What will the first session be like?
The first session will feel more like an interview since I will be asking you a lot of questions about multiple areas of your life and trying to get clarity on your needs and goals. At the end of the first session, we will work together to decide on the goals for counseling and outline the initial treatment approach.
Am I a good fit for tele-therapy?
Tele-therapy can be a great alternative to in-person counseling services and only requires a stable internet connection, video session compatible device (computer/smart phone/tablet), and a safe, private space.
However, tele-therapy may be inappropriate for anyone who finds themselves in crisis or severe distress (persistent and intense suicidal thoughts, current self-harm behaviors, psychosis, recent mental health hospitalizations, or safety concerns due to disordered eating or substance use).
I work with adults of all gender identities, religious beliefs, and cultural backgrounds.
Who do you work with?
Will my information remain private?
Therapy is confidential. In order to feel comfortable sharing your struggles and experiences, you need to feel confident that your information is kept private. Psychologists are legally and ethically responsible for maintaining your confidentiality. However, there are a few instances where psychologists need to break confidentiality without your consent in order to keep you or others safe. You can read more about your privacy rights by reviewing my Notice of Privacy Practices.
How do I set up an appointment?
The first step is to schedule a free 15 minute consultation through email, phone, or completing the contact form. Once we have had a conversation and decided whether or not we would work well together, I will send information for completing initial paperwork and the link for our first session.
Sessions are held over a HIPAA-compliant video tele-health platform. This means that you can attend sessions from anywhere as long as you have a stable internet connection, computer/tablet/smart phone, and are in a private, safe location within California.
Where are sessions located?
What are your hours?
Tuesday - Thursday, 10am to 3pm.
How much will it cost?
I offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss whether I would be a good fit for your needs. The fee for a 75-minute intake appointment is $250 and the fee for a 50-minute individual therapy session is $200. Sessions are usually scheduled on a weekly basis.
Do you take insurance?
I am an in-network provider for Aetna health insurance. For all other insurance providers, I am an out-of-network provider and can provide a “superbill” (itemized receipt of services) that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits. Please note, you will be responsible for the full fee at the end of each session and reimbursement will be determined by your insurance provider. Please contact your health insurance provider for more information and to verify your benefits.
Do you have a sliding fee scale?
I have a few spots reserved for reduced cost services based on a sliding fee scale. If you would like to join the waitlist to be considered for a reduced fee please let me know in the contact form. Please be aware, a brief therapy model may be used with reduced fee clients.
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical 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 bill for medical items and services.
● You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services.
● Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or 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.
What is a “Good Faith Estimate?”
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, I ask that you do so 24 hours in advance. If you do not cancel with 24 hours notice, you will be charged a late cancellation fee.