FAQs

Yes, I offer a free 15-minute consultation call to answer any questions you may have and assess therapeutic fit.

I work with individuals (including adults and children), families, and parents. I especially love working with teenagers.

I use a combination of person-centered therapy, interpersonal therapy, attachment-based therapy, emotionally focused therapy, solution focused therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Basically, I use the therapeutic relationship as a safe space to explore the past and current relationships in your life and how these contribute to your current thinking, emotions, and behaviors. We also identify and implement solutions that will help you meet your goals.

Yes, you must be located in California where I am licensed. We must also be a good therapeutic fit, including considering if my approach and skills are known to be effective for your concern.

My fee is $150 per session for individual therapy and $175 per session for family therapy. I am currently accepting Aetna and Kern Legacy insurance. I do not accept any other insurance at this time, but I can provide a super bill to submit to your insurance company for potential out of network insurance coverage. Check with your plan to see if they accept super bills. All fees are due on the day of service. I require a credit card on file.

Choosing to work with me as a private pay therapist offers several benefits to my clients:

Increased Flexibility and Choice: As a private pay therapist, I have the freedom to tailor our sessions to meet your specific needs without the limitations imposed by insurance panels. This allows for more personalized and effective therapy, as we can focus on what matters most to you. Freedom in the type(s), availability, and duration of treatment, including longer sessions, multiple weekly sessions, in-home sessions, video sessions, and public exposures, all designed to address your specific needs.

Expedited Access to Care: As a private pay client, you have the advantage of receiving services promptly without worrying about the lengthy approval process and administrative hassles imposed by insurance companies. This means you can start therapy sooner and receive the support you need without unnecessary delays.

Enhanced Privacy and Confidentiality: As a private pay therapist, your privacy and confidentiality are prioritized. Since we do not have to involve insurance companies, your personal information remains securely within our therapeutic relationship. Insurance companies often limit coverage to services deemed "medically necessary," which can restrict the scope of your care. Additionally, utilizing insurance necessitates a mental health diagnosis being documented in your permanent health record. As a private pay therapist, your sessions and progress stay between us.

Customized Treatment Approach: Without the constraints imposed by insurance requirements, we can explore a broader range of therapeutic modalities and techniques that best align with your unique goals and preferences. This flexibility allows for a more tailored and effective treatment experience.

Seamless Payment Process: Working with me as a private pay therapist means you have a streamlined and hassle-free payment process. With a credit card on file, you don't need to worry about submitting claims or waiting for reimbursement. Payments are automatically processed, allowing you to focus solely on your therapeutic journey.

It's important to carefully consider what approach best suits your needs when deciding whether to work with me as a private pay therapist or utilize insurance coverage. By weighing the benefits of personalized care, privacy, and streamlined payment against potential insurance restrictions, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your unique circumstances and goals.

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges. 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. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. 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

I currently provide services in person a select number of days per month and online via HIPAA compliant video platform. Research shows online therapy is just as effective as in person therapy. It offers convenience and accessibility.

I require that clients give at least 24-hour notice to reschedule or cancel appointments. This is to ensure adequate time to schedule another client in your time slot if you cancel. If not cancelled within 24 hours, a charge equal to the original cost of the session will be charged to the card on file. As a courtesy, everybody receives one, “freebie,” late cancel to account for emergencies and unexpected sickness.

During the first several sessions, I will gather information regarding symptoms, current functioning, and history. I will get to know your family, help you identify goals for therapy, and explore and identify your child’s strengths; resources; support; and coping skills that will aid in reaching the goals. We will make a solid plan to help achieve these goals. I aim to provide a comfortable, emotionally safe environment for self-exploration.

More information coming soon! I am considering offering parent education and support groups, teen support groups, and post-partum support groups. If you’re interested in these services, please check the group therapy box on the contact form so I can be aware of community need and interest. Thank you!

Everyone’s situation is unique and may require a different length of treatment. Some people engage in therapy for a short period of time and others for much longer. Most often, people begin meeting with me weekly and adjust frequency as progress is made. Additionally, I prefer that all my clients meet with me at least once a month to monitor progress and stay on track.

I charge $150 an hour for clinical supervision and $120 an hour for clinical consultation.

I have 10-years experience working with kids, parents, and families in a community mental health setting. I have worked with a variety of populations and presenting issues, including dysfunctional family dynamics, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD, psychosis, ADHD, disruptive disorders, etc. I have expertise in high needs/high risk cases and preventing and managing crises.