FAQS
ARE YOU CURRENTLY TAKING NEW CLIENTS?
I do not have the capacity to continue to update my website, but as of 2024 I usually have space open or have a very short wait list. Please feel free to reach out.
If you know we are a match in 1) insurance and pricing 2) philosophy and 3) schedule and still feel pulled to work with me even knowing you may have to wait, please feel free to reach out and schedule a consult call (we can still do a consult call to see if we would be a match and answer any questions you may have) or to be added to my waitlist. I can also, of course, attempt to give you some more referrals, or you can check out the resources page on my website for some referrals.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WORKING WITH YOU AS A THERAPIST VS. AS A NUTRITIONIST?
This is a kind of complex question that we will talk about more in the consult call! The way I usually describe it is that my therapy self doesn't just disappear in nutrition sessions, it's just that when working with me as a nutrition provider we usually have a more focused goal of working on relationship to food and body, disordered eating, or a specific nutrition related health goal. Sometimes, this distinction is also made based on what kind of insurance benefits you have.
I am mainly accepting new nutrition clients, so please know that if you wanted to work with me surrounding Intuitive Eating, relationship to body, disordered eating, or eating disorders, that we can still likely do this work under my nutrition credential and that the work won't look that much different than what we would have done we me as your "therapist", it's more about logistics for my business. Always feel free to contact with me to discuss the nuances of this more.
DO YOU TAKE MY INSURANCE? HOW DO I KNOW IF MY INSURANCE COVERS YOUR SERVICES?
Please note: I am able to take HSA cards that work like credit cards for all services.
I can accept Regence (and Regence affiliate plans like Bridgespan, BCBS plans, etc.), Premera, First Choice and some Kaiser PPO plans that allow First Choice for nutrition counseling. You will still need to contact your insurance provider and ask if they cover nutrition services.
For therapy services I cannot accept insurance and am cash-pay only.
If you are wondering if you could bill my services as out-of-network I recommend contacting your insurance company and asking:
-Do I have insurance coverage for mental health counseling?
-Do I have insurance coverage for nutritional counseling, appointments, to see a Certified Nutritionist, or for dietary surveillance for prevention?
-Do I have a co-pay for these appointments? What is my deductible?
-How many nutrition or mental health appointments do I get per year/lifetime?
- Do you reimburse an out-of-network Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate? Do you reimburse an out-of-network Certified Nutritionist?
-Do I need a PCP referral for nutrition or mental health counseling appointments?
- Do you only cover certain nutritional or health diagnoses?
-Do you cover Telehealth (online) sessions? Do you reimburse at the same rate? Is this policy temporary due to COVID-19 (i.e. will these benefits end at any time)?
-Do you cover the procedure codes 97802 and 97803? Do you cover the diagnosis code Z71.3? Are these consider preventative? Does my deductible and co-pay apply with these diagnosis and procedure codes?
WHAT DOES BEING A "CLIENT CENTERED" PROVIDER MEAN?
Simply put being a client centered provider means that I know each person has different goals for their relationship with food and body, and different things that are possible and realistic for them. I work with some people on healing relationship to body and food, some people on weight neutral care, and some people on harm reduction for eating disorders/weight loss attempts, and everything in between. I am to be inclusive of all viewpoints and bodies in my work and to work with you in your unique circumstances.
WHAT IF I'M NOT SURE THAT I HAVE AN EATING DISORDER?
Getting a diagnosis for an eating disorder can be complicated and complex, and eating disorders are often different from how culture presents them or the DSM diagnoses them. Eating disorders happen in all different types of communities and identities, and in all different types of ways. Some people want a diagnosis, and some don't. Eating disorders, disordered eating, and relationship to body and food all occurs on a spectrum, and we will work together to figure out where you fall on this spectrum, and what will be most helpful to you. And, if you're looking for help, chances are there's a reason.
CAN I ONLY SEE YOU ONLINE?
Yes. For now all sessions are through a secure HIPPA compliant online platform only. I am considering opening an office in downtown or North Everett. Please reach out if you're feeling interested in this. I know telehealth may or may not be the preferred method for all folks, and I assure you we can work together to get you comfortable using the telehealth technology, and process through any concerns or frustrations you may have.
WHERE AND WHEN DO YOU SEE CLIENTS?
All services are currently offered online through a HIPPA secure telehealth platform.
Upon resuming in-person services I hope to have office space in Everett, WA.
My current schedule is Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and evenings. Available appointment times vary. Contact for more information on scheduling.
DO YOU SEE CHILDREN OR TEENAGERS?
I mostly see folks over the age of 18. If you are a client who is in between 13-18 and feel very pulled to work with me, we could have a consult call to determine fit. In general, I feel better referring to my colleagues who specialize in teens and children. I treat my clients of all ages as with respect and honor their autonomy and confidentiality (meaning I will not be telling parents things teens are saying in session, among other things).
While I love children so very much, I do not yet feel like I have the specific training as a therapist to see children under 13, and I want the very best for your young people, so will refer you to someone else.
I'M READY TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT! NOW WHAT?
The way to make an appointment is to e-mail me at info@mekenziesutton.com. It is helpful if you include what you're looking for/would like to work on, what insurance you are hoping to use, if you are requesting a sliding scale spot, what your ideal appointment times are, and any other information you feel comfortable sharing. Then, I can send you some screening questions and get our consultation phone call set up.
I no longer return new client inquiries on my business number. Please e-mail to inquire about services.
All of this info is also located on the CONTACT page.