What to Expect

Once you’ve had some time to think about whether or not you’d like to work with me, go ahead and fill out the form on the Contact page.

You’ll hear back from me within 72 hours (but usually less) to set up a time to schedule a 15-minute phone consultation.

During the phone consultation, I’ll learn a bit more about what you’re looking for support with, answer any initial questions you might have for me or about my practice, and discuss scheduling and fees. If we both determine that we are able to set up a first session, I will get your email and send you an invite to create an account on Sessions Health (an online client portal to manage appointments, billing, etc.). I will include forms for you to read and electronically sign before our first session. You can also select whether or not you would like email or text reminders about your upcoming appointment.

24 hours before your appointment, you’ll be emailed and/or texted (depending on the settings you set) a Zoom link for your appointment.

Before your first appointment, it is important to make sure you have a private space with minimal distractions so that you can focus on your session time. Please make sure your internet connection is optimal. Bring headphones or earbuds to your telehealth session if needed/wanted.

You are welcome to bring any times that are comforting to you, such as fidgets, weighted blankets, stuffies, and water.

In our first session, we will verbally go over informed consent for treatment and my practice policies. We will also discuss logistics that have to do with telehealth and working together virtually. We will clarify what your initial goals and expectations are and collaborate on ideas on how to help you meet those goals.

Our first 3-4 sessions will be focused on me gathering information about your history and present-day life. Depending on your needs and goals, I may have resources to share with you so that we have some shared, working language and knowledge about concepts and approaches that may be beneficial to your treatment. During these sessions, I encourage you to pay attention to how you feel before, during, and after our sessions and provide feedback to me. It’s so important that this feels like a good fit for both of us so that you’re getting what you need from therapy. If either or both of us feel like we’re not the best match in working together, or that you may need a different approach to care than what I offer, we will be sure to discuss these things and I will provide you with referrals if you’d like them.

A standard therapy session is 50 minutes and I usually recommend meeting one time per week to start to focus on building trust, gain momentum, and focus on what you’re wanting from therapy.

How long does therapy take?

I know this is going to be an annoying answer, but…it depends. Because of the complexities of many of my clients’ histories, needs, and goals, as well as my relational and gentler approaches, I tend to work longer term with clients.

Carl Jung said, “We meet ourselves time and again in a thousand disguises on the path of life”. This isn’t to say that therapy has to be life-long, but sometimes we work through something, think we’ve “moved on” from it, and it revisits us in a different way. Over time, we learn to relate with our “stuff” differently. Hopefully with more understanding, more curiosity, and a greater feeling of being empowered.

It’s up to you to determine the pace of your therapy and how frequently you’re needing the support. It’s an ongoing conversation we can always hold in mind.

Why is therapy so expensive?

Good question! And there are many answers. My fees are pretty standard for the area I serve, my years in practice, and my expertise.

Owning a small business and private practice in California is a big expense. The ongoing education and consultation I engage in is costly, but it helps me offer the quality care I want to be giving. The cost of living is high and it is important to me that I can afford my basic needs so that I can show up and give my support to others.

It is crucial for me to protect my time and emotional/mental energy so I that I can be present and effective for my current clients. This means that I need to be mindful of my capacity for weekly appointments, which means having a higher fee.

Many therapists reserve reduced-fee spots, and I do as well. The on-going process of becoming a therapist is near and dear to my heart, and I have chosen to reserve reduced-fee spots for student therapists and pre-licensed therapists. I believe that those of us who are helpers also need accessible support.

I also believe that therapy should be accessible to everyone and I have built a community of trusted helpers and organizations who offer a variety of services at various prices. If what I can offer doesn’t make sense for you financially, I am always happy to help connect you to some other options! Contact me directly or visit the Resources page.

What is a superbill?

A superbill is like a receipt, with some additional information on it, that you can submit to your insurance company (for PPO plans only) for possible reimbursement (typically partial) of your therapy sessions.

The superbill consists of a mental health diagnosis/diagnoses, dates of service, service types, and basic contact information.

It is up to you to contact your insurance before starting to therapy to see if they reimburse for (and what percentage of) telehealth therapy sessions.

You are expected to pay my fee at each session and I will provide you with a monthly superbill with all required information. Before creating a superbill, I will first discuss with you the appropriate diagnosis/diagnoses that will need to be included so that your insurance knows what symptoms we are working on. We will also discuss any concerns you may have related to a mental health diagnosis.