SERVICES
I provide in-person art therapy for grief and loss in Gaithersburg and Montgomery County, Maryland, supporting children and tweens, teens, and adults navigating grief, trauma, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions.
Art therapy offers a structured yet flexible space for emotional expression, reflection, and meaning-making through the creative process and therapeutic conversation.
How Art Therapy Can Help
Art therapy for grief and loss is designed to support understanding, expression, and integration over time through both the creative process and the therapeutic relationship. My approach is collaborative, engaging, and encourages ongoing reflection.
This work emphasizes:
Emotional understanding, not only symptom management or behavior reduction
Exploring thoughts, emotions, and relational patterns with curiosity and care
Integrating language, imagery, and creative expression throughout the therapeutic process
Strengthening emotional awareness, regulation, and coping capacity
Supporting insight, reflection, and self-understanding
Using art-making as a pathway for processing lived experience
This approach is not about fixing, suppressing, or eliminating experiences. Rather, it is about creating space to understand, express, and work with them within a supportive therapeutic relationship.
Grief and loss art therapy provides support for individuals navigating bereavement, complicated grief, trauma-related loss, and significant life transitions.
Learn more about Art Therapy for Grief and Loss.
Grief and Loss Art Therapy
Grief can affect emotions, relationships, identity, and daily life in ways that feel overwhelming or difficult to express. Art therapy offers a supportive space to process loss through creative expression, reflection, and therapeutic conversation.
Support is available for:
Bereavement and the death of a loved one
Complicated, ambiguous, or anticipatory grief
Trauma-related grief and loss
Caregiver stress and emotional burnout
Significant life transitions such as divorce, blended families, or major changes within family life
Learn more about Art Therapy for Grief and Loss.
CHILD, TWEEN, & TEEN ART THERAPY
I provide art therapy for children (7–10), tweens (11–12), and teens (13–17) experiencing grief, trauma, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or life transitions in Gaithersburg and Montgomery County, Maryland.
Children, tweens, and teens often express grief and loss through behavior, play, imagery, and creativity rather than words alone. Many may not have previously engaged in traditional talk therapy or play therapy. Art therapy offers a developmentally appropriate way to support emotional expression, emotional regulation, and coping while honoring the ways young people naturally communicate and process their experiences.
Child, Tween, & Teen Art Therapy Supports:
Grief and loss
Emotional overwhelm and difficulties with adaptive coping
Persistent or worsening anxiety and depression
Trauma and stressful life experiences
Family transitions and change
Identity development and self-esteem
Difficulty expressing emotions and thoughts verbally
When appropriate, collaboration with parents, legal guardians, and caregivers supports continuity of care outside of sessions.
Learn more about:
• Art Therapy for Children & Tweens
ADULT ART THERAPY
Adult art therapy supports individuals navigating grief and loss, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity changes, and major life transitions. Creative expression is integrated with therapeutic conversation to encourage emotional awareness, reflection, insight, and meaningful growth. No previous art experience is needed—the focus is on the creative and therapeutic process, rather than artistic skill or the finished product.
Adult art therapy may support:
Grief and loss
Bereavement following the death of a loved one
Trauma and life stressors
Anxiety related to change or loss
Identity exploration and transitions
Emotional overwhelm or burnout
Feelings of disconnection
Learn more about Art Therapy for Adults.
HOW ART THERAPY WORKS & WHAT TO EXPECT
Art therapy integrates creative expression with therapeutic conversation to support emotional understanding, regulation, reflection, and integration over time. Through both the creative process and the therapeutic relationship, internal experiences that may be difficult to express with words alone can be externalized, explored, and understood with greater clarity and curiosity.
Sessions may include art making, conversation, or a combination of both, depending on your needs, goals, and comfort level. Art therapy is collaborative and moves at a pace that feels appropriate for you. There is no expectation to create "good" art or produce a finished artistic product. No prior art experience is necessary.
You may use materials such as drawing, painting, collage, clay, or mixed media to explore emotions, memories, relationships, and lived experiences through imagery, symbolism, metaphor, and the creative process. Together, we reflect on what emerges, supporting greater self-awareness, emotional understanding, and meaningful change over time.
In-Person Care
The 3 Brushes is primarily an in-person practice. I believe the creative process, therapeutic relationship, and exploration of art materials are best supported in a shared physical space. Art materials, supplies, and tools are provided for in-person sessions, so clients are not expected to bring or purchase art materials. Clients participating in virtual sessions may need to provide their own materials, based on the session structure and clinical needs.
Separate virtual support sessions may be available for the parents, legal guardians, and caregivers of minor clients. Limited telehealth services may also be offered on a case-by-case basis when clinically appropriate.
Together, we reflect on what emerges through the creative process, including emotions, patterns, insights, and opportunities for growth. Sessions move at a pace that feels emotionally safe, supportive, and manageable.
New to art therapy? Learn more about What Is Art Therapy? and how creative expression can support emotional healing, self-understanding, and personal growth.
