How does therapy work?

Therapy is an effective treatment for many emotional issues or psychological disorders. At each session, you may talk freely about whatever is on your mind. As your therapist, my job is to notice behavior patterns and underlying emotions, and to respectfully and compassionately bring them to your attention. The benefits of therapy are two-fold. Firstly, it allows a pathway to insight into how and why you feel and act the way you do. As your awareness grows, you will gain the freedom to choose healthier responses to familiar feelings. Secondly, it affords you the opportunity to truly be heard and provides you a safe environment in which to practice new, healthy ways of communicating. You will develop the tools to deepen and enrich current relationships, as well as to develop new ones.

How long will I be in therapy?

The amount of time each individual elects to participate in therapy is variable and often hard to predict. It can range from a couple of sessions to several months. Some people find that their symptoms are resolved relatively quickly. However, more complex issues may require a greater investment of time.

Of course, the end goal in treatment is to arm you with the tools necessary to take on life’s challenges without my assistance. Also, if you have ended therapy and need a “tune-up,” additional sessions from time to time may help tremendously.

50 minute sessions are typical. Longer sessions are sometimes advised, particularly for couples or family sessions. Cancellations must be made at least one full business day in advance.

Is my personal information kept confidential?

Unless you provide me with written authorization to disclose information to another individual or agency, anything that you share with me is completely confidential. However, under California law, the following exceptions exist:

1)  If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
2)  If I suspect child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, I am required by law to report that suspicion immediately to the appropriate authorities.
3)  If a client intends to harm him or herself, I will make every effort to ensure their safety.
4)  If I am served with a court order to break confidentiality.
5)  If a client fails to pay its bill and action is necessary to collect payment.
6)  If an insurance company requests information for reimbursement of services.

If you are interested in learning more about your legal rights to privacy in the healthcare system, please visit: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Do you accept insurance?

I am an out-of-network provider (insurance not accepted). However, your insurance plan still may reimburse you for a portion of my fees. If this is the case, please let me know so I can provide you with a monthly billing record to use in submitting your claim. Therapy expenses also may be eligible for Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account reimbursement.

What are your billing policies?

An initial ten minute phone consultation is free of charge, to see if I would be a good fit for your needs. My fee is available during that initial consultation (no sliding scale available). Payment is due at the start of the session. I accept cash, checks, Visa and MasterCard. A full session fee is charged for missed appointments and late cancellations.