Frequently Asked Questions
-
Currently I offer 1:1 Telehealth counseling sessions that are offered through Carepatron. These sessions are 50 minutes in length and cost €100.
I also offer 1:1 Walk & Talk sessions where I meet clients in and around The Hague, offering counseling while we move in nature and connect. Walking can help some people feel more relaxed and create a comfortable environment to share and connect.
These sessions can be for anyone interested in getting movement while we meet or for working professionals that want to connect during lunch breaks or work hours near their offices.
Sessions take place in agreed-upon parks or natural areas around The Hague. These sessions cost €110.
-
Currently, I work with adults 18+ years old, who feel comfortable receiving mental health support in English.
I work with the following groups:
Internationals and Expats
Professionals
Partners and Spouses accompanying international assignments
Parents
-
At this time, all services provided by The Schmidts Institute are self-pay. I do not work with insurance companies directly. You will be given a detailed invoice for services at the completion of each session.
You can contact your insurance company to see if they cover counseling services provided by a Licensed Social Worker from the United States.
Some international insurance plans or employee wellbeing benefits may reimburse sessions and I encourage clients to check with their provider.
-
I hold a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona in the United States. I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the state of Illinois.
Over the past 16+ years, I've worked in hospitals, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and international settings, supporting individuals and communities through mental health challenges, trauma, crisis intervention, grief, life transitions, and personal growth.
After relocating to the Netherlands, my academic credentials were independently evaluated and verified by the International Credential Evaluation (IDW), confirming that my U.S. qualifications are comparable within the Dutch education framework. This recognition allows me to transparently communicate my educational background to clients and organizations in the Netherlands.
My approach is informed by extensive clinical experience, evidence-based practices, and ongoing professional development.
While I am not a BIG-registered psychologist or psychotherapist in the Netherlands, I provide private-pay counseling and mental health coaching in accordance with Dutch laws and regulations for independent practitioners.
My practice is proudly affiliated with the Nederlandse Federatie Gezondheidszorg (NFG). This professional registration guarantees that I meet advanced educational standards, engage in continuous peer education, and operate under certified ethical guidelines. For you as a client, it also means transparent care backed by independent complaints management in accordance with healthcare regulations (Wkkgz).
If you have questions about my background or whether my services are the right fit for your needs, I'm always happy to discuss them during a free consultation.
Credentials at a Glance:
Master’s in Social Work (MSW)
Bachelor’s in Psychology
Licensed Social Worker in U.S.A. (LSW)
Degree officially evaluated by Nuffic as equivalent to a Dutch HBO Master's degree in Social Work
Member of Nederlandse Federatie Gezondheidszorg (NFG)
-
I help individuals navigate change, strengthen their wellbeing, and create lives that feel meaningful. I have experience supporting individuals who are being impacted by the following:
Anxiety & Stress
Burnout
Life Transitions
Expat Adjustments
Grief & Loss
Workplace Stress
Relationship/Parenting Challenges
Identity & Purpose
-
Sessions are kept confidential, using a GDPR compliant software platform, Carepatron for Telehealth and session note storage. All forms filled out are sent through Zivver, a specialized third-party email security platform, to exchange sensitive personal or financial information safely and are also stored on Carepatron.
There are legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality, such as if a client is a risk of harm to themselves or others. These exceptions will be discussed in further detail during the first session.
-
All services provided are done in English. If you are in need of mental health support and speak a different language, please check the Resources page or your primary care doctor to get support in finding someone who would be a better fit for your needs.
-
Absolutely not!
Many people seek out counseling simply because they are seeking greater clarity, healthier relationships, someone to connect with who is a neutral party, develop coping strategies, or support during major life transitions.
I try to make counseling as engaging and enjoyable as possible in order to help you navigate whatever challenges you might be facing.
-
I want you to feel comfortable speaking openly with me, including if something about your experience isn't working for you. If you have a concern or complaint, I encourage you to raise it with me first so we can talk about it and see if we can resolve it together.
As a member of the Nederlandse Federatie Gezondheidszorg (NFG), The Schmidts Institute participates in the complaints and disputes process provided through the NFG in accordance with the Dutch Wkkgz (Quality, Complaints and Disputes in Healthcare Act). If we are unable to resolve your concern together, you can make use of the formal complaints procedure available through NFG.
You will not be charged for using the complaints procedure. I will provide you with information about the appropriate NFG complaints process and how to access it if you need it. You can also go to the NFG website to learn more information.
-
Finding the right counselor is incredibly important for anyone trying to better their mental wellness.
I always conduct free 15-minute consultation sessions with new clients, which helps both myself and the client decide if it feels like we can work well together.
If you feel like you might benefit from support from a different provider, I am happy to help you connect with someone who might be a better fit.
-
Yes, individual counseling in English for internationals, expats, and professionals living in or around The Hague (Den Haag), in person and online.
-
A 50-minute counseling session held outdoors around The Hague instead of over video or in an office, combining movement and conversation.
-
Individual counseling is €100 per session; Walk & Talk is €110 per session. Sliding-scale options are available on request.
-
Yes, a free 15-minute consultation is available before booking a full session.

