Therapy FAQ & Payment Information

We'll start with a free 15 minute consultation to discuss what you're looking for in therapy and answer any questions you might have. If it feels like a good fit, we'll schedule our first session at the end of the consultation call.

The initial consultation gives us both an opportunity to get to know each other a bit and determine if we'll work well together. It's completely free and carries no obligation to continue.

You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation by:

• Calling me directly at (925) 683-8911
• Emailing me at [email protected]
• Using the contact form on this website

Please include your preferred days/times for the consultation, and I'll respond within 24-48 hours to confirm our appointment.

Our first session is primarily focused on getting to know you and your current challenges. We'll discuss what brings you to therapy, your background, your goals, and what you hope to achieve through our work together.

I'll also explain more about my approach to therapy, answer any questions you have, and we'll begin to develop a collaborative treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. The first session is an opportunity for us to establish a foundation for our therapeutic relationship.

Initial sessions are typically 55 minutes long.

Most clients begin with weekly sessions, as this provides consistent support and momentum for the therapeutic process. As you progress and achieve your goals, we may decide together to transition to bi-weekly or monthly sessions.

The frequency of our sessions will be based on your individual needs, goals, and circumstances. We'll regularly review our schedule to ensure it continues to serve you effectively.

The duration of therapy varies greatly depending on your specific goals, the complexity of the issues you're addressing, and your personal pace of growth and healing. Some clients achieve their goals within a few months, while others benefit from longer-term therapy.

We'll regularly review your progress and adjust our approach as needed. I believe in providing therapy that is responsive to your changing needs, and I'm committed to supporting you for as long as it's beneficial.

Ultimately, the decision about when to end therapy is yours, and I'll support you in making that transition when you feel ready.

Yes, I offer both in-person sessions in Monterey, CA and virtual therapy sessions throughout California.

Virtual sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. Many clients find virtual therapy to be just as effective as in-person sessions, with the added convenience of eliminating travel time and providing more flexibility in scheduling.

We can discuss which format would work best for your specific situation during our initial consultation.

I integrate multiple evidence-based therapeutic approaches to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. My primary approaches include:

• Internal Family Systems (IFS): As an IFS Level One-Trained clinician, I help clients identify and heal different "parts" of themselves that may be carrying burdens from past experiences.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that influence emotions and behaviors.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Emphasizes skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
• Person-Centered Therapy: Honors your inherent wisdom and capacity for growth while providing empathetic, non-judgmental support.

I also practice from a Health at Every Size® perspective, particularly when working with eating disorders and body image concerns.

My current therapy session rates are:

• 55-minute session: $175
• 90-minute session: $255
• Initial consultation: Free (15 minutes)

Payment is due at the time of service. I accept various payment methods including cash, credit/debit cards, and electronic payments (Zelle).

I do not currently accept insurance directly. However, I can provide you with a monthly superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits.

A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes all the information insurance companies typically require for reimbursement, such as service codes, diagnosis codes, and provider information.

I recommend contacting your insurance provider before beginning therapy to ask about their out-of-network mental health benefits, including:

• Whether they cover out-of-network mental health services
• What percentage of the fee they reimburse
• Whether you have a deductible to meet first
• What documentation they require for reimbursement

I'm happy to answer any questions about the superbill process during our initial consultation.

Yes, I have several sliding scale spots available for clients experiencing financial hardship. These spots are limited and are offered based on current availability and need.

If cost is a barrier to you receiving therapy, please let me know during our initial consultation, and we can discuss whether a sliding scale rate might be an option for you.

I'm committed to making quality mental health care accessible while also maintaining a sustainable practice.

I accept the following payment methods:

• Cash
• Credit/debit cards
• Electronic payments (Zelle)

Payment is expected at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

I require 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged the full session fee, except in cases of emergency or illness.

I understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, and I'm willing to discuss exceptions to this policy on a case-by-case basis. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact me as soon as possible.

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the therapeutic relationship. What you share in our sessions remains private, with a few important exceptions required by law and ethics:

• If there is suspected child, elder, or dependent adult abuse
• If you present an imminent danger to yourself or others
• If I receive a court order requiring disclosure of information

I will always prioritize your privacy and will only share information when legally required to do so or with your explicit written consent. We can discuss any concerns about confidentiality during our initial consultation.

You can reach me by phone or email between sessions for brief communications such as scheduling changes or urgent concerns. I typically respond within 24-48 hours during business days.

Please note that email is not considered a secure form of communication, so I recommend limiting email content to scheduling and non-clinical matters.

If you're experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), go to your nearest emergency room, or call 911. I am not available for crisis services outside of scheduled sessions.