Frequently Asked Questions

An initial 20-minute consult via phone is free of charge. During this conversation, you will let me know about your circumstances. Then we will discuss how I might help—whether meeting for a first session, or providing you with referrals to appropriate resources. I provide therapy both in-person and via telehealth, and we can talk about what would work best for your situation. The in-person setting emphasizes the protection of your privacy and offers easy parking.

I work with adult individuals and couples, and at times when appropriate, also with families. My approach is always tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the individual patient or couple. My therapeutic orientation draws from a rich compendium of psychodynamic, Jungian, somatic-based, and trauma-informed training.

While many therapists offer 45-50 minute sessions, I provide a full 60-minutes so that you have more time to settle into the conversation. Upon request, longer sessions are available and they are sometimes favored by couples in particular.

The law protects the confidential relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and your information cannot be disclosed without written permission. Under California state law, there are mandated exceptions to confidentiality in psychotherapy. These specific instances are as follows:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, which I am required by law to report to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a patient threatens serious bodily harm to another person/s during our session, I am required by law to notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety and care. If they do not cooperate, I must take further measures without their permission that are required by law in order to protect their safety.
• If you have questions about confidentiality, please let me know. 

The office will gladly prepare a superbill to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. As a small private practice, I am an out-of-network provider and do not process claims for patients. Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please determine your coverage by asking the questions below. 

• Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
• What is my deductible and has it been met?
• How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
• Is approval required from my primary care physician?

If you cannot show up for a scheduled therapy appointment, I request that you notify the office by text or phone call within a full 24 hours prior. If this prior notice is not given, the full cost of the session is due, as late cancellations prevent others from access to limited session times.

The hourly fee is $250 for individual sessions and $275 for couples. Fees are due on the day of appointment. This practice reserves several sliding scale places for low-income individuals. If these spots are full at the time of your inquiry, and financial hardship has prevented you from accessing therapy, I will provide referrals to respected low-fee community clinics.