Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept insurance?

We do! Ultramarine Counseling & Art Therapy is currently in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield plans and Cigna (Now known as Evernorth) plans.

We are otherwise considered out-of-network and can provide what is called a Superbill for clients who wish to pursue being reimbursed directly by their insurance company for out-of-network services. To learn if your insurance company will participate in providing reimbursement for out-or-network services, please call the number on the back of your insurance card to learn more and avoid any scary financial surprises.

Are you taking new clients?

We are! Jessica Heckwolf is accepting new adult clients. Appointments are available Monday through Friday

How does art therapy differ from traditional therapy?

Art Therapy is similar to other forms of mental health counseling services in that it is aimed to provide relief and healing from symptoms and difficulties associated with disruption of mental health. Art Therapy differs in that use of the active art making and the creative process are a central means to meet therapeutic goals. Art Therapists are Master’s level clinicians and trained to diagnose and treat a range of mental health problems for clients through the life span. In Maryland, all practicing art therapists are required to meet the licensure standards of practice established by the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists.

It is common for credentialed art therapists to also be credentialed in a related, allied fields such as professional counseling or marriage and family therapy. They may also have other advanced degrees such as a Doctorate in art therapy or a PsyD in psychology. This means they are also trained in a range of non-art therapy approaches that have the potential to complement and enhance use of art making for healing.

From the source, as defined by the American Art Therapy Association: Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.

Art therapy, facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.

How many sessions do clients typically need?

How many sessions a client needs ….depends on the individual client. Therapists individualize their approach and support tailored to each client’s needs. After a couple sessions, therapist recommendations will be made about frequency of sessions, as well as therapeutic goals and what you can expect to experience as time goes on. For those experiencing specific symptoms, one can expect to notice some relief from symptoms within six weeks of recommended participation. It is common for individuals to participate in weekly therapy for a duration of about three months, then decrease as useful to accommodate relief of symptoms. Some find longterm (such as 12 months and longer) participation especially useful for ongoing support, relapse prevention, and to work towards new life goals. It is also common to take breaks from therapy once goals are met and resume participation later in life, as useful. Whatever the duration, your therapist will review treatment goals with you periodically to adjust the course of therapy as needed.

What do you need to get started?

To get started, you just need to contact our office, either by phone or email for a short mini intake. You will be asked a few questions to determine goodness of fit. We want you to feel like this is a practice that will work for you. After learning more from each other and making an appointment with us seems like it will be useful to you, you will be scheduled and set up to access our online, HIPAA secure client portal to complete new client paperwork. That’s it! At the day of you first appointment, please bring a copy of your insurance card (if using).

Sometimes, for different reasons including scheduling and therapeutic needs, moving forward with an appointment at our office may not be useful to you. In these instances we will provide referrals to all inquiries to help you connect with right type of support.