Frequently Asked Questions:

Getting Started

  • Book a free 15-minute discovery call by sending a message through the contact form, text, or email. If we decide to work together, I’ll send intake paperwork through my HIPAA client portal and we’ll schedule your first session.

  • That’s completely okay, and it’s a common feeling. The free discovery call is a no-pressure way to ask questions and get a sense of what working together might be like. If therapy, or I, don’t feel like the right fit, I’ll do my best to point you toward other options.

  • The first session is mostly about getting to know each other. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you in, some of your history, and what you’d like to be different. You don’t have to share everything at once, and we’ll go at a pace that feels comfortable. It’s also a chance for you to ask questions and see how it feels to work together.

About the work

  • We usually start by checking in. From there, we might talk through what’s on your mind, explore where a pattern comes from, practice a skill, or slow down to notice how you’re feeling. You can always pause or change direction.

  • Sometimes, more support may be the safest and most helpful choice. Depending on what you need, we can explore meeting twice weekly. If a higher level of care is needed, I’ll be honest with you, help you explore your options and find the right level of care, and collaborate with your dietitian, physician, psychiatrist, or treatment program as appropriate.

  • It varies. Some people come for a focused stretch; others prefer longer-term work. We’ll check in regularly about how things are going.

  • No. Somatic Experiencing® is foundational to how I understand and approach therapy, but you never have to engage in somatic work if you don’t want to.

    Some sessions may be mostly talking. Others might include invitations to slow down and notice what’s happening in your body, emotions, or nervous system. You’re always free to say no, change direction, or let me know that something doesn’t feel helpful. If you prefer to work primarily through talk therapy, we can do that.

    I’ll bring my training and perspective to our work, but we’ll decide together what approaches feel right for you.

Sessions and location

  • Individual sessions are 50 minutes.

    Extended sessions of up to 90 minutes are available when planned in advance and clinically appropriate. The fee is prorated from the standard session rate, and we’ll discuss it before scheduling.

  • I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California (LCSW #115293). I work with adults (18+) who are physically located in California at the time of each session. If you’re traveling out of state, let me know ahead of time so we can plan around it.

  • My practice is primarily virtual, with sessions held over secure video. For clients in the Los Angeles area, in-person sessions, including community integration, may be available on a case-by-case basis when clinically indicated to support the work we’re doing virtually. We can talk about whether this would be helpful for you.

Fees and Insurance

    • Individual therapy (50 min): $225

    • Community integration (Los Angeles area): $225

    • 6-week group (60 min sessions): $450

    • 8-week group (60 min sessions): $600

  • I reserve a limited number of sliding-scale spots. If you need a reduced fee, let me know and we can talk through options.

  • I don’t bill insurance directly, but I can give you a superbill (a detailed receipt) to submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement, most often available with PPO plans. Call your insurance ahead of time to check your out-of-network mental health benefits.

  • I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a session. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice, and missed sessions, are charged the full session fee. I understand that life happens, and some exceptions may apply. If something comes up, please reach out and we can talk about it case by case.

    The same policy applies to me. I respect your time and the commitment you make to therapy. If I need to cancel our session with less than 24 hours’ notice, I will waive the fee for your next appointment.

  • Yes. If you’re not using insurance, you have the right to a Good Faith Estimate of the expected cost of your care. I’ll provide one before we begin, and you can ask for one at any time.

    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 healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. 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 www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Privacy & Confidentiality

  • Yes. What you share in therapy is kept private and protected by law. All video sessions take place on a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. There are a few legal exceptions where I may need to share information, such as if someone is in immediate danger, if there’s suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult, or if a court orders it. We’ll go over this together at the start, and it’s also explained in your intake paperwork.