Getting Started with Relation Works Therapy

Start with a Free Pre-Therapy Consultation

Your relationship with your therapist is crucial to how you experience and grow during therapy. That's why I offer a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation before you make any commitment—no paperwork, no fees, just a conversation to see if we're a good fit.

I take a unique, down-to-earth approach to therapy, pulling from my own life experiences—like surviving cancer, divorce, and parenting two college-age —with a generous amount of humor. I listen to your story and help you write your next chapters how you want them to be written.

While I’d love to work with everyone, it’s okay if this doesn’t go any further than the initial consultation. If this is the case, there is no commitment and you are free to move on.

If you would like to work together, I’ll provide clearer instructions after our call with information on how to sign up for the portal so you can officially book our first session!

During this call, we'll discuss:

  • What brings you to therapy

  • What you're hoping to get out of therapy

  • What has or hasn't worked for you in the past

  • How I envision supporting you and your specific circumstances

  • Logistical questions about getting started, costs, and scheduling

If you're seeking couples therapy, both partners need to attend the complimentary session together.

Schedule your consultation
a cozy room with a comfortable couch inside Relation Works Therapy studio

How to Book Your Sessions

  • Once you've decided to work with me, I'll create an account for you in my electronic health record (EHR) using your name and email address. If you're in couples or family counseling, each member will have their own account.

    You'll receive an email invitation to join my client portal, where you'll find:

    • Intake documents to complete before your first session

    • Your Good Faith Estimate

    • Ability to schedule sessions

    • Secure messaging

    • Access to billing documents

  • Log in to the client portal for scheduling, messaging, and billing documents. This portal link is also available in the main navigation bar and footer of this website.

  • When scheduling, you may select either an in-person or video session. First sessions are always conducted in-person unless we've discussed it previously. Video appointments use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform accessed through the client portal.

    I am licensed to see patients in-person or virtually in the state of Minnesota.

You may download the mobile app for my client portal on the App Store or Google Play. The app is called Simple Practice Client Portal.

Rates & Investment

Cash, all major credit cards, and Health Savings Account (HSA) cards are accepted. Payment is due on the day of service. It's your responsibility to verify your HSA eligibility for counseling services.

Longer sessions are available and are prorated according to the duration of the session. Please discuss with Lisa Kleingarn.

Standard therapy session

Online or in-person, this is designated for individuals to process and explore their thoughts. Typically, meetings are weekly or bi-weekly.

60 mins | $220 | Get started

First session for individual therapy

Online or in-person, this time will be spent evaluating you and your mental health to structure a treatment plan that will help reach your goals.

60 mins | $250 | Get started

First session for couples/family therapy

Online or in-person, this will be spent getting to know you and your partner/family unit and to structure your treatment plan.

75 mins | $285 | Get started

Relation Works Therapy is a private pay practice and does not bill insurance companies directly.

However, I can provide receipts and Superbills upon request if you are able to use out-of-network benefits or an HSA.

Insurance typically requires assigning a mental health diagnosis to one partner and documenting the work as their “treatment,” which doesn’t reflect the nature of couples therapy. Submitting claims often requires framing the work this way, and that isn’t aligned with how I practice. I aim to offer a supportive, non-pathologizing space where both partners can grow without insurance-driven limits on the process, timeline, or number of sessions. Most couples choose to pay privately for this reason, and many use HSA/FSA funds, but please check with your plan to confirm eligibility.

Office Policies

  • Available Session Times:
    Mondays - Thursdays: 10am, 11:15am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:45pm

  • If you're unable to attend a session, please cancel in writing via email or secure message in the client portal at least 48 hours before your appointment.

    Less than 48 hours notice will result in a late cancellation fee equal to the full session fee. You may switch from in-person to telehealth to avoid this fee if needed.

    A session is considered a late cancellation/no-show if you don't arrive within the first 15 minutes of the start time. For couples or family therapy, the session begins when all parties are present.

  • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining how much your care will cost. Under federal law, healthcare providers must give patients who don't have insurance or aren't using insurance an estimate of expected charges.

    You'll receive a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one business day before your first session. If you receive a bill that's at least $400 more than your estimate, you can dispute it.

    For more information about your rights, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises

Questions? I'm here to help.

Email: lisa@relationworkstherapy.com (Email is the fastest way to reach me)
Phone: (612) 400-7832
Office: 4749 Chicago Ave. S., Suite 3F | Minneapolis, MN 55407