Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of my practice policies. These are here for your information, and to help us create healthy boundaries for a successful therapeutic experience.
How do I set up an appointment?
For an initial appointment, please schedule a free 15 minute initial consultation to share a little bit about what you’re coming into therapy for and to make sure we’re a good fit for each other. If it seems like a match, we'll proceed with scheduling your first therapy session.
How often will I have therapy sessions?
I'll reserve the same day and time for you weekly. Therapy works best when this weekly session is held as consistently as possible. This helps build trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship and keeps the momentum going so that you get the most out of your sessions. Therapy requires your active involvement. It requires your time, effort, and regular attendance. Some clients finish therapy, then return months or years later for a "tune up" or to deal with a new issue.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Scheduling an appointment involves the reservation of time specifically for you. If you are unable to keep your appointment please cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours of the appointment time will be subject to the full session fee. Insurance companies do not reimburse for missed sessions. Cancellations and schedule changes can be done conveniently through the client portal.
What is online therapy?
Online therapy is an accessible, effective, and convenient way to receive psychotherapy. I use SimplePractice, a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform that makes online therapy simple and secure, and has an interface that makes it feel almost like a traditional therapy session. You must reside in California and be physically located in California during therapy sessions to do online therapy with me. Online therapy is an integral part of my practice. There may be times during the course of your therapy that I'm only available for online sessions. If you are not comfortable with the idea of online therapy, we may not be a good fit for each other. Online therapy is not for psychiatric emergencies.
What is your fee?
My fee is $190 per individual therapy session (50 minutes). Payments are due by credit card at each session, and are generally billed automatically through my practice management software unless we make other arrangements in advance.
Will my insurance reimburse for therapy?
I do not work directly with insurance companies. However, I understand that for some people using insurance makes therapy more accessible. If you have a PPO plan that allows you to use an Out of Network provider, I can provide you with a Superbill which you can submit to your insurance company to get partial to full reimbursement for therapy services. This works really well for many of my clients.
Check your coverage by calling the number on the back of your card and getting answers to the following questions:
It is your responsibility to speak with your insurance company to insure that your insurance provider will reimburse you for services.
Check your coverage by calling the number on the back of your card and getting answers to the following questions:
- Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
- Do I have a deductible?
- What is my deductible and has it been met for this calendar year?
- Are there any limitations on my coverage (i.e., number of sessions, specific diagnoses, etc.)?
- Is pre-authorization required from my primary care physician?
- What percentage of my (out-of-network) therapist's fees will be reimbursed?
- Does my insurance cover teletherapy sessions?
It is your responsibility to speak with your insurance company to insure that your insurance provider will reimburse you for services.
What if I have privacy concerns?
If you are concerned about your privacy and being given a mental health disorder diagnosis, you may want to pay for therapy out of pocket and not seek reimbursement from your insurance. This option provides you assurance that your personal data and the details of your therapy will not be shared with an insurance company and be in a permanent electronic health record. Knowing that you do not have to receive a mental health disorder diagnosis and be pathologized for seeking help is also often a relief. When you pay for therapy yourself, your complete privacy is assured within the limits of state and federal laws.
Ready to get started?
Online therapy is not for crisis situations or psychiatric emergencies. If you are experiencing an immediate mental health crisis, call the free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at (800) 273-8255.