Real questions. Honest answers.
The things people ask before reaching out, answered without jargon. If your question is not here, email and ask.
The Approach
Will you try to “fix” my ADHD or autism?
No. You are not broken, and the goal is not to make you act more neurotypical. We work with how your brain is patterned, not against it.
Do you actually understand stimming, sensory needs, and special interests?
Yes. Stimming, scripting, special interests, and sensory regulation are tools and signals, not symptoms to suppress. You will not be asked to mask in session. If something helps you regulate, please use it.
What does “neuro-affirming” actually mean in session?
I assume your way of perceiving and processing is valid information about you, not a problem to correct. Language and pacing fit your brain: direct questions, written prep, breaks, or skipping small talk if that is what helps. You set the protocol.
Getting Started
What happens in the first session?
Typically a get-to-know-you conversation: what brought you in, your history at the level of detail you are comfortable with, what has worked or has not in past therapy, what you are hoping for. The first session also covers logistics like scheduling, billing, and telehealth setup. Anne walks through the specifics during the consultation.
Will you make me re-tell traumatic things?
No. Trauma-informed therapy intentionally does not push retelling. The work prioritizes resourcing first: building what helps you regulate before going anywhere near what dysregulates you. When hard material does come up, you control the pace and have stop signals.
What if I get overwhelmed mid-session?
That is normal to plan for, not a failure. Trauma-informed work treats coming back to safety as the priority, never finishing a topic at your nervous system's expense. How that looks specifically is something to talk through with Anne early on.
Sensory & Logistics
Can I bring fidgets, stim toys, or sensory tools?
Yes. Bring whatever helps you regulate: fidgets, weighted items, headphones, your own water, a snack. Stimming during session is welcomed. Performing stillness is not the goal.
For telehealth, can I lie down or look away?
Yes. No required eye contact, no required posture. A lot of clients do their best work walking, lying down, looking out a window, or under a blanket. Whatever your nervous system actually needs is the right setup.
How does online therapy work, and how often will we meet?
All sessions are held online via a HIPAA-compliant video platform. You need to be located in California during your appointments, but otherwise you can join from wherever you are most comfortable. Cadence is typically weekly to start, shifting to biweekly as things stabilize.
Money & Scope
Why do I see two names on insurance forms?
They are the same practice. Wise Mind Path Counseling Services is the brand; Anne Scouten Licensed Clinical Social Worker, A Professional Corporation is the formal entity used by payors. Same NPI, same EIN. The pricing page has the full details.
Do you accept insurance?
Out-of-network billing works via superbill, and HSA/FSA cards are accepted for self-pay sessions. In-network status with specific plans is confirmed during the free consultation.
Do you offer sliding scale?
Sliding-scale spots may be available. Mention it in your consultation request and Anne will share what is currently open.
Do you do formal assessments?
Formal psychological testing (ADOS, full ADHD evaluations) is referred out to specialists. What Anne does support is reviewing online screening tools and self-assessments together. For many neurodivergent adults, self-identification and self-diagnosis are valid starting points. Whether to pursue a formal diagnosis is a decision Anne walks through with each person individually, weighing the real benefits and the real risks (cost, paper trail, insurance implications). Everyone's situation is different.
Do you write ESA letters, accommodation letters, or court documents?
ESA letters: available after a minimum of 30 days of weekly sessions, so Anne can write from genuine clinical familiarity rather than a one-off meeting.
Accommodation letters for school, university, or workplace settings are typically something Anne can support, depending on the request.
SSI, disability, or other government documentation usually requires a medical doctor and is referred out. Anne checks with her licensing board on documentation specifics when needed.
Court testimony and custody evaluations are not part of standard therapy.
Don't see your question?
Email Anne directly, or include your question in your consultation request. No question is too logistical.