Common Questions, Fees, and Types of Treatment

Why do people seek therapy? People come into therapy for many reasons. Some need to respond to unexpected changes in their lives, while others seek self-exploration and personal growth. When coping skills are overwhelmed by guilt, doubt, anxiety, or despair, therapy can help. Therapy can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives.

What can I expect in a therapy session? During sessions you will talk about the primary concerns and issues in your life and how your life can be bettered. An Individual Adult session lasts 50 minutes. Group sessions are 1.5 hours. Some people who are in crisis or extreme distress need more than one session per week (around 2-3 sessions if there is a crisis), at least until the crisis passes. During the time between sessions it is beneficial to think about and process what was discussed. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records.

What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist?  A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Often it is helpful just to know that someone understands. Therapy can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. Many people find therapy to be a huge asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the challenges of daily life. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
  • Finding new ways to cope with stressful experiences 
  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself and your personal goals and values
  • Decreasing and eliminating anxiety
  • Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Developing skills for improving your relationships
  • Improving communication skills - learn how to listen to others, and have others listen to you
  • Getting "unstuck" from unhealthy patterns - breaking old behaviors and developing new ones
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
  • Completing court-mandated therapy (I reserve the right to refuse to treat individuals/families who are court-mandated for therapy. However, I will assist them, if necessary, with finding a clinic or therapist that will offer them support.)

What if I don't know what my goals are for therapy?  If you aren't sure what your goals are for therapy, our first task is to figure that out. It may take several sessions before a direction is clarified. During the course of therapy your goals may change. However, establishing a direction for therapy will help you get the most out of the experience.

What are your fees? 

Time-Frame

Fee

50 - minute session

$210

90 - minute session

$378


I offer therapy on a for-profit basis. At this time, I do not offer pro-bono work. The usual and customary fee for adult and family therapy is $4.20 per 50-minute session (unless otherwise arranged). The usual fee for group (non-family) therapy within the community is $60 per group meeting.

I understand that financial means should not limit the ability of receiving treatment. Therefore, I attempt to keep vacant several time slots for those who cannot afford $210. Sessions longer than 90-minutes are charged for the additional time pro rata: an additional $40 will be charged for every additional 10 minutes over the 90 minute mark. Payment is required when services are rendered. Cash, credit card, and HSA are acceptable for payment. At your request, I will provide a receipt. 
At times, telephone consultations or written correspondence are necessary, either with you, a family member or another clinician or doctor. Because I receive many requests to do so and the potential for such consultations may be lengthy, it is necessary for me to charge this time at a rate of $4.20/minute. Payment for this additional time is due at the following session or within a week, whichever comes first. I reserve the right to periodically adjust this fee. You will be notified of any fee adjustments in advance.


Do you accept my Insurance?  I am contracted with Carelon Mental Health/LA Care Medi-Cal and Cigna and accept most "out-of-network" insurances (except for Kaiser, Blue Shield, MHN and Anthem Blue Cross). With out-of-network insurance, I will provide an electronic superbill to your insurance company, leading to your reimbursement for services provided. You will pay me for services and your insurance will reimburse you for the portion that they will cover for out of network costs. To learn more about the out-of-network percentage paid by your insurance, please contact your insurance provider. You may provide them with my license number, MFT98716, to begin the reimbursement process or allow me to submit a superbill to them after you have paid per each session.


How can I make payments? Cash, credit card, HSA, and out-of-network/in-network insurance is accepted upon the completion of each session. Accommodations can also be made to make bi-weekly payments, if necessary.


Is therapy confidential? Yes and no. In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission, unless requested by a judge/court or your medical insurance company. However, there are number of exceptions to this rule. 


Exceptions include:

  • Suspected child abuse, dependent adult abuse or elder abuse.
  • The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
  • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm/death to another person/s. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
  • If a client intends to seriously harm/kill himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.

What types of therapy do you offer? 

Teletherapy

Currently, I only offer telehealth/teletherapy via telephone or video. If you are planning on using your insurance, please confirm that telehealth services are covered, prior to making an appointment with me. 

Individual Psychotherapy

For us to grow emotionally and enrich our lives, we must take the first step in reaching out for help. As your individual therapist, I will listen to and support you. I will also offer a safe place for your most painful emotions.

Kink Aware Psychotherapy  

I am a sex-positive therapist who has knowledge working with individuals, couples, and poly relationships within the kink community. Over the last 13 years, I have counseled sex workers, dancers, strippers, and escorts.

LGBTQ+ & BIPOC Supportive Psychotherapy

My alliance is 100% with those who identify as LGBTQ+ and/or BIPOC. My goal is to continue to learn and grow in order to build understanding and comfort. Everyone has their own gender and personal & sexual identity journeys. LGBTQ+ & BIPOC individuals have been targets of violence, which can result in depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma related medical conditions, etc. 

Family Counseling

I believe some of our greatest growths occur during our intimate relationships. We are paired with people to teach each other the deep core lessons we must deal with during our lifetime. 

We are also attracted to people who will, in the end, give us the greatest insight into ourselves. 

I invite both siblings, parents, and adult children to family therapy. Any significant relationship in distress will benefit from the empathy, insight and expertise that I may be able to offer.

As your relationship therapist, I will make use of a variety of tools to help you improve your love and intimate relationships. Better communication, deeper meaning, and greater empathy are often the goals.




Translate This Page