What can we work on in therapy?  Each person has a different challenge that brings them to therapy.  We will work together to define goals for therapy that are tailored to your specific needs.  Some areas that I may be able to help you with include:

  • Improving communication between you and your partner

  • Building a stronger connection with your partner

  • Increase self esteem

  • Changing problematic relationship patterns

  • Expressing needs

  • Decrease and manage conflict in your relationships

  • Treatment for anxiety

  • Helping to process and understand feelings around a recent change or traumatic event

Where are you located?  I am currently providing therapy services exclusively online to residents of the state of California and Oregon.

Can I make an appointment to come into the office?  At this time I provide exclusively online therapy services.  I use a HIPAA compliant program to connect with you virtually.  This allows for you and I to meet at a time and at a location that is comfortable and convenient for you.  To find out more information about online services click the link here.  

Why should I do online counseling instead of in office counseling?  Online therapy has been shown to be as effective as in person therapy. 

  • Online therapy allows me to offer convenient appointment times that fit into my clients busy schedule. We can meet during your lunch break, early in the morning before work, while your baby naps, after dinner, while you do your laundry.

  • No driving to the therapy office. In California, it doesn't matter where you live, there is traffic. Online counseling removes the hassle and stress of commuting to and from your therapy appointment.

  • The Comfort of meeting in a space that is yours, that you've designed or are familiar with. Because we meet online, you get to decide where you do your therapy sessions.

I want a longer session. Can I do that? Yes, if you are not using insurance you can schedule an 80 minute session. The cost of the 80 minute session is $300.

Again, because of insurance restrictions I’m not able to schedule clients who want to use their insurance for sessions longer than 45 minutes.

Out of Network Benefits:  Some insurance companies will provide "out of network" coverage for telemental health counseling services.  When using out of network benefits you pay for your therapy session out of pocket at the time of service.  The therapist then provides you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company.  A superbill is a receipt for therapy services which includes on it; a diagnosis, length of session, and information about the provider. 

I recommend contacting your insurance provider to discuss your mental health coverage prior to making an appointment with a therapist.  When you call your insurance provider you will want to ask them if your plan offers out of network mental health benefits, if your plan covers telemental health, find out if you have a deductible that needs to be met, if there is a limit or cap on the number of therapy sessions you can receive, and also find out how to submit the superbill to your insurance.

Some things to consider before using your insurance:  I encourage you to be an informed consumer.  In order for you to use your insurance a therapist will need to give you a mental health diagnosis.  This diagnosis is sent to your insurance provider and the provider can either approve or deny your therapy based on what the diagnosis is.  Every couple of sessions your therapist will need to submit documentation stating that you still have this mental diagnosis in order for you to continue treatment.  Having a documented mental health diagnosis can have unintended consequences such as when purchasing health or life insurance you may be asked the question "do you have a mental health diagnosis".  Answering yes to this question may have an impact on your ability to secure the health or life insurance.  Additionally some careers may ask the question "have you or do you currently have a mental health diagnosis".  Having a documented mental health diagnosis may effect your career and ability to obtain employment in your field.  

How long will I have to come to therapy?  Each person is different in what they are working on and how quickly they progress towards their goals.  For this reason there is not a set length for counseling.  In our first few meetings together I will have a chance to hear your story and we will begin to create goals for you to work towards in our time together.  You decide when you have reached your goals.  You are free to discontinue therapy at any time.

How long are the sessions? A typical session is 45 minutes long.  

How often will I come to see you?  Therapy works best when we meet consistently.  For this reason I suggest weekly appointments.  

What forms of payment do you accept? You may pay credit card.  I use Simple Practice and Alma to collect payment. When you schedule your first appointment and complete the intake paperwork you will be asked to place a credit card on file for your session.

What are your credentials?  

  • BA Liberal Studies - San Francisco State University

  • MA Education - University of California Santa Cruz

  • MA Clinical Psychology - Antioch University Santa Barbara

  • Completion of Level 3 in Gottman Couples Therapist

  • Additional training in helping couples recover from affairs and trauma

  • Trained in Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist California #84535

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Oregon #T2169

  • Bringing Baby Home Facilitator

Please don't wait another day to start working on your happiness.

Call (619) 383-1900 to schedule your appointment today.