Contact Me

At this time, I offer individual therapy only through Serenity First Counseling. For couples who are navigating parenthood and want support together, I provide coaching, EMDR, and group support through the Serenity Connection Collective.

I’m a licensed therapist in Virginia and Maryland and I provide therapy services to individuals located in those states. If you’re outside these areas or looking for non-therapy support, the Serenity Connection Collective offers coaching and programs that are available regardless of location.

The Serenity Connection Collective is a non-therapy space focused on prevention, practical skills, and community support for parents — with special attention to the fatherhood experience. It’s designed for people who want guidance, tools, and connection during the transition to parenthood without entering therapy.

To best serve all clients, we ask that appointments be canceled or rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice and missed appointments will incur the full session fee, which is not covered by insurance. Two ways to cancel/reschedule your appointment 1. via the client portal: https://shayla-ferris.clientsecure.me/ 2. email: shaylaferris@serenityfcpllc.org

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the No Surprises Act, health care providers, including therapists, are required to provide their clients who either don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance, with an estimate, known as the Good Faith Estimate (“GFE”), of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. In many cases, including mental health care, it can be difficult for a therapist to know how much treatment will be needed when a new client schedules services for the first time. The total cost of services will depend upon the number of (psychotherapy) sessions you attend, your individual circumstances, and the type and amount of services that are provided to you. I can speak with you about this prior to or in your initial session. The GFE is based on information known at the time the GFE was created. It does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. There may be additional items or services a therapist may recommend as part of your care that are not reflected in GFE.”