Individual Therapy
California, Connecticut, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, & Washington
What to Expect
Complimentary Consultation
Knowing where to start can be overwhelming. Let’s make it simple. When you contact Dr. Cassil, you can schedule a 20-minute video consultation directly or she will contact you to set up a phone consultation.
During this consultation, you can share what you are looking for, ask any questions you might have, and get a sense for who Dr. Cassil is and what working with her might be like.
First Appointment
Once you schedule your first appointment, Dr. Cassil will email instructions for completing your paperwork via an online, HIPAA-compliant portal. The first session (55-minute intake) tends to be more structured than a typical therapy session. Future sessions (45-minute) will be less structured, and the content will be client-directed. All sessions are provided via HIPAA-compliant video service.
Core Values
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Dr. Cassil utilizes therapeutic interventions supported by scientific research. Examples include cognitive-behavioral, acceptance and commitment, mindfulness, and trauma-informed tools.
She draws upon multiple modalities for conceptualizing and structuring therapy. These include feminist, time-limited dynamic, developmental, family systems, psychodynamic, and interpersonal process therapies.
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Who you are is a complicated intersection of the myriad identities you hold. You have been uniquely shaped by your individual experiences, your communal histories, and the roles you play in various contexts. You deserve healthcare that is mindful of and responsive to this.
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Dr. Cassil is an expert in psychological care, and you are the expert in your identity and your experiences. In the intersection of these perspectives, Dr. Cassil will collaborate with you to build a treatment plan, tailoring it to your values, interests, and goals.
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STEM Psychological Services values your privacy. The technology platforms are carefully chosen with this in mind. Treatment information is not shared without written consent from you. STEM does not sell data or solicit reviews.
Common Themes Discussed in Therapy
Invisible Identities
If your minority identities are ignored, minimized, or dismissed by others, it can take a toll on your mental health. Whether it is race, gender, ability status, or other identity, Dr. Cassil offers a non-judgmental space to explore the beauty and challenges that come with invisible identities.
Imposter Syndrome
You may often feel “not good enough” and that your peers are more deserving of success and advancement than you. This is stressful, distracting, and disruptive to your work. Dr. Cassil helps clients move from this self-doubt and fear into newfound confidence and empowered self-awareness.
Burnout
When demands placed on you exceed your resources, burnout is inevitable. You may feel depleted, disconnected, and uninspired. Dr. Cassil can help you find the right balance for your life, tailored to your priorities. Not only can you recover from burnout, you can build a life that prevents it.
Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence occurs at higher rates in the STEM community than in the general population. The very traits that make you brilliant and successful can also bring challenges. Dr. Cassil uses a strengths-based approach in therapy that affirms neurodiversity, so that you can confidently embrace who you are.
Chronic Illness
Chronic stress can lead to chronic illness. This can be destabilizing, heartbreaking, and overwhelming. Learn new ways of coping and adapting with Dr. Cassil, so you can stay connected to the career you love, navigate complicated healthcare systems, and pursue what is important to you.
High Sensitivity
Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) bring tremendous assets to their work and relationships. This sensitivity may not be valued or understood by those around you. As an expert in working with HSPs, Dr. Cassil has developed unique tools to help you leverage your strengths in all aspects of life.
Key Policies
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A minimum of 24-hours notice is required for rescheduling or canceling an appointment. You will be charged the full fee for the sessions missed if you do not provide at least 24-hour notification.
For clients submitting superbills to insurance, a missed session will not be covered by your insurance benefits and will not be included on superbills.
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STEM Psychological Services is not contracted with any insurance plans. However, STEM can provide monthly superbills upon request for any clients who have PPO coverage.
Clients can then submit the superbill to their insurance company for reimbursement of a portion of the fees. This portion is determined by your plan coverage and can be assessed by calling your insurance company and asking the questions listed below:
I am calling to verify my insurance benefits. What level of coverage for out-of-network, outpatient mental health counseling do I have?
What is my deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance benefits begin)?
Has my deductible been met this year?
How many sessions per calendar (or policy) year does my plan cover?
Please note, if they ask for service codes, clarify CPT code 90791 (initial intake) and CPT code 90834 (therapy session) with modifier GT and service code 02 for telehealth/video services.
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All information disclosed in therapy is confidential and will not be revealed to anyone without your express permission, except when disclosure is required by law. These laws are designed to protect vulnerable populations and vary by state. The following are the primary exceptions to confidentiality:
Suspected child, elder, or dependent adult abuse. These must be reported to appropriate protective agencies or law enforcement.
Imminent risk of self-inflicted harm or death. This necessitates appropriate measures be taken to protect the client.
Serious threat of harm to another person. Psychologists are legally required to inform the intended victim and law enforcement.
Information you provide to your insurance if you submit superbills (treatment codes, diagnostic codes, fees, frequency of meeting). Other doctors may have access to your diagnostic history when this happens.
Professional consultation. Dr. Cassil may occasionally determine it helpful to consult with other professionals to ensure the best treatment for you. During consultation, every effort is made to protect your identity and personally identifying information. The professional consultant is also legally and ethically bound to keep the information confidential.
Certain legal proceedings. For example, if you place your mental status at issue in a lawsuit.
These situations have rarely occurred in Dr. Cassil’s practice. If a similar situation occurs, she will make every effort to fully discuss it with you before taking any action.
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The No Surprises Act, which is part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (2021), is designed to protect clients from receiving unexpected medical bills. Under the law, healthcare providers, such as psychologists, need to give clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services, prior to receiving the services.
As of January 1, 2022, state-licensed or certified healthcare providers are required to give a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will likely cost.
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.
Make sure your healthcare provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
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 800-985-3059.
Good Faith Estimates are provided to clients once an intake session has been scheduled.
“Dr. Cassil is a skilled clinician and an incredible resource for those who have identified as a Highly Sensitive Person. She is insightful, grounded, and kind. I highly recommend Dr. Cassil.”
— Lisa Finlay, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
