Frequently Asked Questions

Our approach is grounded in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), which recognizes that well-being is shaped by the dynamic interaction between the individual and the world around them. Our name reflects this belief: every person exists within a unique web of relationships, experiences, environments, cultures, and systems that influence how they live, grow, and heal.

A complimentary 15-minute consultation is a chance to share what brings you here, ask questions, and learn whether the approach and service fit what you need.

Early conversations focus on understanding what brings you to therapy, your history, relationships, goals, and current concerns. The aim is to get to know you and your context — not to rush toward solutions or treat the meeting like a formal evaluation. Together we also sense whether this approach feels like a workable fit.

I work with adults, couples, professionals, parents, and people navigating life transitions or coping with traumatic experiences, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and questions of self-understanding. You do not need to be in crisis — or to know exactly what is wrong — before beginning. Many people start simply because something feels stuck, repeating, or hard to name.

Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

Individual therapy is $200 for 60 minutes. Couples and family therapy is $250 for 60 minutes. Evaluation and workshop fees vary.

I am in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), and Medicare. For plans I am not paneled with, superbills are available upon request for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Please confirm your benefits directly with your insurer, since coverage depends on your individual plan.

Standard appointment length is 60 minutes for individuals and 60 minutes for couples.

Yes. Online care may be available across North Carolina and participating PSYPACT states, while in-person appointments are available in Asheville. The service, location, privacy, and fit are discussed before beginning.

In-person appointments are available in Asheville, North Carolina. Contact the practice for current office and parking details before your appointment.

Online care may be available in North Carolina and participating PSYPACT states. Use the PSYPACT participating-state map on the Online Therapy page as a starting point, then contact the practice so current authorization, service availability, and clinical fit can be confirmed.

The approaches used here are supported by scientific research and clinical trials. Dr. Athena stays current with the research, and care is chosen based on what the evidence shows can help with the concern—not guesswork.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is collaborative practice that gradually faces feared situations or uncertainty while reducing compulsions and avoidance.

Yes. Mental reviewing, reassurance seeking, comparing, confessing, praying, and trying to reach certainty can all function as compulsions even when no one else can see them.

A consultation can help distinguish an OCD cycle from generalized anxiety, perfectionism, trauma, depression, or another concern without requiring you to diagnose yourself first.

The Gottman Method is a couples therapy framework that looks at friendship, communication, conflict, repair, and relationship patterns.

The confirmed pathways include ADHD, autism, OCD, BDD pre-surgical, bariatric surgery, and spinal cord stimulator referral questions.

Yes. Self-referring patients and professional referrers can begin by sharing the evaluation question and any instructions or records already available.

Evaluation appointments are limited to Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM.

Partners may be married, dating, or building a shared life in another way; the starting point is the concern they want to understand together.

Couples Intensives are a separate, non-therapy option focused on psychoeducation and relationship skill-building; timing, format, session count, and price remain subject to confirmation.