FAQs & Fees
Q: How much does therapy with you cost?
A: My fee for psychotherapy is comparable to other licensed psychotherapists in the Bay Area for 50-minute individual therapy sessions*. I have a small sliding scale that we can discuss if you feel you are unable to pay my full fee. For people with fewer resources, I will try my best to help you find a clinic that is within your price range. This would typically be with a training clinic, Access Institute for Psychological Services, or someone that offers a lower fee sliding scale.
Please note below about how you can get your sessions reimbursed by your insurance.
*You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 985-3059.
Q: Do you take insurance?
A: I personally do not contract with insurance companies but I am able to provide something called a “superbill” for you. You can submit it to your insurance after sessions for partial reimbursement if you have a PPO plan. PPO plans typically reimburse a minimum of 50% of the fee. You are responsible for paying for sessions upfront and submitting the paperwork that I give you. Please call your insurance provider before we meet to verify what their reimbursement policy is for "out-of-network" providers and to find out where to send the form. Many take "out of network” providers along with superbills. I provide a "superbill" for the majority of my clients.
Q: Where can I see you?
I am currently seeing clients remotely via telehealth. This can be with anyone within the confines of California and Oregon.
Q: I want to know more!
A: Fill out the form on my website, email me, or call me to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. During this 15-minute conversation, I can answer any questions you have, hear a little more about your situation and schedule our first intake session. If we both don’t mutually feel like this is a good fit, I have a vast referral base and can direct you elsewhere.
Q: How do I know if we are a good fit?
A: It varies for each person. When finding a therapist, its important to make sure you feel comfortable with them, feel like they are hearing your needs and wants and that you feel safe in their space and around them. My biggest piece of advice when looking for a therapist is to use your own judgement and trust your gut!
Q: Do you have a cancellation policy?
A: Yes, and it’s 48 hours. If we have a session and you cancel within the 48 hour scheduled session, or do not show up for the session, you are responsible to pay the full fee. I make exceptions for various emergencies.
Q: Do you offer Telehealth (online) therapy?
A: Yes! I feel lucky that both myself and the clients I work with in this modality still have felt extremely comfortable, connected, and able to be vulnerable despite not being the room together. I use HIPAA compliant video conferencing (Doxy.me). A benefit of Telehealth is not having to worry about parking or travel time, however, this service isn’t always a great fit for everyone. If this is an option you are looking at, we can discuss it and decide together.
Q: What is the difference between COACHING vs PSYCHOTHERAPY?
A: Coaching is a more action-oriented approach, whereas therapy can focus also on the “why” certain behavior patterns occur. Coaching is also able to be done with clients that are across state lines if appropriate, Psychotherapy is able to be done anywhere within the state the therapist is licensed in. Coaching is not reimbursed by insurance, whereas psychotherapy can sometimes be reimbursed by insurance.
Typical topics one would coach around would be: Dating and Relationships, Friendships, Transition, Parenting, Communication, and Life Skills. Psychotherapy can cover these topics as well, but would most likely go into more past experiences around them vs. current. Both Coaching and Psychotherapy would work on skills, strategy, problem-solving, and follow-through on the topics that come up. Goals and homework are a big part of coaching and psychotherapy.
Q: I just booked a session with you and I'm a little bit nervous about coming in, what can I expect?
A: That is totally normal. It can be nerve-wracking to come see someone that you have never met before, where it is "expected" to share any struggles you feel comfortable sharing. When you get to my office, you will be offered tea and you can ease into the session however you would like. Below are photos of my office so you can picture yourself there!
