Are you accepting new patients?

For up-to-date information about whether I am accepting new patients, please visit the top of my homepage. If my practice is full, I will post that information there.

How can I contact you? How soon will you return my call?

You can reach me via telephone (202-854-8369) or email (drvictoriaharley@gmail.com). If I am accepting new clients, I will return your call as soon as possible. If I am not accepting new patients, my homepage will say so — in which case I invite you to browse these referral resources.

If you are a current patient in treatment with me, you can expect a response within 24 hours during the work week. If you need immediate help or I cannot get back to you in the time that you need, please dial 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room.

How do I get started?

You can either call me at 202-854-8369  or email me at drvictoriaharley@gmail.com. If you would like to schedule a first appointment, we can find a mutually agreeable time to meet. If you have any questions before scheduling your first session, I am happy to address those with you on the phone.

What can I expect in the first session?

During the first session, I will spend some time getting to know you, getting to know your background, and understanding what’s bringing you into therapy. If you have been in therapy before, I will want to learn a bit about your experiences, as this can inform the direction of our work. After the first few sessions, we will talk about your treatment needs and whether you would best be served by working with me. If a referral is appropriate, our time together will enable me to connect you with a specific referral based on your needs.

Is everything I tell you confidential?

Everything you tell me is confidential. I will not share your personal information with anyone. That said, there are several limits to confidentiality. If it ever becomes necessary to break confidentiality, I will do everything in my power to discuss this with you beforehand. The exceptions to confidentiality are as follows:

  • If I feel that you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, I can break confidentiality to keep you/others safe.
  • If I hear about the abuse (or suspected abuse) of anyone under the age of 18, an elderly person, or someone with a disability, I am mandated to report it.
  • If confidential information is subpoenaed in a court of law, I must comply with the subpoena. This would not happen without your prior knowledge.

What is your fee and how does payment work?

Please contact me directly for information on my fees. Payment is due each session. I use the merchant services company Square and am able to accept cash, check, and all major credit/debit cards.

Do you accept insurance?

I am an out-of-network provider, meaning I do not take insurance. At the end of every month, I will provide a statement that you can submit to your insurance company and, depending on your specific insurance plan, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement. Whether reimbursement is possible (and to what extent) can be determined by calling your insurance company.

What if I need to cancel an appointment?

Although understandable issues can come up that make it impossible for you to keep your appointment (family emergencies, work commitments, childcare issues, illness), you will be charged for a session if you cancel with less than 48-hours notice. This allows me to dedicate a set time for you and safeguard the continuity of our work.

Do you prescribe medication?

As a doctor of psychology (not a medical doctor), I cannot prescribe medication. If you are interested in psychopharmacological interventions to augment our work together, I can provide referrals to psychiatrists in the community. I am also happy to consult with your psychiatrist or primary care physician, provided that you give me your express written permission to do so.

How often will we meet? 

Many patients attend therapy weekly, though some people choose to meet more or less often depending on their needs and the issues they’re working on in therapy.

What’s the best way to get to your office? Is there parking?

The office is near the intersection of Wisconsin and O Streets NW, in Georgetown. If you drive, there is street parking available in the neighborhood (try to budget some time to find parking during peak hours). You can also take one of several buses that drop off within 2 blocks of the office.