Fees & Frequently Asked Questions

Initial Consultation (up to 15 min): $0

Standard Session (55-60 min): $275

Yes! I offer reduced fees for clients who may be facing financial hardship. This option is available for those who may not be able to afford the full session fee due to circumstances such as low income, unemployment, or other financial constraints. If it makes sense for your needs, we can also consider alternatives like meeting every other week to help lower costs. I am committed to working together to find a solution that allows you to receive the support you need. If you have questions about fees or need to discuss financial concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Yes, I do offer evening hours. I understand that demanding schedules can make it difficult to commit to therapy during regular business hours, so I aim to provide flexible options that fit your needs. If you’re balancing work, family, or other responsibilities, evening appointments can be a great way to make therapy more accessible.

Everyone experiences negative feelings and periods of stress. It’s a good time to seek professional help when you have difficulty managing emotions or if your emotional state is interfering with your functioning at school, work, your relationships, or how you see yourself.

However, therapy isn't just for addressing problems; it can also be a valuable resource for personal growth, self-awareness and self-discovery. It’s enough to want therapy…to want to understand yourself better, to safely explore your thoughts and feelings, to have an hour that is just yours where you express yourself in a safe, confidential space and not have to take care of anyone but you.

Need motivation? Ask yourself which is scarier: seeking professional help or life continuing on as is.

You are worth the time and investment.

This is such an important question. Often, people may know that they need help but it’s important to consider the following factors to see if you are ready to engage in the therapeutic process:

Willingness to be introspective: You’re open to exploring your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. You value gaining self-insight and are ready to delve into your inner world.

Willingness to challenge yourself: You’re willing to step outside your comfort zone and confront your fears, limiting beliefs, and patterns of behavior. You acknowledge that growth and change require taking risks and embracing new perspectives.

Commitment to personal growth: You’re motivated to make positive changes in your life. You may have been encouraged by a loved one to get help, but you are doing this for yourself. You want to overcome obstacles, improve your well-being, and enhance your overall quality of life.

Recognition of the financial and time requirements: You understand that therapy involves a financial and time commitment. You’re willing to invest the necessary resources to prioritize your mental health and personal development.

Openness to the therapeutic process: It takes a bit of a leap of faith to start therapy. You embrace the therapeutic process and you’re receptive to guidance, feedback, and exploring new perspectives and strategies.

I am a private pay therapist which means I do not accept insurance. I do not participate in any insurance network. I do not bill insurance companies, communicate with insurance companies, or accept payment from insurance companies. If desired, I can provide you with a Superbill for you to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement (see FAQ What is a Superbill for more info).

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.

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.

A superbill is a detailed receipt I provide that includes the dates of your sessions, fees, and specific codes that insurance companies require for reimbursement. You would then submit this superbill to your insurance for potential reimbursement. Keep in mind that to qualify for reimbursement, insurance companies often require a mental health diagnosis. The amount you may receive back depends on your out-of-network benefits, which you can check with your insurance provider.

Should you decide to utilize your insurance, here are some key questions to help you understand your out-of-network coverage. Contact your insurance company to ask the following questions (make sure to have your policy details handy, and don’t hesitate to ask for clear answers to ensure you have a full understanding of your benefits): 

1. Does my plan cover out-of-network mental health services?

2. What percentage of out-of-network costs does my insurance cover, and is there a deductible?

3. Do I need a referral or prior authorization for out-of-network mental health services?

4. Are there any session limits or other restrictions for out-of-network therapy coverage?

5. Does my insurance cover virtual therapy sessions?

6. How do I submit claims for out-of-network services, and what documentation is required?

For ease and efficiency, a credit or debit card is kept securely on file and automatically billed on the same day as your session. I accept all major credit cards as well as most HSA and FSA cards.

This streamlines the payment process and allows us to focus fully on your therapy rather than payment logistics.

If you have any questions about payment procedures, please feel free to ask prior to scheduling.

In your living room. Or car. Or office. Anywhere you have privacy and good wifi. I only offer virtual or phone sessions.

Telehealth therapy offers a modern and accessible path to healing, growth, and self-discovery. From the comfort and convenience of your own space, we will connect in real-time via video sessions or phone calls. Telehealth therapy saves you time, money, energy, gas. And hey, no parking hassles.

You will need a reliable internet connection, a device (like a computer, tablet, or smartphone) and privacy. If your pet brings you comfort, I encourage you to have it nearby. You might get occasional glimpses of my 3 furbabies.

Optimize our video calls by:

Good lighting: Please position yourself in a well-lit space or use a light source in front of you. This helps to ensure clear visibility and enhances our connection.

Keep your camera steady: Use a device stand, tripod, or lean your phone against something stable to hold your camera. This helps with the quality of our video calls and ensures an uninterrupted therapeutic experience. Also, a steady camera prevents me from getting motion sickness. :)

Sit in a quiet environment: Choose a quiet and private location where you can freely express yourself without interruptions or distractions.

Consider using headphones or earbuds: These can improve audio quality and ensure confidentiality during our sessions.

I cannot conduct sessions while you’re driving.

It’s a good question and a difficult one to answer until we get to know each other better and clarify your goals and objectives. I usually recommend planning for 3 - 6 months. Depending on what you want to accomplish, some people require more and others less. I have extensive experience in providing both long and short-term therapy.

Totally normal to feel nervous and awkward! People usually find that the hardest part is making the initial call and the first appointment. However, it may surprise you how quickly you’re able to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. And growth happens when we are uncomfortable. In truth, it takes courage to seek help.

Most don’t regret that they initiated services; they regret that they didn’t start sooner.

When you book a session with me, I reserve that specific time slot just for you and I’m counting on you to be there. Consistency is key for effective therapy, and frequent cancellations disrupts the treatment process.

Therefore, I have a 48 hour cancellation policy. You can cancel or reschedule (provided I have availability) an appointment if you provide at least 48 hours’ notice. If you cancel an appointment with less than 48 hours’ notice, or fail to show up, you will be charged the full session fee. Exceptions are made for emergencies.

If you find that you are unable to commit to your appointment time, let’s talk about some good alternatives.

I wholeheartedly believe and have experienced the profound impact of virtual therapy and the strength of human connection across distances. Online therapy is a highly effective and convenient form of therapy that delivers outcomes comparable to traditional in-person therapy. It also gives me the opportunity to work with individuals across the state of California. My busy clients appreciate that virtual sessions enable them to easily fit therapy into their hectic schedules while still receiving the support they need.

However, it's important to note that certain situations may not be suitable for online therapy and would be better served in-person.

Online therapy may not be suitable for individuals:

• Currently experiencing or frequently facing crises and emergencies.

• Requiring substantial safety and stabilization work.

• Needing significant case management services or regular support beyond therapy sessions.

• Facing a significant risk of self-harm or harm to others.

• Individuals who prefer working face-to-face.

I am dedicated to ensuring your safety and well-being, and if your circumstances fall into these categories, I will work with you to explore alternative options that best meet your needs.