What is the length and frequency of our sessions?
My standard sessions are 45-50 minutes. During the active phase of therapy, we will meet on a regular, weekly basis. Depending on your circumstances and the nature of your issues or distress, I may recommend more frequent sessions such as twice a week.
How much is the session fee?
- $150.00 – Individual Therapy
- $225.00 – Couples/Family Therapy
Good Faith Estimate
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.
Is there a sliding scale/discount?
A sliding scale is typically utilized in non-profit, community outpatient clinics where student therapist trainees or pre-licensed clinicians are gaining their supervised hours of experience. These types of settings typically receive specialized grants from the government to subsidize and offset their costs. I reserve a couple of discounted slots for graduate students who are working toward completing their degrees in counseling or pastoral care to assist them with their personal development and to know what it’s like to be a client. While I do not offer a sliding scale, I am able to temporarily reduce my fee for a short period of time based on financial need if there is a change in your financial situation after therapy has commenced.
Do you bill insurance?
I am an “out-of-network provider” which means that I do not bill insurance directly. Depending on the type of insurance you have (usually a PPO), you may be eligible for reimbursement up to a certain percentage of the fee. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) you may also be able to apply those funds toward your therapy.
I have partnered with Mentaya Health, which will automatically file out-of-network claims for you and help you potentially get partial reimbursement for my services. You can use this tool below to check your insurance and see if you are eligible for these benefits. Click here to check your benefits.*
*Please note that these are estimates and not reflect the exact amount that you will be reimbursed until you receive your first reimbursement check.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes! Telehealth (online video) appointments are available for anyone who is currently a resident of California. Telehealth appointments are scheduled through my secure client portal. You can easily access your online appointment through any device whether laptop, tablet, or cell phone that has a working camera and microphone. Please let me know if you would prefer an online session when we schedule your first appointment.
What’s the difference between online and in-person therapy? Which one is better?
The main difference between online and in-person therapy is missing out on what we clinicians refer to as “in the room” experiences. There’s something powerful about being “in the room” with someone else in the midst of their pain and holding space for that person. Additionally, therapists are able to pick up on subtleties in mannerisms and body language which can be clues into a person’s inner angst (eg. shaking the knee, wringing of the hands, change in muscle tone, etc). Some of these subtleties can be lost in translations through online communication. Additionally, there can be glitches and technical difficulties which can be frustrating and serve to distract from an online session. On the flip side, online therapy offers many new conveniences that in-person therapy will never be able to such as greater flexibility with scheduling. Clients can make progress through either modality. It comes down to preference and comfort level. Maybe I’m “old school” in that I encourage everyone to at least give in-person therapy a try. Trust me, it will be worth it!
Where do I park?
There are 4 reserved parking spots for my building marked “RESERVED – 2560” that you are welcome to park in if they are available. If those spots are unavailable, you may park in any unmarked parking spot.
Want to schedule your first appointment?
If you’d like to learn more about working with me, click here to request your free, 15-minute phone consultation for therapy in San Diego to see if I might be a good fit for your needs. I’d love to talk with you and answer any questions you have before scheduling your initial session!
