FAQ

 

Choosing the right therapist is an important decision.

I included some of the questions I typically get when people are considering therapy.

Are you accepting new clients?

I currently have a waiting list for new clients who want to get started. If you are interested in joining the waiting list, book your free consultation through my online portal now.

Do you offer in-person services for therapy?

At this time I offer in-person sessions (following CDC guidelines) and telehealth sessions. Please note mental health is an essential service, but I am taking every precaution possible to keep us safe if you want to meet in the office.

If you prefer to meet virtually, I offer online video and phone sessions. The technology used in these virtual appointments is HIPAA compliant and easy to use. All you need is a smart phone, tablet, or computer with a video camera and Internet connection to access video therapy appointments. You can ask questions and interact, just as you would in a traditional office appointment.

What ages do you work with?

I provide services to clients who are 12 years and older.

How long are therapy sessions?

Therapy sessions are 50 minutes and 80 minutes in length. Most of the people I work with use a 50 minute session; however, there are times I may recommend 80 minute sessions for EMDR therapy or family therapy sessions.

I don’t want to just talk about how I’m feeling; I actually want things to change in my life.

There is a big misconception out there that therapy means just talking and talking about the past without ever taking action on the present. I certainly don’t operate that way as a therapist. While I will always create space to talk about your past and the feelings that surface as we explore this, I actively work with clients to design interventions, exercises, and thoughtful action steps if that’s what you’re looking for as part of therapy.

What is your cost per session?

Please call to inquire in a phone consultation.

Do you accept insurance?

I do not do any direct filing with insurances. However, I can provide a universal insurance form as an “out of network provider” which you may submit to your insurance company on your own. Read the section in your insurance coverage booklet that describes mental health services.

Therapy’s an added cost. Is it worth it?

Therapy is a financial commitment. It’s an investment in yourself and your ability to become aware of self-sabotaging patterns and more capable of practicing new, more effective thoughts and behaviors. This – this ability to think and behave more effectively – can profoundly and positively impact your future relationships, your work, your health, and even your finances. If you’re like most of the individuals I work with, you’ve likely already invested a lot of time and energy and money into your education, your career, your home, and your physical health. I truly believe that investing in therapy as an act of self-care can be a continued investment in your overall wellbeing and success in life.

I want to come to therapy 1 time a month. Do you do that?

While I can appreciate the urge and desire to come to therapy once a month, I only see clients on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Psychotherapy works best within the context of a trusting and caring relationship and, in my experience, it takes weekly or bi-weekly sessions to create a strong, and effective-enough container that allows for us to deepen the work and for you to experience the change you desire. Working on a monthly basis simply doesn’t allow the work and change to deepen or happen as quickly and as effectively. If coming into the office is a hardship every, or every other, week, I offer virtual appointments that can be scheduled as well.

Where are you located? Is there parking?

 

My practice is located in Carmichael California near the intersection of Winding Way and Manzanita at 5740 Windmill Way. My practice is located in Suite 8 which is the first suite on the right hand side if you enter the drive way next to the church. There is ample parking right directly in front of suite 8.

How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?

Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision. Therapy is only as effective as the relationship between therapist and client and because of this I believe the best way to determine if a clinician is right for you is to book a session and simply meet with them and to trust your instincts when you are with them. Ask yourself: “Can I see myself feeling safe and comfortable with this person? Does it seem like they *get* me ?” You can also ask yourself this question during and after an initial phone consult before you book that first session.

What can I expect from our first session?

Our first in-person meeting is what’s known as an intake session. It’s different from a traditional therapy session because this will be a time for us to gather your case history, and together we’ll talk about why you have decided to pursue therapy and what your goals are for our time together. It’s also an opportunity for you to get to know me, to ask any questions you may have, and to see how you feel in the office and with me. At the end of the session, you can decide together if it feels right to move forward in scheduling another session and beginning the rest of the therapeutic journey. Please note that this first session is not complimentary; it is a fully paid session. If you would like a complimentary 15-minute consult call to assess if we might good fit in advance of the first session, I recommend you book this first.