Therapy Frequently Asked Questions

The first session gives us time to slow down and talk about what's bringing you in. We'll explore what feels hardest right now, what you're hoping will change, and what your goals are. From there I'll share some initial thoughts about how we might work together and what approaches could be helpful. I’ll make time for your questions about therapy or anything else you're wondering about.

I have a hybrid practice, which means I am able to offer both virtual and in-person sessions. I currently work out of two well appointed offices in the Grand Lake area and Dimond District of Oakland.

It is important to note that in working with couples I prefer to exclusively schedule sessions in person as I find it more effective to have us all in one room together.

I currently offer daytime appointments Monday through Friday, from 10am to 5pm.

I enjoy working with and adults of all ages and backgrounds with different needs and issues, and am skilled in addressing a range of concerns. My specialty training is especially suited to helping couples better navigate conflict or wanting better connection, women who are adjusting to pregnancy and the postpartum period or who are experiencing perimenopause and mid-life transitions, parents of any age or life stage, and those who are healing from trauma or grief.

Sessions are generally 50 minutes long for individual sessions and 60 minutes for couples sessions. In some cases I might suggest longer sessions if more intensive work is desired and preferable to treatment.

Once per week is the general cadence most people find useful. In some cases, it may be helpful to meet more or less frequently. Generally, less frequency is best for clients whose therapy goals have been met and are looking to wind therapy down or couples looking to do maintenance treatment.                

Once we determine a day and time to meet, it will be reserved for you.

The length of therapy often depends on multiple factors. Some of those factors include your reasons for coming to therapy, your therapy goals, and how long standing the problems  you are seeking support for have been an issue. 

For some individuals who are seeking support for a particular situational stressor, they might find brief treatment effective in resolving a particular issue.  

For many couples who are seeking relationship enrichment, often 8-10 sessions is adequate in meeting their relational goals.

My session rates are comparable to other therapists and those with specialized training in the Bay Area. Please contact me for more information.

I also provide a limited number of sliding scale spots to make therapy an affordable and sustainable endeavor for those with significant financial constraints.

I currently do not accept insurance or Medicare. However, clients can request an invoice known as a Superbill for out-of-network reimbursement for their PPO plans, which I am happy to provide for you on a monthly basis. Please note that this will require a diagnosis to be provided to your insurer as insurers only reimburse for therapy that they consider medically necessary. 

If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), you can easily use those funds to cover session costs.

Under California Law, you have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health 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 expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. 

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.

You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a 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: www.cms.gov/nosurprises