How do I pay for sessions?

Fee is discussed over the telephone or during the first session. You and your therapist decide upon a fee, as well as a payment schedule. 

I accept cash, check, and most credit cards, and collect payment at the start of every therapy session.

I accept Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, and Cigna. Contact me for information on verifying your insurance coverage before our first appointment. Many insurances will also pay for partial fees out of network (OON). We can look into this before our first appointment as well. 

You can also contact me to look into possible sliding scale options. I sometimes have sliding scale spots available. 

Why Therapy?

Therapy can offer a safe place to reflect on problems in your life and develop tools to help you grow. A Therapist is someone who can support you through a crisis, teach you ways to cope with a life stressor, offer education and resources, and much more.

Many people wait until after a crisis to seek out therapy services. Crises can include a death in the family, loss of a job, a traumatic event or accident, or thoughts of suicide or self harm. Therapy during or directly after a crisis can be short term and usually helps an individual stabilize or get back on track.

Lots of people struggle with stressors at various times in their lives. Stressors can include relationship issues, a new baby, moving homes, starting a new job, divorce, injury, etc. Most of the time people cope with these stressors and move on. Sometimes, though, you may find that you are "stuck" in your current state: anxious, not sleeping, depressed, overeating, yelling all the time, etc. Therapy can offer information about the symptoms you are experiencing, insight into how to move forward, a place for reflection and venting, and support during difficult times.

Relationship issues are another common time to seek out therapy. Marital problems, a child acting out, custody battles, and trouble getting through to your teen are all normal and accepted parts of long term relationships. Couples or family therapy can provide a space for each family member to communicate their needs and find connectedness with each other.

How do I choose a therapist that is right for me?

Therapists come in many shapes and sizes. First look at their credentials and educate yourself on what they mean. Most therapists in California will be an MFT (masters level education) or a PsyD (doctorate level education). Are they licensed? Do they treat the issues that you are dealing with?

Most importantly, are they someone you feel comfortable with? It is important to schedule a session, ask lots of questions, and be honest about how you are feeling. Then, make a decision about if this therapist is the one for you.

I personally welcome questions about my faith, worldview, culture, etc. so that you can decide if we are a good fit. One of my most highly held values is that I will first do no harm. This means that I will do my very best to be culturally humble. Part of practicing with cultural humility is allowing space for clients to learn about who I am and make their own decisions about how well we will be able to work together. I probably won’t answer questions about my personal life. But, you are welcome to ask anything that you are wondering. I’ll let you know if a subject is off limits,

What is an MFT?

An LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Requirements for this title include: a Masters Degree in psychology from a University, a specified number of clinical hours completed under the supervision of a licensed therapist, and licensure from the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.