Frequently Asked Questions

Send me an email: lisalistermanlicsw@gmail.com ‍ ‍
Tell me a bit about what's bringing you to therapy and I'll do my absolute best to respond within 2 business days.
Yes! I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. Just email me to get started!
My schedule varies but typically includes:
- Monday: 11am-5pm
- Tuesday: 9am-5pm
- Wednesday: 12pm-7pm
- Thursday: 9am-5pm
- Friday: 9am-4pm
I will let you know my current availability when you reach out.

My rate is $175.
I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield.
If you have a different insurance, you can check if you have “out-of-network benefits.” If you do, I can provide you with the correct paperwork (called a “superbill”) to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
Yes! My practice is 100% online therapy for those located in Massachusetts and Maine.
Life happens. I ask for 24-hour notice and my no-show/late cancellation fee is $75. Repeated last-minute cancellations might impact our ability to work together effectively (because consistency matters in therapy).
I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts and Maine. I have specialized training in:
- CBT and ERP for anxiety and OCD
- EMDR for trauma and phobias
- Polyvagal Theory and body-based approaches
- SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions)
- Years of experience in college counseling, crisis intervention, and various clinical settings

The fact that you're here, reading this, means something in your life feels hard enough that you're looking for help. That's enough. You don’t need to justify your struggles or compare them to anyone else’s. I’m glad you’re here and I hope you get in touch.
It depends. Some people need a few months to develop tools for managing anxiety. Others benefit from longer-term work to address deeper patterns. We'll regularly check in about your progress and goals. You're never "locked in"–therapy continues as long as it's helpful for you.
I typically recommend starting at once a week, and then if it makes sense, we’ll discuss and could move to every other week.
In therapy, you get professional training, evidence-based techniques, and someone whose only agenda is your growth. Friends are great for support, but they're not trained to help you change patterns. They might give advice based on what worked for them (not necessarily what you need). They might just agree with you to be supportive (when you actually need feedback).
I don't prescribe medication, but I often work alongside providers (like psychiatrists, PCPs or nurse practitioners) who do. I can help you think through whether medication might be helpful and provide referrals if needed.

In family therapy, the whole family comes to sessions to work on dynamics together. In parent consultation, just you (the parent/caregiver) come, and we focus on changing your responses to your child's anxiety. Your child doesn't need to participate.
Absolutely! It can be really helpful for the important adults in a child’s life to participate (especially if you each have different ways of responding to anxiety). However, it can also work with just one parent/caregiver if schedules don't align or if others aren’t on board yet.
Not at all. Parent consultation can actually enhance your child's therapy. I'm happy to coordinate with your child's therapist (if appropriate and with appropriate permission and signed releases) to ensure we're all working toward the same goals

You never have to talk about anything you're not ready to discuss. We go at your pace. That said, avoiding important topics forever keeps you stuck. I'll gently encourage you to explore difficult areas when you're ready. I will never force you.
Not all therapy (or therapists) are the same. Maybe you needed different techniques, a different approach, or just weren't ready for change yet. I'm happy to discuss what didn't work before so we can try something different.
Then you'll be human. Crying doesn't make you weak or dramatic. It means something important is happening. Some of the best work happens through tears.

First, your therapy is confidential.
And therapy can actually help your career as it can improve your work performance. Imagine the impact if you weren’t anxious speaking in meetings, comparing yourself to others, avoiding or procrastinating?
Many successful professionals see therapists. It's a sign of wisdom, not weakness, to invest in your mental health.
I get that you have a busy schedule. But I think of it this way: How much time do you lose to overthinking? To anxiety? To avoidance? Therapy is one hour a week that gives you back countless hours of mental energy. Plus, virtual sessions eliminate commute time.
There's no perfect way to do therapy. You can't fail at therapy as long as you show up and engage honestly.

I know reaching out feels vulnerable.
Even sending that email is a step toward change.