Diversity Statement

Updated: March 24, 2025

What We Value

At HigherChange, we are proud to be a practice dedicated to serving individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life. Our mission is grounded in the belief that every person has inherent worth, dignity, and the right to be treated with compassion.

Creating Safe Spaces

Our community is built on respect, not sameness. We don’t exclude people based on politics, religion, or identity labels. We believe that respectful disagreement can deepen empathy. However, we ask all clients and providers to uphold our shared values of safety, dignity, and acceptance.

We stand against all forms of discrimination and oppression. Anyone whose actions harm others or violate those values may be asked to leave a session, group, or online space. Safe spaces are built through care, not control. And we all share the responsibility to protect them.

Key Principles

Consistent with our principles, we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming space where people of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, faiths, abilities, and backgrounds feel safe, heard, and supported.

Gender. We believe in the equal worth of all genders and are committed to empowering women as full equals—at home, in the workplace, and in leadership. We support equal access to caregiving roles and career opportunities, without limiting anyone to traditional gender roles.
Rather than reinforcing rigid expectations, we seek to deconstruct social stereotypes that can be limiting or harmful. While we do not require pronoun sharing across our practice, we respect and honor each person’s identity in ways that foster safety, dignity, and authenticity.
Race and Ethnicity. We support racial equity and cultural inclusion. While all lives are sacred, we acknowledge that society does not always treat people equally. We aim to affirm and value every person, especially those whose experiences have been shaped by racism or cultural bias.
Immigration Status. We welcome individuals and families regardless of immigration status. We recognize that migration can bring emotional, cultural, and legal challenges. Our role is to offer care—not judgment—so that every person can feel safe and supported, without fear of discrimination. We do not inquire about legal status, and we respect each individual’s right to seek healing and help.
Criminal History. We also do not discriminate based on past criminal records that are unrelated to present safety or trust. Everyone deserves a chance to grow, heal, and contribute with dignity.
Sexual Orientation. We recognize that people have deeply held beliefs about sexuality. While we hold our own values, we oppose bigotry and affirm the worth of LGBTQ+ individuals. We create space for respectful dialogue, compassion, and understanding across diverse convictions.
Sex Positive. We believe sexuality is a natural and meaningful part of life. Informed by Christian values of love and mutual respect, we promote healthy, honest, and consensual conversations about sex. This includes addressing topics like intimacy, communication, boundaries, and pleasure in a respectful and open way—free from shame or stigma.
Body Positive. We affirm the value of every body. While we support physical and emotional wellness, we reject harmful beauty standards and weight stigma. Body positivity is about honoring each person’s journey and promoting health with kindness and compassion.
Cultural Sensitivity. We know that mental health and relationship struggles don’t exist in a vacuum—they are shaped by family, culture, and community. That’s why we practice cultural humility, continually learning how to serve people from all backgrounds with empathy, curiosity, and respect.
Faith and Inclusion. We serve people of all faiths—or none at all.
- Our team is prepared to integrate faith into the counseling or coaching process when it's meaningful to the client. But we never impose beliefs, and we welcome people of every worldview and lifestyle.
- We aim to create a space where clients can explore their beliefs, values, and questions without fear of judgment or bias. We begin with acceptance, not agreement—and we honor your right to make meaning in a way that fits your life.

If Something Feels Off

We know that even in safe spaces, harm can still happen. If you feel uncomfortable, hurt, or unseen—even unintentionally—we want to hear from you.

Here are some ways to respond:

Talk to your provider privately. We welcome feedback and want to support you.
Speak up at the time or afterward. Your voice matters.
Address it in a group setting (if you feel comfortable).
Send anonymous feedback. We take all concerns seriously.
If needed, contact our licensing board (if you are a therapy client).
the state that you are in.

You should never feel that your experience is “too small” to bring up. If it matters to you, it matters to us.

Who We Are

HigherChange was founded by Dr. Thomas and Hannah Luttrell, who were inspired by the example of Jesus—especially his radical love, healing presence, and inclusive compassion. Jesus welcomed all people—regardless of background, belief, or circumstance—and that spirit of care continues to shape the heart of our work.

Our team includes professionals from a range of backgrounds, cultures, and faiths. While not all of our coaches and therapists share the same religious beliefs, we are united in our commitment to inclusion, empathy, and respect. What we share is a dedication to serving people with excellence, integrity, and kindness.

Our Commitment

We believe that diversity makes us stronger—and that healing happens best in spaces that feel inclusive, honest, and kind.

As people from different faith traditions, we are called to love across differences. As professionals, we are committed to serving the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—with compassion and care.

We’re not perfect. But we are listening, learning, and walking with every person who enters this space with courage and trust.

Together, we endeavor to build a community that celebrates the inherent worth and dignity of every person, fostering an atmosphere of acceptance, healing, and transformation. We strive to be a beacon of hope and healing, encouraging positive change in the lives of all those we serve.

