Frequently Asked Questions

Payment for sessions is due at the time of sessions by credit/debit card, cash, or check.

I am an out-of-network provider and do not participate on insurance panels. If you have a PPO, most PPO plans will reimburse you for a percentage of your bill under out-of-network benefits. I can provide you with a receipt of services, or “superbill”, to submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Contact your insurance if you would like more information on this process.

If you have concerns about affordability of services, please contact me to discuss options.

The foundation of therapy is your confidentiality and having a safe, secure place to share your story. Not only is it an ethical requirement, it is a legal requirement that your information be confidential. There are a few exceptions to this as defined by the law, and we can go over this in therapy so you know exactly what to expect.

A“Good Faith Estimate” explains how much your mental health care will cost. If you don’t have insurance or are not using insurance, an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services, is provided to you by law. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate. Go to www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 985-3059 for more information.

Teleheath is a way to access mental health services on your computer, phone, or tablet. It may help you with connecting to a therapist from a secure place, like your home, and reduce your need to commute to an office. Telehealth does require a good internet connection, privacy, and a known location. Virtual services do not work well when driving, in a public place, or with poor reception. Headphone can help make it easier to hear each other and ensure more privacy. I offer Telehealth to anyone residing in California since I am licensed in California. You can learn more about Telehealth here, and I can answer any questions you have about if Telehealth is right for you.

Self-harm is different than suicidal thoughts, and can happen at the same time or without thoughts of suicide. Self-harm is directly hurting one’s own body without wanting to die. Self-harm includes, but is not limited to, cutting, burning, scratching, and head banging. It can be a way to cope with pain, loneliness, or a way to ask for help. We will learn more about triggers for self-harm, understand its function for you, and new ways to cope with your distress.

For our initial appointment, contact me at (949) 423- 3788 to schedule with me. Once we chose to work together, we will decide whether to schedule weekly or every-other week appointments with a specific time for you. Most therapy treatment plans start with weekly appointments, and we will develop a plan that suits both your current concerns and other important factors.

I primarily use two types of evidence-based therapies: Psychodynamic therapy and Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Psychodynamic therapy may feel like “talk therapy” with a focus on the roots of emotional suffering and how the past connects to the present. DBT incorporates talking and doing to understand and experience our emotions, and learn skills to effectively manage our stressors and triggers. Both approaches aim to develop new patterns of interacting with yourself and others, and improve your quality of life through reduced suffering.

I am a psychologist and not a medication provider. We can talk through psychotropic medications, if they might be a good fit for you, and I can provide you referrals for a psychiatric medication evaluation at any time during our treatment. Psychiatric medications are evidence-based interventions to treat a wide variety of mental health conditions.

To connect with someone right away, you can use crisis phone lines like 988 or text lines like 741741. NAMI has a wealth of online resources to get information about mental health conditions and treatments.

If this is an emergency, do not wait for me to contact you. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.