I can’t afford your fee. Do you offer a sliding scale?

Yes, I offer a limited number of privilege-based sliding scale appointments; priority goes to Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+, and other individuals marginalized by our current society.

What form of payment do you take?

I accept cash, check, credit card or HSA.

Do you take insurance? 

I currently do not take insurance at this time.  However, I will gladly provide you with a superbill (an invoice showing dates and charges of services) that you may submit to a third party.

If you intend to seek reimbursement from your health insurance company, you are advised to contact them prior to our first session to ask them the following questions:

• What is my deductible?

• What is my co-payment?

• How many sessions will be covered?

• What percentage of my bill will be reimbursed for services provided by an out-of-network provider?

For more info about insurance, this article answers many frequently asked questions.

How often do we meet?

Usually once a week; however, I see some clients several times per week, and others every other week or once a month. I’m happy to work with you around your schedule, and to meet your needs.

What happens in the first session?

I usually start with new clients by explaining a few things about how I work:

• First, I ask how the lighting is and how the furniture is arranged, and if you would like to make any adjustments. Additionally, I keep a variety of blankets, pillows, and fidget toys to be used as needed.

• I explain that this is not the place to worry about making sense, being politically correct, or being polite -- this is a safe space, free from judgment, where you can feel comfortable expressing whatever you need.

• I ask questions to understand why you're here and how I can best help you, but I encourage you to tell me what feels relevant to you, even if I don't ask it. If you're not yet ready to talk about something, that's perfectly fine too. We'll go at your pace.

• I encourage you to ask me any questions you'd like (at any time during our work together). I like to work transparently, and I'll often tell you why I'm asking a particular question or what I'm thinking/feeling while listening to you. I’ll also encourage you to ask me anything you’d like to know about me. I’m very open with clients, so feel free to ask who I am other than a therapist.

What happens after the first session?

I encourage clients to "therapist shop" -- to meet / speak with multiple therapists before deciding which feels like "the best fit." (For more info, see my blog "7 Things to Consider When Choosing a Therapist").

Many therapists offer brief in person / phone consultations to "try someone out." Don't hesitate to ask for this! I offer a free consultation (via phone or in person).

If you decide to continue with me, here are some things you can expect:

• If you come in with something already on your mind, we'll start there. But if you have no idea what you want to talk about, not to worry. I'll ask you questions until we find something you want to discuss. My clients often say they appreciate this about me, instead of therapists who are more quiet and wait for the client to talk. I’m innately curious and direct, so I can ask a lot of questions to help you figure out what you want to explore.

• There might be tears, anger, confusion, numbness, emotions so confusing you don’t even know what they are. Therapy isn’t always easy, but I can assure you we will likely also laugh, share fun stories, and joke around. I welcome all emotions, and especially appreciate sarcastic humor.

• We might spend the whole time talking, or do some combination of things like:

  • sand tray: I have a large tray of sand and a huge assortment of miniatures, which you use to construct your own microcosm. The scene created acts as a reflection of aspects of yourself and your life, and allows you the opportunity to resolve conflicts, remove obstacles, and gain acceptance of self.

  • art: drawing, sculpting with clay, coloring, crafting with yarn, popsicle sticks, etc (not just for kids! My adult clients usually love this. And if you don't, then we can go back to talking)

  • sound therapy: I have singing bowls I can play in session that often help emotions flow or provide relaxation

  • guided visualizations: great for relaxing, letting new thoughts / feelings sink in, and exploring insights from deep within (including inner child work, past life regressions, dream analysis, etc.)

What if I can't come to your office?

Sessions can be held in person, over the phone, or via secure video conferencing. Online therapy can be a convenient option to in-person therapy. For privacy, I use a HIPAA-compliant, secure video platform. 

Telehealth services now available across California.