Frequently Asked Questions

I am now VIRTUAL only

• UPDATE 4/26/2023 I am NO LONGER offering weekend or in person appointments for new clients.
• You can always check for available appointments by visiting Client Portal
• At any given time I am scheduling for two weeks out. I highly recommend clients schedule two or three appointments in advance to ensure ideal scheduling. I have a variety of appointment times available however evening appointments (after 4PM) tend to book up fast.

• I provide Individual Counseling for adults over the age of 18. Please note I DO NOT provide the following services: ADHD or Autism Spectrum Assessment, medications, Emotional Support Animal letter or recommendation, Couples or family counselor UNLESSS you are seeing me for individual counseling, Teen counseling UNLESS another family member is seeing me as an individual client.
• Free consultations are typically available within 2-3 weeks. Intake appointments are typically available within 4-6 weeks.
• Please note as of 8/22/22 I am only open to new virtual clients.

• My cash rate (not billing insurance) is $200 per session. FOr this you get 90 minute sessions and the ability to communicate in between sessions via secure message.

-please inquire about a sliding scale option

• I am now ONLY offering virtual appointments.

It is best if you have privacy in your home so that you can feel free to talk about whatever is bothering you. Many clients also sit in their car either in their driveway or in a safe location

Although I can work with some suicidal thoughts if you are actively suicidal or have had any attempts in the past year virtual is not a good idea for you.

• For virtual appointments you will need a good internet signal (dedicated wifi is best but cell often works). It is also important that you are physically present in Washington State.

I keep an ongoing list of therapist who offer in person appointments and am happy to refer you if needed.

• 48 hour cancellation policy
• $50 late cancellation charge for all appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours notice.

All appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice (including no shows) will be billed my full cash rate fee of $200.

• I am now accepting United Behavioral Health (Optum), Pacific Source, BCBS (Premera inlcuding LifeWise, and Regence including Providence and Moda)
• I do NOT accept any Medicaid/state plans (Molina, Apple, etc) or ANY Medicare plans. You would be responsible for the full fee and to check with your insurance to see if you can submit for partial reimbursement.
• Please note that in order to bill insurance I must give you a diagnosis. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with this at all please let me know so that we can have a discussion and find what works best for you.
• I can provide you with a ‘super bill’ that you can submit to your insurance for any out of network benefits you might have.

• I offer a free 20 minute consultation. These are typically available within two weeks. Once we agree to start services the next step is to schedule a 90 minute intake (typically available within 30 days). Follow up appointments can be weekly, bi-weekly, or less often and are 50-60 minutes in length.
• Call or Text (360) 637-6693
• Email Christie@StrengthFromWithinCounseling.com
• Send me your name and email and I’ll get you started! 
• request one yourself: https://christie-ryan.clientsecure.me/home
• New clients click “video office” (initial consultation and intake done remotely)
• Completely paperless intake
• You will create a profile in the client portal and enter demographics, insurance (if using) and store a credit card (for full fee or copay) after your appointment has been accepted you will receive questionnaires and surveys where you can explain more about what you are looking for.
• Please fill out all forms sent to you 24 hours before your appointment or your appointment may be cancelled.
• I NEED consent forms in order to proceed with appointments. Consent for telehealth is REQUIRED BEFORE the 20 minute consultation. The practice policies and informed consent are REQUIRED BEFORE intake. If these are not compelte your appointment WILL BE CANCELED.
• PLEASE NOTE: After your appointment is accepted you will get an email back with a link to fill out forms. This email often goes to spam or social, please check ALL your inboxes!

-Office appointments are limited to ongoing clients. Initial consult and intake done remotely (video or phone) only
-Current distribution 25% office 75% video/remote
-Furniture has been rearranged to allow for 6 feet distance
-New Air cleaner completely filters and replaces air 5 times per hour (https://www.lakeair.com/product/maxum-hepa-air-purifier/) -Sanitizer, wipes, sink, and face shields all available.

-Clients asked to self monitor symptoms and high risk behavior and switch to video in those situations

Your appointment may be canceled for a variety of reasons. If you are a current client I will send you a message through the secure client portal explaining why and offering alternative times. If you are a new client unfortunately I do not have your permission to call or email so your only notice will be a message through the client portal that you need to log in to view. The main reasons appointments get canceld by me are incomplete paperwork or you are requesting a service I do not provide. I do NOT work with couples or under 18 and I do not provide ESA letters. If you make an appointment for someone under 18 or state on your paperwork that you are requesting an ESA letter your appointment will be canceled and I will send you a secure message explaining this. I need consent forms signed BEFORE I can meet with you. This means if you did not see the email with a link to fill out forms unfortunately your appointment will be canceled and you will need to reschedule.