Question 1

Is there a sliding-scale fee available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I offer a sliding-scale fee for those earning below a certain income level. Currently, all slots are full, but you can join the waitlist. Please contact me for more details.

Question 2

Can I use insurance for your services?

Accepted Answer

I don't accept insurance directly, but I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. Please note, a superbill does not guarantee reimbursement. It's important to understand your insurance's criteria for out-of-network mental health services.

Question 3

Which payment methods are accepted?

Accepted Answer

I prefer cash or check, but I also accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as HSA/FSA accounts via Stripe.

Question 4

Can I book a session if I'm not gay or male, or if I'm questioning my identity?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. While my expertise is in working with gay men, I have experience with all members of the LGBTQ community and those questioning their identities. You can book a free session to discuss your unique story and see if we're a good fit.

Question 5

Are you kink friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. My therapy practice comes from a sex-positive approach. This means that if you're coming to therapy to work on sexuality, whether yours is the most vanilla or kinkiest sex anyone has ever heard of -- and anything in between -- I will help you acheive the healthiest expression of your particular sexuality.

Question 6

Is therapy available for children?

Accepted Answer

No, I don't provide therapy for children or offer family therapy involving adults and children.

Question 7

How do I know if what I experienced was sexual abuse?

Accepted Answer

Everyone's experience of sexuality and sexual interactions is different. Childhood sexual abuse is particularly complicated for gay men who already experience a cultural shame around their developmental sexuality. My purpose at GMCA is to help you understand the particularity of your story, heal from any lingering symptoms that hold you back, and thrive in who you are. There is space to make sense of what happened to you and empower you in your story moving forward, no matter how we define what happened to you.

Gay Men's Counseling Alliance
Jonathan Merker MA LMHC

Frequently asked questions