Have questions about what it’s like to work together?
Check out these frequently asked questions. If you don’t see your question below, click here to get in touch.
Where are you located? |
I'm a San Francisco based Complex Trauma therapist. Many of my clients are in the San Francisco Bay Area. I offer online therapy throughout California, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, & Vermont.
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Do you offer in person sessions? |
I'm currently Telehealth only, but this could change. Please inquire if you're interested in office-based therapy.
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How does online therapy work? |
On your end, it'll look like any other Zoom call. I use HIPAA-secure Zoom Pro for Healthcare to protect your confidentiality and privacy.
Online therapy is just as effective as office-based therapy, and it offers more convenience and flexibility in the following ways:
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What are your fees? |
My fee is $225 per 45 minute individual therapy session and $325 per 50 minute couples therapy session.
I adjust my fees annually to keep up with inflation and cost of living increases, and provide at least 30 days advance notice to my ongoing clients. |
Do you take insurance? |
I'm an out-of-network provider, meaning I don't bill insurance directly. Many PPO insurance plans will reimburse you for some portion of therapy. I can provide you with a monthly receipt (called a superbill) to submit to your insurance company to make that happen.
You can also use a Health Savings Account to pay for therapy. If you plan to seek insurance reimbursement, please contact your provider in advance to learn more about their policies for out-of-network mental health services. Some questions to ask are:
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What's your cancellation policy? |
Sessions are generally held at the same time every week. If you need to cancel, please provide 1 week notice to avoid being charged the full session fee. If you have to cancel last minute, you have the option to reschedule for another time during the week (availability for reschedules is not guaranteed). No-shows and late cancellations with less than one week's notice are charged the full session fee to the credit card on file regardless of the reason.
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What's your availability? |
I see clients Monday through Thursday between 9am and 3pm Pacific time. I don't accommodate requests for sessions outside of these times. I'm not available on Fridays, evenings, or weekends.
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How long do I need to be in therapy? |
How long you choose to stay in therapy is up to you. Due to the nature of my Relational & Complex Trauma (C-PTSD) speciality, the work tends to be more long-term oriented. Generally, my clients continue to meet weekly for at least a few years in order to see lasting changes.
I'm a firm believer in life-long growth and healing if you come from a dysfunctional family background. Many find that having an ongoing therapeutic relationship is critical for their self-care longer-term. Some find it helpful to meet on an ongoing basis indefinitely. Some taper to biweekly or monthly sessions. And others schedule regular maintenance sessions as needed. |
What's your background and experience? |
I've been in the mental health field for 20 years. My entry into the field began with facilitating bereavement and chronic/terminal illness support groups. I also ran anger management groups and court-mandated domestic violence groups for women. I started counseling one-on-one at Planned Parenthood in 2004.
These early experiences shaped my understanding of how formative relationships disrupt our ability to engage in healthy relationships with oneself and others, and the healing potential of therapy. I opened my private practice in 2008, one year prior to obtaining full licensure in 2009. I maintain a small-by-design, highly-specialized private practice focused on Relational and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD) and therapy for therapists in the San Francisco Bay Area & online throughout California, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, and Vermont. You can learn more about my background and approach here. |
Do you prescribe medication? |
As a licensed psychotherapist, I do not prescribe medication. If you believe medication could be a helpful component to your therapeutic work, I'm happy to process this possibility with you. I can also provide referrals to psychiatrists that prescribe medication.
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Do you offer a free consultation? |
Yes - click the orange "Schedule" button on any page to self-schedule from my current available openings. No email or phone tag required!
If you don't see a time that works for you, send me a message and I'd be happy to answer your questions via email. |
What can I expect during my first appointment? |
During your first appointment, we'll discuss your background, current concerns, and reasons for seeking therapy. We'll review confidentiality, fees, and scheduling policies. Additionally, we'll begin to explore your goals for therapy and any immediate concerns you may have. Our initial session will focus on building rapport and creating a safe space for you to share your experiences.
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What if we're not a good fit? |
If we determine that we're not a good fit during the initial session or subsequent sessions, I will provide appropriate referrals to other qualified therapists or resources better suited to your needs. It's essential to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and supported. Your well-being and progress are the top priorities, and we'll work together to ensure you receive the best possible care.
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What is a Good Faith Estimate? |
As of January 1, 2022, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. The "Good Faith Estimate” explains how much your medical and mental health care will cost. It will be included in your initial intake documents. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
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I specialize in therapy for lasting change. |
Diverse populations are always welcome in my practice, including all cultures, sexual orientations, genders, and relationship structures.
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