Frequently Asked Questions | Therapy with Kristy Leone, Art Therapist in Maryland
If you're anything like me (an overthinker at heart!), you probably have some questions you’d like answered before you get started! Below, I’ve listed some of the most asked questions I receive about my services, my approach, and what to expect in our time together. This FAQ page is here to help you feel more informed, grounded, and supported as you take your first steps!
Getting Started with Therapy
How can I tell if art therapy is the right approach for me or my child?
Art therapy can be a great fit for you if you struggle to express emotions to others. I’ve found that as an art therapist, creating art while processing feelings actually helps clients better express complex emotions, memories, or thoughts that may be difficult to access through traditional talk therapy.
Even if you don’t consider yourself an ‘artist’, art therapy encourages self-expression through drawing, painting, collaging, sculpting, journaling, doodling, or other creative activities. I work often with theater geeks, crafters, music lovers, and performers. If you’re open to exploring artistic methods, art therapy can provide a powerful tool for self-discovery!
Art therapy is often helpful for individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or other emotional difficulties. Particularly, I’ve found that art therapy is helpful for clients with OCD, or those that feel that they are ‘overthinkers’. The process of creating art can allow you to process these challenges in a safe, supportive environment.
What if I’m not an artist or not interested in doing art during therapy?
You don’t have to be an artist (or even enjoy making art) to work with me. I like to tell clients that art therapy is just a tool in my therapist toolbox, it’s there when we need it. Art making during the art therapy experience isn’t about making art that looks good, it’s about exploring thoughts and emotions in ways that words alone sometimes can’t reach. If art-making doesn’t feel comfortable for you in session, we can focus on talk therapy interventions, mindfulness, walk-and-talk nature therapy, or other therapeutic approaches instead!
You’ll never be pressured to create art in sessions. Therapy is always shaped around what feels most helpful and comfortable for you. I invite you to always feel free to speak your mind and let me know how you’re feeling: that helps me tailor each session to best support you or your child’s needs!
Are you only licensed as an art therapist?
I’m both a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and a licensed and board-certified art therapist (LCPAT, ATR-BC). That means I’m trained and credentialed to provide talk therapy, art therapy, and integrative approaches like walk-and-talk therapy outdoors and somatic healing practices. Whether we use art, conversation, mindfulness, or evidence-based practices like ACT and ERP for OCD, therapy is always tailored to what works best for you.
How do I know if we’d be a good match? Do you offer a free phone consultation or free intake sessions?
Yes! I offer free 15-minute phone consultations so we can briefly connect and see if we’re a good fit. While I do not offer free 60-minute therapy sessions, I would be happy to share more about my approach can help your unique goals in a free 15 minute phone consultation! If you have read through the following questions on this page and feel we would be a great team together, feel free to book your phone consultation here: https://www.therapyportal.com/p/laaw/appointments/availability/
Walk-and-talk therapy outside in nature sounds amazing! How does that work? How can we make sure that therapy is still confidential outdoors?
Walk-and-talk therapy helps regulate our nervous system and can help boost our mood! Nature therapy outside can be especially beneficial for individuals of all ages who are seeking a more dynamic, embodied way to engage with their emotions. It’s often helpful for those who are looking to build a deeper connection with themselves or their surroundings, whether they’re navigating personal growth, stress, or trauma. I meet with clients at Patterson Park, Perry Hall, and Timonium based on which location is most convenient for you!
Before we meet for a walk-and-talk therapy session, we will go over all the policies
What are your specialties?
I specialize in working with overthinkers in all stages of life. I have a special passion for working with OCD, anxiety, sleep disorders (like insomnia or nightmares), autistic people, and those exploring or navigating identity!
What ages do you typically like working with?
I genuinely enjoy working with a wide range of ages: variety is my cup of tea! I see children as young as 3, elementary-aged kids, teens, and adults. My approach is always adapted to meet each person’s developmental needs, interests, and goals. I don’t limit myself to one age group or population: I love the richness that comes from supporting clients across the lifespan!
Fees, Insurance & Accessibility for Therapy Clients
What are your rates and fees for services?
Initial individual therapy intake assessment session (60 mins): $250
Individual therapy session (80 minutes): $250
Individual therapy session (50 minutes): $185
Check-in sessions & parent-support phone sessions (25 minutes): $100
Initial family/couples therapy intake assessment session (80 minutes): $300
Family/Couples therapy session (80 minutes): $250
Family/Couples therapy session (50 minutes): $200
Individual supervision for interns: $100
Individual supervision for interns + signing off on clinical notes: $125
Individual supervision for LGPC, ATR, ATR-P, LGPAT: $125-$185
Group supervision for therapists: $60
First professional consultation for students: $10 for 25 minutes
Professional consultation for students or pre-licensed professionals: $100 for 45 minutes
Professional consultation for licensed professionals: $150 for 45 minutes
Do you accept my insurance as an art therapist?
