Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

My telehealth practice (or online practice) is based in Sacramento California. I am able to work with anyone physically located in the state of California at the time of their appointment(s).

How do I get started?

Looking for support can often be the hardest and most vulnerable part! The first step is finding the right therapist based on your unique needs. I offer a free 15-20-minute consultation for us to connect and explore how I can best support you in working towards your goals and to answer any questions you have about the process. Click here to schedule a free consultation.

What can I expect from our first appointment?

During the first session we will spend some time getting to know one another, answering any questions you have and discussing what led you to therapy. This includes your history, goals and any symptoms you are experiencing. We will work together to explore and develop goals, review informed consent—including your rights to confidentiality. I am happy to answer any questions you have along the way.

The rest of the session will be spent working together to address your problems and concerns. Sessions focus on talking about feelings, exploring the events in your life (present and past) to help identify your inner needs and patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving.

How long is each session?

Each video or phone session is 50 minutes in length and can be extended to 90 or 120 minutes for a prorated fee if planned in advance, depending on your needs and therapist availability.

What are your fees for video or phone sessions?

Fee per 50 minute therapy session is $175-$200. Some reduced fee spots may be available depending on availability and financial need.

What kind of payments do you accept?

I accept all major credit and debit cards and offer a secure payment method via online client portal that encrypts your information. Payment is due at the time of service.

Do you accept insurance?

I am an out-of-network provider, which means that I do not bill insurance. I can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company for possible partial or full reimbursement.

As of Janary 1, 2022, a new Federal law was passed called the "No Surprises Act" in which you have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical 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 bill for medical items and services.
◦ You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
◦ Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or 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 this link https://www.cms.gov/medical-bill-rights or call 1-800-985-3059.

Note: I do accept Centerstone/Wounded Warrior Employee Assistance Plan.

How does confidentiality work? Is therapy confidential?

California laws protect the confidentiality of the communication between client and therapist. What you share in session is kept confidential except in very few exceptions. These exceptions include: 1) reasonable suspicion of child abuse 2) reasonable suspicion of elder or dependent adult abuse 3) if client is threatening serious bodily harm to self or others 4) if client is gravely disabled and unable to care for themselves 5) in case of medical emergencies 6) if I am subpoenaed by a judge. As a mandated reporter, I am required to report the above to the proper authorities.

What is informed consent?

Informed consent is an active process of communication between client and therapist where we provide you with the possible risks, benefits, scope of practice, practice policies, cost of treatment, as well as your rights as a client, so that you can make an informed decision about your participation in therapy.

How long will I be in therapy?

This totally depends and is based on a variety of factors—differing goals, life circumstances, stressors and personal needs all impact this. We will work collaboratively on your treatment goals and create a plan that fits your specific needs. A therapist’s goal is to work our way out of a job by checking in during sessions to track progress and help ensure your needs are getting met in therapy. Some reach these goals and are ready to graduate quickly and others enjoy the consistency therapy brings to their lives; reformulating goals and continuing their inner work.

What days/hours are available for sessions?

I offer a variety of morning, afternoon and evening hours to help make therapy sessions as accessible as possible during the week. During our initial phone call, we will work together to find days/times that work for your schedule. I also offer limited Saturday availability that we can also discuss as an option.

What is your cancellation policy?

You can cancel or reschedule a session anytime via text message, email or voicemail, as long as you provide 24 hour or more notice. If you cancel a session with less than 24 hours’ notice or don’t show up for your appointment, you will be charged the full session fee.

Are you available after hours?

You are free to reach out at any time via text message, email or a phone call. Therapy does not occur via text message or email. I respond to all contacts within 48-72 business hours. If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please call 911 or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or go to your closest emergency room for same day care. SAMHSA’s National Helpline 1-800-662-4357 or text 741741.