking your out-of-network benefits ahead of time. I would almost assume that you won’t get reimbursed, but it is within your rights to ask about out of network benefits.

    Even if insurance won’t reimburse, private pay gives us far more freedom in the depth and style of our work.

  • Initial Session (60 minutes)$50
    A chance for us to get grounded, understand what’s bringing you in, and decide what direction makes sense.

    30–45 minutes$90
    60 minutes$150

    Package: 4 × 60-minute sessions for $520
    Savings of $80 + includes a therapeutic workbook of your choice.

    Rates are the same for in-office, virtual, walk-and-talk, and (when appropriate) in-home sessions.

  • Yes. Private-pay sessions can be split into 2, 3, or 4 installments.
    Payment plans aren’t available when using insurance.

  • Credit or debit cards (via Stripe), Venmo, and other secure digital methods.

    Payment is due at the time of service unless we’ve arranged a payment plan.

FAQs: Scheduling & Policies

*

FAQs: Scheduling & Policies *

    • Monday: 10 am – 3 pm

    • Tuesday: 6 am – 4 pm

    • Wednesday: 6 am – 4 pm

    • Thursday: 6 am – 4 pm

    • Friday: 10 am – 1 pm

    • Some Saturdays: 10 am – 12 pm
      Accommodations outside these hours may be possible depending on need.

  • Please provide at least 12 hours’ notice to avoid being charged for a missed session.