I am not in-network with any insurance companies. This is an intentional choice to protect your privacy and autonomy. Insurance often requires a mental health diagnosis, detailed documentation, and sometimes limits the kind of care that can be provided. By staying outside of that system, I can offer care that is confidential, affirming, and shaped by your needs: not dictated by insurance policies.
As an out-of-network provider, I align my rates with the FAIR Health Consumer’s services prices for Timonium, Maryland (zip code 21093). Many clients are able to submit their receipts for reimbursement through their insurance plans, depending on their coverage. I recommend checking with your insurance company to see if they provide out-of-network reimbursement for therapy services. If you’d like, I can provide a superbill (a detailed receipt) for you to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement! All of this should be discussed with your insurance provider beforehand I cannot guarantee that your insurance will accept super bills.
Can you tell me more about what a superbill is and how I can submit superbills for potential insurance reimbursement?
A superbill is a detailed receipt that I provide after each therapy session. It includes all the necessary information for you to submit to your insurance company in order to request potential reimbursement for out-of-network therapy services. I provide superbills on a monthly basis, so you will receive one at the end of each month for all the sessions you’ve attended. To find out more about the reimbursement process and if your insurance will cover the sessions, the best approach is to contact your insurance company directly. They can give you detailed information about how to submit the superbill, what is covered, and any specific requirements for reimbursement.
Here are some simple, clear questions to ask your insurance company about reimbursement for therapy services:
"Do you cover out-of-network therapy services?"
"What is the process for submitting a superbill for reimbursement?"
"What information do I need to include when submitting the superbill?"
"How much will you reimburse me for out-of-network therapy sessions?"
"Are there any specific codes or forms I need to use when submitting for reimbursement?"
"Is there a limit to how many therapy sessions you will reimburse per year?"
"How long does it typically take to process a reimbursement request?"
"Do I need pre-authorization for therapy services?"
"Are there any specific criteria or conditions for reimbursement for mental health services?"
"What should I do if my reimbursement request is denied?"
Do you offer reduced-rate sessions?
Yes, I offer a limited number of reduced-rate sessions for clients in financial need, as well as for clinicians seeking clinical supervision hours. These sliding scale spots are reserved specifically for transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, disabled, and BIPOC individuals. Reduced-rate sessions are available on a case-by-case basis. If you’re interested, I encourage you to reach out. I also ask that you take a moment to reflect on your income and intersecting identities before making a request. This reflection helps ensure that reduced-rate options remain available for those who need them most. As of January 2026, my reduced rate sessions are full. Please check back in February 2026.
Before requesting a reduced rate, I invite you to review this resource to reflect on financial privilege and consider where you might fall within the tier system: https://www.radicalhistoryclub.com/sliding-scale If you identify with Tier 3 and are still able to pay my full fee, that support goes a long way in helping me offer more sliding scale spots to others with less financial access. Thank you for investing in both your care and your community. Be sure to also ask about therapeutic arts events or check out my support group page for free to low-cost options for community support!
Credentials & Art Therapy Office Location in Maryland
What is your training and background?
I am a licensed art therapist (LCPAT, ATR-BC) and mental health counselor (LCPC), as well as a board-approved supervisor for clinicians in training. My background includes specialized experience in:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): I help clients accept difficult emotions and commit to behaviors that align with their values, fostering psychological flexibility and well-being.
Parts-Work and Inner Child Work: I assist clients in healing past emotional wounds by reconnecting with and nurturing different parts of themselves, including their inner child, to foster wholeness and healing.
Somatic Experiencing: I focus on helping clients release trauma stored in the body, using body-centered techniques to process and heal from past traumatic experiences.
Gender-Affirming Care: I bring a compassionate, inclusive lens to all my work, with a strong foundation in supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ clients. I also have the lived experience as a non-binary, queer person.
Grief Counseling: I help individuals process and heal from loss, providing support through the complex emotional journey of grief.
What should I expect in a first session?
The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. We’ll talk about your goals, go over any questions you have, and decide together what our focus should be moving forward. All art supplies will be provided to you, but please feel free to bring anything that would help you be more comfortable during session!
Do I need to bring anything to art therapy sessions?
Nope! All materials are provided. If you want to bring a personal sketchbook or art that you make in between sessions, please do! Many of my clients love to bring their own journal and share their journal entries in session. If we’re doing virtual sessions, I can offer creative suggestions using everyday materials you likely already have at home.
Where can I find art materials if I want to make art outside of our sessions?
There are so many places to find cheap, gently used art materials. My favorite non-profit to check out is a place in Maryland is called Scrap B-more. https://baltimore.scrapcreativereuse.org/ I also love checking out thrift shops and places like Savers in Parkville, Maryland to find new materials for collage, journaling, and found objects!
Art Therapist & Walk-and-Talk Therapist in Maryland
Let’s Walk This Path Together
I know that starting therapy can come with a lot of questions—that’s completely normal (especially for us overthinkers)! My goal is to create a space where you feel informed, supported, and excited about the process. Whether you're looking for guidance, creativity, or healing, I’m here to help make the experience accessible, meaningful, and tailored to your needs.
Read more about my past work experience here or contact me today to get a conversation going!
