What is your fee?
My current session rate for individuals is $150/50 minutes. I encourage longer sessions for couples and offer those at the prorated rate of $225/75m.
If I’m not able to accommodate you due to cost I will do my best to provide referrals to low-fee clinics and other resources that may meet your needs.
Do you take insurance?
I am not on any insurance panels and am considered an out-of-network provider. Many insurance companies reimburse for out-of-network psychotherapy. Plans and coverage vary so you may want to make a specific inquiry with your insurance company to be certain you are covered.
If you have FSA or HSA benefits, I am able to accept them as a form of payment just like a regular credit or debit card.
Payment is due in full at the time of each session, and I can provide you with a monthly statement with the required information to submit a claim to your insurance company. The insurance company may then reimburse you directly. This is more likely if you have a PPO or POS plan. HMOs usually restrict you to in-network providers.
When you call to inquire about benefits with your insurance here is some information you will likely want to clarify:
-Do they reimburse for out-of-network psychotherapy?
-Do they reimburse for services provided by registered Associate MFTs?
If the answer to both questions is "yes", you may want to ask about your deductible and how much they reimburse for each session.
How long does therapy take?
The length of time someone is in psychotherapy depends on many factors. These include the reason for seeking therapy, motivation to change, and your unique needs.
I meet with clients once a week for 50 minutes unless we decide that meeting more frequently or for longer sessions would be helpful.
The length of therapy is different for each person, but ultimately it's up to you. I work collaboratively and strive to empower my clients to make the best decisions for themselves in all aspects of their lives. This includes their treatment.
I usually suggest new clients meet with me three times for an initial assessment. Just as in any relationship, fit is important. These initial meetings are an opportunity for you to see if we feel like a good fit and for me to get a sense of whether or not I am able to help with what brings you in. If we decide to work together, treatment may last anywhere from a few months to years.
Sometimes people come into therapy for a specific symptom, like depression due to a short term circumstance, and choose to conclude treatment when that symptom is resolved. Other times people seek support to change longer term patterns in troubling feelings, relationships, and behaviors. Often, people find renewed clarity and purpose as they continue in therapy. New goals emerge, the work deepens, and even more fulfilling and lasting changes can be accomplished.
Is what I say in therapy confidential?
Yes, with a few exceptions. I take confidentiality very seriously and will protect your information to the best of my ability under California law.
What you say in therapy is legally protected from being shared with anyone except in the following situations. These are the circumstances in which therapists are required to take action in accordance with mandated reporting laws.
If there is reason to believe you intend to commit serious harm to yourself or another person(s).
If there is reason to believe that children or elders are being abused or are in positions where there has been abuse and it is likely to happen again. This includes physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse. -If a client discloses previous childhood abuse, that is protected by confidentiality, unless an abuser is likely still hurting others.
A court or judiciary body requires a therapist to disclose your information. -This situation is unusual and I will fight for your rights to privacy.
Confidentiality and privacy are elements that work to make therapy safer than other situations. A sense of safety and security is key to encouraging healing and true self-reflection. Confidentiality even includes preventing me from letting anyone know that I am your therapist or that we work together. If you want to share with someone that you are in therapy that's your choice, and one you have the right to make for yourself.
If you and I both think it would be helpful, I am happy to collaborate with a prescribing mental health provider or other third party on your care. In these cases I will need your written consent before proceeding.