FAQs
What are your hours?
I am available to clients Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm.
My in person day is Thursday 10am-5pm. In person Saturdays coming Mid April start now and secure a in person timeslot.
What is your cancelation/no show policy?
Cancellation- At least 24 hours in advance (1 business day). If the session is cancelled with less than 24 hours the full private pay session rate will be charged.
No Show- Therapy session is scheduled, and client does not show without prior notification. The full private pay session rate will be charged.
Where are you located?
My in person office is located at:
618 South 223rd Street Des Moines WA 98198
My office is number 6 on the second floor in the corner.
What is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy is an alternative way to give voice to that which is not easily expressed with words. Art Therapy uses art process and products to work through and deal with problems many people face to help them develop their potential to live healthy and satisfying lives. Art making can be calming and therapeutic in nature, as well as be an outlet for self-expression based on your treatment goals.
What does ATR-P mean?
Art Therapist Provisional. Provisional means I am working toward my full Art Therapy (ATR) credential. To receive my ATR I have to complete 100 hours of supervised work. My supervisor is Amelia Upton a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC).
I do not have any artistic talent can I still participate in Art therapy?
The beautiful thing about art therapy is participants can be any age and be at any skill level. You do not need any experience in art making to participate. Art Therapy focuses on the process of creating and expressing yourself rather than the finished product.
But I want telehealth sessions can I do Art Therapy?
You can absolutely still participate in Art Therapy via telehealth. I utilize computer technology such as digital drawing, collaging, whiteboard, and picture applications. You can also bring basic supplies you have at home to your telehealth therapy session.
Will you interpret my artwork?
Art Therapists do not interpret art imagery; however, I will help you discover your own meaning through the art making process.
What happens to my artwork?
At the end of session, you can decide to either take your artwork home or leave it in my office. If artwork is left at the office I will handle it with care and keep it safe until you decide to take it home. At the end of therapy, you have the right to request any artwork you would like to take home. Otherwise, any artwork left with me will be documented and kept safe for 7 years post terminating therapy. After 7 years I will ethically destroy the artwork.
What kind of payment do you accept?
Credit cards (Mastercard or Visa), Health Savings Account (HSA). Credit card payments are processed through Simple Practice HIPPA secure platform. Payment is due at the end of each session.
What are the next steps?
1) Reach out for a free 15 minute consultation call by email (mmelamed@cmpcollective.com) or schedule it yourself through this link.
2) Complete a consultation call with me where we determine fit, look at scheduling, and discuss billing options. If we are not a good fit, I will help you find a referral for another therapist.
3) If you decide to move forward with me you will become a client, and we will find the perfect time for your regular sessions on my schedule. I will send you all of my intake paperwork for you to electronically sign before the first session.
4) The first session is an intake appointment where I gather your mental health history. This session is different from your regular sessions. If you are using insurance, I will provide you with a diagnosis to ensure insurance covers your therapy sessions. If you are private pay, I will not provide a diagnosis unless you need superbills.
5) Participate in your regularly scheduled therapy sessions!