Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

  • I hold a Master in Social Work from The Catholic University of America, graduating in 2012. My career has included home-based family therapy, school social work, and work in group practice, culminating in my own private practice, where I can work with clients in a way that aligns with my approach as a therapist. I also completed a 2-year specialized post-graduate training in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy at the Washington School of Psychiatry, which laid the foundation for my relational approach to psychotherapy, rooted in the belief that the therapeutic relationship itself is a powerful catalyst for healing. My training in Internal Family Systems beautifully compliments this relational work, while also gives my clients an empowered toolkit and language of understanding themselves. I also have extensive training in brain and body-based practices such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Level 2) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) enabling me to address both the psychological and somatic aspects of healing.

  • My office is in Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. It is conveniently located steps off the Dupont metro stop on red line.

  • Yes, I offer both virtual and in-person sessions.

  • My standard sessions are 45 minutes, and I also offer extended sessions, known as intensives, which range from 90 minutes to multi-day formats. Because I’ve seen such powerful results with intensives, I’ve prioritized making these available for clients. These longer sessions are perfect if you want to dive deeper, address specific goals, or see progress more quickly.

  • My rate is $250 for a 45-minute session. I also offer intensives for faster deep progress. Check out my intensives page for details and pricing!

    Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Billing
    You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.
    Under the No Surprises Act, healthcare providers are required to give clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for services.

    • You can ask for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service or at any time during your care.

    • If you receive a bill that is $400 or more above the Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute it.
      For more information about your rights, visit CMS.gov/NoSurprises.

  • No, but I can provide you with a superbill for submission to your insurance company.

  • When checking your out-of-network benefits, here are some helpful questions to ask your insurance company:

    1. Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?

    2. What is my deductible, and how much of it has been met?

    3. What percentage of the session fee is reimbursed once the deductible is met?

    4. Is there a limit on the number of sessions or a maximum reimbursement amount per year? What is the allowed amount for therapy sessions?

    5. What is required to submit for reimbursement? (e.g., superbill, diagnosis)

    6. Are there specific CPT codes covered for therapy? (e.g., 90837 for extended sessions or 90834 for a 45-minute session)

    You can also use the tool below to see if you qualify for reimbursement for our services.

  • A credit card is my preferred method of receiving payment.

  • To set up an initial appointment, you can contact me via either email at margot@margotlamsontherapy.com or by telephone at (202) 875-5861 (call, don’t text!)

  • I ask for a 48-hour notice to cancel an appointment. If you provide less than a 48-hour notice, I will charge you the full session fee. For no-show appointments, I will also charge the full session fee.

  • I work with teenagers and adults of all ages.

  • Yes, I have experience working with a diverse range of clients. I am passionate about providing services to a broad range of clientele.

    If you are curious about my experience/expertise with a specific community, please reach out, especially if you have felt previous discrimination from providers based on your identity.

  • I treat anxiety, depression, ADHD symptom management, relationship matters, trauma, grief, and loss.

  • A typical session has no set structure; I offer an optional mindful “grounding” at the beginning of each session. Sometimes, clients have specific things they want to discuss or perhaps something we decided to talk more about in the last session. And sometimes clients have no idea what to discuss, which is okay, too! There is no “right way” to do a therapy session.

    At the beginning of our work, we may focus more on getting to know you, your background, and what brings you here. Depending on what we’re interested in addressing, I’ll provide information on anxiety, depression, grief, and how the brain processes significant events.

  • There are no homework assignments here – unless you want there to be! Sometimes trying tangible actions in between sessions is powerful. But you shouldn’t feel like you must complete anything, only if it serves you. And if you are interested in learning more about a topic, I am happy to recommend books and other resources.

  • Clients tell me I am grounded, curious, and compassionate. I am intentional about being a container for big emotions while also being my authentic self. Even though therapy can be messy and complicated, my clients report feeling a lot of joy, relief, and even laughter in our sessions.

    I like to think outside the box. I believe therapy is best when it is individualized, and there is no “one size fits all” treatment. I believe we heal in a relationship – with ourselves and others. The therapist + client relationship is a centerpiece of this healing.

  • I love being a therapist. It’s an honor to be a trusted part of people’s healing. Therapy isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. It’s beautiful and inspiring to see people grow. I am passionate about supporting people who are supporting themselves. I take the commitment you’re making very seriously.

  • Yes, my experience in therapy has been an immense source of support and centering. It has expanded my ability to connect to myself and others with compassion and curiosity.

We have partnered with Mentaya to help clients use their out-of-network benefits to save money on therapy.

Use the tool below to see if you qualify for reimbursement for our services.

Virtual Therapy: Healing from the Comfort of Home

Life is busy, and carving out time for therapy can feel like just another stressor. That’s why I offer virtual therapy—a flexible, accessible option designed to fit seamlessly into your routine.

Imagine settling into your favorite chair, a warm drink in hand, your pet by your side, and starting our session from the privacy of your own space. Many clients find it easier to open up when they’re in a familiar environment, free from the pressures of commuting or worrying about being seen at a therapy office.

Virtual therapy offers all the same benefits of in-person sessions, with added convenience and confidentiality. You can save time, avoid transportation hassles, and focus entirely on your healing. Our sessions will be held over a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, ensuring your privacy and safety every step of the way.

mental health Washington DC