
Julie McDermott, LCSW, CCTP II
Empathic & Collaborative Therapy
Trauma-informed therapy in West Palm Beach & online throughout Florida.
Schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
I am based in West Palm Beach, Florida, and provide therapy for adults throughout Florida. Most clients choose virtual sessions, which can be attended from the privacy and convenience of your home or office.
How does online therapy work?
Online therapy works much like in-person therapy. We meet through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, and after scheduling an appointment, you will receive a private link to join your session.
You can connect using your phone, tablet, or computer, whichever is most comfortable and convenient for you. Many clients find that virtual therapy helps them feel more at ease and makes it easier to attend sessions consistently.
What issues do you specialize in?
I specialize in helping adults navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, burnout, grief, and significant life transitions. Many of the people I work with are medical professionals, creative professionals, caregivers, and others who have spent years supporting others or managing demanding responsibilities while quietly carrying their own stress and emotional concerns.
Some people appear to be functioning well on the outside while privately feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, anxious, or emotionally exhausted. Therapy provides a compassionate and collaborative space to explore emotional patterns, understand past experiences, and make meaningful changes.
What type of therapy do you offer?
My approach is trauma-informed and integrates evidence-based treatment, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and relational insight. I tailor therapy to each person's individual needs, experiences, strengths, and goals.
In addition to my core approach, I have received training in Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused therapy, and grief therapy. I have also completed specialized training related to gaslighting and narcissistic abuse, as well as intensive training in interventions and behavior modification for autism spectrum disorder.
What are your hours?
I offer weekday appointments during regular business hours, with limited availability for early morning and evening sessions.
If you have specific scheduling needs, please feel free to reach out. I am happy to discuss whether there may be an appointment time that works for you.
How long will therapy take?
The length of therapy is different for everyone and depends on your goals, the concerns you would like to address, and the complexity of your experiences.
Some clients begin noticing meaningful changes within approximately 12 to 16 weeks of consistent therapy. For others, progress may be noticeable sooner, while longer-term therapy may be helpful for more complex or longstanding concerns, including trauma.
Therapy is not always a linear process, and meaningful change can take time. We will regularly discuss your progress, your goals, and whether our approach continues to meet your needs. My goal is not to keep you in therapy indefinitely, but to help you develop greater insight, practical skills, and confidence in navigating life's challenges.
What insurance plans do you accept?
I am in-network with the following insurance providers: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Florida Blue, Medicare, Cigna, Optum, UnitedHealthcare and Aetna.
I offer self-pay options and can provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Please check with your insurance provider to confirm your mental health benefits and coverage.
Feel free to reach out with any questions about using insurance or self-pay.
What are your rates?
My self-pay rate is $175 per session. Extended sessions may also be available upon request.
A limited number of sliding-scale appointments may be available for those who qualify. Please reach out to discuss current availability.
I accept credit cards, cash, checks, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
Under the No Surprises Act, individuals who are not using insurance or who are choosing to self-pay have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of the expected cost of services.
Your estimate will include the session fee, the anticipated frequency of appointments, and an estimate of potential costs based on the services we discuss. A Good Faith Estimate is not a bill. Its purpose is to help you understand and plan for the expected cost of your care.
If you have questions about your Good Faith Estimate, I am happy to discuss it with you.
What can I expect during my first appointment?
Your first appointment is an opportunity for us to connect and for me to begin understanding what brings you to therapy. We will talk about your current concerns, goals, relevant experiences, and the areas of your life you would like to explore or change.
I may ask about your personal history, relationships, current stressors, and what you hope to gain from therapy. If this is your first experience with therapy, I will guide you through the process and you are always welcome to ask questions or share feedback along the way.
My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and comfortable being yourself.
Before your first appointment, you will receive intake forms through a secure online portal after scheduling your session. If you have questions about the forms or the process, please feel free to ask.
How do I get started?
Click the Request Appointment button below to schedule a free consultation.
Prefer to reach out directly? Call or text 561-437-2930 for appointments.
This brief call gives us an opportunity to connect, discuss what you are looking for in therapy, and determine whether my approach may be a good fit for your needs. You are also welcome to ask questions about the therapy process, my approach, scheduling, or what to expect.
I look forward to speaking with you.