It's great that you brought this question up! Though, it sure does seem like she gave you a convoluted answer that is perhaps giving you the message not to call. I would definitely re-ask your question and pose it more in the sense of "When is it OK to contact you outside of sessions?" Some therapists will say "Only if you are 'in crisis,'" but then you have to agree on a definition of "crisis." Each therapist I've had has been slightly different in his/her rules about email, phone calls, (and with my current one I can text). If it is very important to you to have someone who can be reached outside of sessions, you should let her know this and work on reaching a solution that feels OK to both of you.

Some therapists set limits based on the client--i.e., if he/she feels that it is more damaging for one's particular issues to be able to call/email. However, you are free to disagree with this and perhaps it would be a reason to look for a new T. There is no one right way for contact outside of sessions - it needs to work for BOTH the client and the therapist (sometimes a compromise). My previous T NEVER would call or email me back and it was disastrous and led to panic attacks and compulsive behaviors. But fortunately I found one who does allow interaction outside of sessions and I'm doing much better. Good luck!