Frequently Asked Questions

Services are offered to individuals of any age across the U.S.

Please note - if you are under 18, a parent or guardian will need to sign forms in regard to your services. 

Licensure and Scope of Practice:

Due to licensing regulations that vary by state, I am only able to provide formal clinical services, including substance use assessments and counseling in states where I currently hold an active professional license (WI, SD, MN). If you reside in a state where I am not licensed, I am unable to provide clinical services; however, I can offer peer support and general guidance based on my experience in recovery and behavioral health. Peer support services do not constitute clinical treatment or therapy and are intended to provide encouragement, shared experience, and support.

To avoid conflict of interest, please disclose any current treatment services you are receiving so that coordination and appropriateness of care can be considered.  

If you are already receiving services through another provider or treatment program, I encourage you to continue working with that provider for continuity of care.

Please note: These services do not solicit or divert individuals from existing providers or programs. 

I created this website with the intention of removing financial barriers to receiving addiction treatment and mental health support. Too often, people go without help simply because they cannot afford it. By offering free services, I hope to make support more accessible to anyone who needs it - no strings attached. 

 Stay and Talk, LLC currently provides counseling services free of charge.

Stay and Talk does not bill insurance and does not provide documentation for insurance reimbursement.

This is subject to change in the future; however, individuals will be informed no less than 6 months in advance prior to any changes being made. Even if Stay and Talk begins to charge for services, you will continue to receive free services for six months from the day you were notified. 

You can talk about anything that is on your mind - addiction concerns, anxiety, depression, trauma, identity issues, motivation, grief, or just feeling overwhelmed. I am here to listen without judgement and support you in whatever you are facing. 

Yes, I am fully licensed as an Addiction Counselor with lots of experience working with individuals experiencing co-occurring mental health disorders. In addition to being a Licensed Addiction Counselor, I am also a Certified Grief Counselor and Certified Peer Support Specialist. 

While I am not licensed to provide formal mental health treatment or diagnose mental health disorders, I can absolutely offer meaningful, supportive care for those navigating mental health challenges.  

Counseling sessions typically last between 30-60 minutes, depending on your needs. If we need more or less time, we'll go at a pace that feels right for you. 

My work on a mental health crisis response team deeply impacted me. I witnessed firsthand how many individuals struggle alone simply because they lack access to affordable care. That experience stayed with me and inspired me to create a space where everyone can feel supported and heard - regardless of their ability to pay. 

That depends on the type of support you are seeking. If you are looking for a one-on-one counseling session, I will gather some general information to better understand what you are going through. If you are seeking a formal assessment, I will need to collect more detailed and personal information in order to complete a thorough evaluation. 

Everything shared is kept confidential, stored securely, and handled with care - except in situations where I am legally required to break confidentiality, such as in cases of suspected abuse or neglect, if you express intent to harm yourself or others, or if records are subpoenaed by a court. Outside of these mandated reporting requirements, no information will be shared without your written consent through a signed release of information (ROI). 

Services are offered by appointment only. Typically, I am available: 

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 7:00PM - 11:00PM (Central Time)

Wednesday from 8:00PM - 11:00PM

Saturday and Sunday: Appointment are available throughout the day depending on scheduling availability. 

These hours are subject to change. 

If services are needed outside of these times, feel free to reach out - I'll do my best to accommodate you whenever possible. 

Please note: While services are offered throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, I may not immediately see new appointment requests. If you need support on one of these days, feel free to call or text me at 605-929-4900

Typical response times for appointment requests is 6-8 hours (during regular business hours). If you schedule something sooner than that, I'll do my best, but I cannot guarantee availability on a short notice.

I want to make sure you feel comfortable with how we connect. Telehealth sessions can be held via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, or simply over the phone - whatever works best for you. Just let me know your preference when scheduling.  

If you are struggling with substance use and feel that inpatient treatment might be the right next step, I can complete a comprehensive substance use assessment and help you explore treatment options. I have completed hundreds of assessments and have helped many individuals access different levels of care. While I am most familiar with the treatment process in South Dakota, I can also help connect you with the right contacts and resources if you're located in another state. 

No, I cannot prescribe medications or provide medical advice regarding medications. 

Yes, in person services are available. I am happy to meet you wherever you feel most comfortable, whether that's at your home, a local park, or coffee shop. Just let me know what works best for you and we will come up with a plan that feels right. 

 
Please note: I am located in the Sioux Falls area; however, I am willing to travel. If you would  prefer to meet in person, please confirm ahead of time, as availability will vary depending on your location and the day and time of your appointment. 

If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. While I can provide support, I am not available 24/7. If you are experiencing an emotional crisis and need someone to talk to right away, you can also call or text 988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - for free, confidential support.