WHO THIS IS FOR
This service may be a good fit if you are:
Experiencing grief, loss, or major life transitions
Feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or emotionally stuck
Seeking deeper emotional understanding or insight
Interested in creative or expressive approaches to therapy
Looking for supportive, holistic, and compassionate care
Learn more About Lindsay Downs, my approach to art therapy, and the philosophy behind The 3 Brushes.
BEGINNING ART THERAPY
If this approach resonates with you, you are welcome to schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation. This is a space to ask questions, discuss your needs, and explore whether art therapy feels like a good fit for you or your child, tween, or teen.
Before Your First Appointment
Getting Started
Beginning art therapy should feel clear, supportive, and straightforward. If you're considering working together, I offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation to answer questions, discuss your concerns, and determine whether my practice is a good fit for your needs before scheduling an initial appointment or to explore your therapy options.
Once your initial evaluation, also known as the first session, is scheduled, you'll receive access to my secure Client Portal, where you'll:
Log in to your Client Portal before your first appointment to confirm you can access your forms and appointment information.
Complete your intake paperwork, assessments, and clinical questionnaires.
Review informed consent documents and practice policies.
Complete any additional forms required before your first appointment.
Securely add a credit card to your Client Portal in accordance with the practice's scheduling and cancellation policies.
Please allow yourself enough time to thoughtfully review and complete your intake paperwork before your first appointment. The information you provide helps me prepare for our work together and better understand your history, concerns, and goals before we meet.
To help ensure your first session is meaningful and well-prepared, all required intake paperwork must be completed at least 24–48 hours before your scheduled appointment. This allows me adequate time to carefully review your information, prepare for our first session together, and ensure everything is in place before we meet.
If your intake paperwork is not completed within this timeframe, we may need to reschedule your initial evaluation session until all required forms have been completed and reviewed. Once your paperwork has been reviewed, I'll confirm that everything is complete and you're all set for your first session.
Completing these steps in advance allows us to spend our time together focusing on you, your story, and your treatment needs rather than administrative paperwork. My goal is to make the intake process as smooth and supportive as possible so you can arrive at your first session feeling prepared, informed, and welcomed.
Sessions are typically scheduled on a weekly or biweekly basis, depending on your needs and treatment goals. My practice is private pay, and a credit card is securely kept on file in accordance with my financial and cancellation policies. Complete details regarding fees, cancellations, privacy, confidentiality, and practice policies are reviewed through the secure Client Portal before your first appointment.
Individual Art Therapy Sessions
Individual art therapy sessions are available for children and tweens, teens, and adults seeking a creative, reflective, and clinically supported approach to grief and loss, emotional processing and overwhelm, and life transitions.
Session Time Frames & Fees
Daytime appointments (1:00 PM–3:00 PM): $125 per 53-60 minute session
Evening appointments (4:00 PM–8:00 PM): $150 per 53-60 minute session
Sessions are offered as private-pay art therapy services. A limited number of reduced-fee options may be available based on scheduling availability.
Sessions are typically scheduled Tuesday through Thursday. Mondays and Fridays are reserved for administrative responsibilities, community-based programming, and ongoing professional development to support the continued quality and sustainability of my practice.
Please contact me to discuss availability, scheduling, and whether art therapy may be an appropriate support for your needs.
Group Art Therapy Sessions
The 3 Brushes, LLC is not currently offering clinical art therapy groups.
Community programming is focused on arts education, mental health advocacy, and creative-based workshops. These offerings are separate from clinical art therapy services and are designed as opportunities for community engagement, creative exploration, and accessible arts experiences.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about group art therapy offerings, please feel free to contact me. I am happy to provide additional information and clarify any details about available services.
Understanding Out-of-Network Insurance Reimbursement
What Does "Out-of-Network" Mean?
The 3 Brushes is considered an out-of-network provider with insurance companies. This means the practice does not bill insurance companies directly. Instead, clients pay for services at the time of their appointment and may be eligible to receive reimbursement from their insurance company, depending on their individual insurance plan.
Out-of-network reimbursement is optional and may not apply to all clients. Some clients choose not to use insurance benefits, and others may not have insurance coverage.
Many insurance plans do offer out-of-network benefits that can help offset the cost of therapy services. Coverage, eligibility, and reimbursement rates vary by insurance plan and provider.
How to Check Your Insurance Benefits
Before starting, contact your insurance company and ask the following questions:
Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
What is my annual deductible for out-of-network services?
How much of my deductible has already been met?
What percentage of the fee will be reimbursed after my deductible is met?
Is there a limit on the number of therapy sessions covered?
Do I need preauthorization or a referral?
Where do I submit claims for reimbursement?
You can usually find the customer service phone number on the back of your insurance card.
How Payment Works
Attend your art therapy session.
Pay the full session fee at the time of service.
Please note that some insurance companies may require proof of payment before processing out-of-network reimbursement claims.
Clients are responsible for the full session fee regardless of insurance reimbursement eligibility or claim outcome.