This statement reflects the shared values and guiding vision of the HigherChange team.

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling, is a collaborative process between a trained therapist and an individual seeking support. It aims to explore thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and experiences to promote personal growth, emotional well-being, and address specific concerns. Psychotherapy encompasses various approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy, tailored to meet the individual's needs.
How long does psychotherapy last? How many sessions will I need?

The duration of psychotherapy varies depending on several factors, including the individual's goals, the complexity of their concerns, and their progress throughout the therapeutic process. Some individuals may benefit from short-term therapy, consisting of a few sessions or weeks, to address specific issues or provide immediate support. Long-term therapy may span several months or years, focusing on deeper exploration and ongoing personal development. The therapist and individual collaborate to determine the appropriate duration of therapy based on their unique circumstances. Sessions are typically scheduled to occur one time per week at the same time and day if possible. Your therapist may suggest a different amount of therapy depending on the nature and severity of your concerns. Your consistent attendance greatly contributes to a successful outcome. Due to the varying nature and severity of problems and the individuality of each client, we are unable to predict the length of your therapy or to guarantee a specific outcome or result. The length of your treatment depends on the specifics of your treatment plan and the progress you achieve. Most clients see their therapist once a week for 3 to 4 months. After that, they meet less often for several months. Therapy then usually comes to an end.
How do I find the right therapist for me?

Finding the right therapist involves considering several factors. It's important to seek a licensed and qualified therapist with expertise in the specific concerns you want to address. You can ask for recommendations from trusted sources, such as healthcare professionals or friends who have had positive experiences with therapy. Online directories and therapist matching platforms can also help you find therapists in your area. Additionally, it's crucial to feel comfortable and have a good rapport with your therapist, so scheduling an initial consultation or phone call to assess the fit is recommended.
Do you accept insurance?

For mental health issues, we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield and affiliates (CareFirst, Anthem, BCBS Federal Employee Program, etc.) and Cigna or Evernorth. HOWEVER, please note that to qualify for insurance benefits, therapy must be related to a mental health diagnosis, like anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc., that has medical necessity. Most insurance plans do not cover relationship or sexual issues. Yes, it is sad considering that these are often the primary drivers for mental health issues. Please do not ask us to bill your insurance for relationship or sexual issues without first contacting your insurance company to check to see if your plan covers it. (We don't want to keep asking them.) Also, we cannot make up a diagnosis either, as this is insurance fraud and can cost us our license and result in serious penalties. Plus, insurance companies occasionally audit psychotherapy notes to ensure that treatment is related to the reported diagnosis. You can always choose to skip insurance and pay for therapy out of pocket. This will maximize your privacy and widen your pool of therapists. Thank you for your understanding.
How much does therapy cost?

The cost depends on the type of service provided, who your provider is, and how long it lasts for. Please contact us for up-to-date rates. We also offer a 10% discount for online teletherapy sessions due. Sessions that exceed these times by more than 10 minutes will be billed accordingly in 15-minute increments. Additional charges also apply for sessions after office hours or on weekends. More information can be found in our informed consent document available upon request. All rates are in US dollars. Good Faith Estimate You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 985-3059.
Is psychotherapy confidential?

Confidentiality is a fundamental principle in psychotherapy. Therapists are legally and ethically bound to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the information shared during therapy sessions. However, there are a few exceptions to confidentiality, such as when there is a risk of harm to oneself or others, child or elder abuse, or when a court order requires the disclosure of information. Your therapist should explain their confidentiality policy and any exceptions during the initial sessions.
Do you offer virtual therapy and coaching sessions?

Yes! In addition to in-person appointments, HigherChange also provides online video conferencing sessions for both therapy and coaching. We use an encrypted video conferencing platform that we have a HIPAA-compliant relationship with. However, you will need a smartphone with a built-in camera or a computer with a webcam and microphone. (If booking a virtual therapy appointment, be sure to select "Telehealth for Maryland/California/Singapore" and specify where you live as the Location.)
Is therapy really beneficial?

The benefits of therapy have been demonstrated through research. People who are depressed may find their mood lifting. Others may no longer feel afraid, angry, or anxious. In therapy, people have a chance to talk things out fully until their feelings are relieved or the problems are solved. Your relationships and coping skills may improve greatly. You may get more satisfaction out of social and family relationships. Your personal goals and values may become clearer. You may grow in different areas of your life.
What if I can't make it to a scheduled appointment?

Apart from unpredictable emergencies like snow days or illness, we require a 48-hour notice for cancellation and rescheduling. Otherwise, you may be charged the full session fee at 100%, and this charge may not be covered by insurance. To reschedule an appointment, select Appointments > Existing clients in the menu bar and follow the instructions there. Alternatively, you can call or email us using the contact information at the bottom of the screen.