While many insurance plans offer out-of-network benefits, reimbursement is determined by your individual insurance policy and cannot be guaranteed by The 3 Brushes. Clients are responsible for payment of all session fees at the time services are provided.
Receive a monthly or requested superbill from our office.
Submit the superbill to your insurance company.
Your insurance company reviews the claim and sends any eligible reimbursement directly to you.
What Is a Superbill?
A superbill is a detailed receipt that contains the information insurance companies typically require to process an out-of-network claim, including:
Provider information
Diagnosis code(s)
Service code(s)
Date(s) of service
Amount paid
To simplify the reimbursement process, The 3 Brushes provides automated superbills as a courtesy for clients using out-of-network insurance benefits. Through Reimbursify, a free and easy-to-use platform, clients can submit superbills, track claims, and monitor reimbursement status directly with their insurance company.
Learn More: Reimbursify
Reimbursify is a free platform available to clients seeking reimbursement for out-of-network services. While The 3 Brushes supports its use, Reimbursify operates independently and is not affiliated with the practice.
Reimbursement Example
For illustration purposes only.
Session fee: $150
Insurance reimbursement rate: 70% after deductible
Potential reimbursement: $105
Estimated client responsibility: $45
Actual reimbursement amounts vary by insurance plan and are determined by your insurance company.
Please note: If you have not yet met your out-of-network deductible, your reimbursement amount may be lower, or you may not receive reimbursement until your deductible has been met.
The estimated client responsibility does not mean you pay twice. You are responsible for paying the session fee at the time of service. If your out-of-network claim is approved, any eligible reimbursement is paid directly to you by your insurance company according to your plan's out-of-network benefits.
Tips for a Smooth Reimbursement Process
Verify your insurance information and benefits before your first session.
Save copies of all submitted claims and reimbursement statements.
Submit claims promptly according to your insurance company's requirements.
Contact your insurance company directly if you have questions about claim status or reimbursement amounts.
The 3 Brushes encourages clients to use Reimbursify to securely store superbills and help simplify the out-of-network reimbursement process. The app is free for clients and is designed to provide a smoother, more streamlined experience when submitting claims to their insurance provider.
The 3 Brushes is not directly affiliated with Reimbursify. Access to the platform is offered as a courtesy to support clients in securely managing superbills and submitting out-of-network reimbursement claims.
Questions or Concerns?
Insurance can be confusing, whether you are using in-network or out-of-network benefits. For the most accurate information regarding your coverage, deductible, and reimbursement eligibility, please contact your insurance company directly.
FAQs
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Once your initial evaluation is scheduled, you'll receive access to my secure Client Portal, where you'll complete your intake paperwork, review informed consent documents and practice policies, and securely add a credit card in accordance with my scheduling and cancellation policies.
Completing your intake paperwork before your initial evaluation allows me to thoughtfully review your history, concerns, and goals so we can spend our first session focusing on you rather than administrative paperwork. To allow adequate time for preparation, all required paperwork should be completed at least 24–48 hours before your appointment.
I'll personally review your paperwork and confirm that everything is complete before your first session. If any information is missing or additional clarification is needed, I'll contact you before your appointment. If required paperwork has not been completed within the recommended timeframe, your initial evaluation may need to be rescheduled until all required forms have been completed and reviewed.
My goal is to make the intake process as smooth and supportive as possible so you can arrive at your first session feeling prepared, informed, and welcomed.
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The 3 Brushes is an out-of-network provider, which means payment is due at the time of service and insurance is not billed directly.
Clients may submit a superbill to their insurance company for possible reimbursement, depending on their plan.
Please review my Good Faith Estimate for a general overview of costs for art therapy services.
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Reimbursement depends on your individual insurance plan. Some plans offer out-of-network mental health benefits, while others do not.
Coverage, deductibles, and reimbursement rates vary and are determined solely by your insurance company.
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A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes the information insurance companies typically require to process out-of-network claims, such as service codes, diagnosis codes, dates of service, and payment information.
The 3 Brushes provides superbills through the practice electronic health records system and offers a tool called Reimbursify that is separate from the practice’s management system for clients who choose to submit claims.
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After paying for your session, you can submit your superbill to your insurance company. If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, your insurance company will determine whether you are eligible for reimbursement and send payment directly to you.
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Some insurance companies may require proof that services were paid before processing reimbursement claims. Requirements vary by insurer and plan.
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Processing times vary by insurance company. Some claims are processed in a few weeks, while others may take longer depending on the insurer’s procedures.
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Yes!
Clients are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance company directly to confirm out-of-network mental health benefits, deductibles, and reimbursement eligibility before beginning services.
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Unfortunately, no.
Reimbursement amounts are determined by your insurance company based on your specific plan.
The 3 Brushes cannot guarantee or estimate reimbursement outcomes.
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Questions about claim status, reimbursement amounts, or coverage should be directed to your insurance company.
If you need a superbill or documentation, you can contact The 3 Brushes directly if you are a current client.