FAQs

How do we start?

I offer a 20 minute phone consultation to talk together about why you are considering therapy and what you are hoping to work on. I will let you know if I think psychotherapy can be helpful to you, and may offer suggestions for other treatment options if appropriate. If you want, I can answer questions you have about me, about payment, and about how we might work together. If you feel I might be a good match for you, we will set up a time to meet. 

In our initial 50-minute session, we can discuss what’s going on for you and how I can help. I can also explain a bit more about office policies and confidentiality. I will ask you to fill out some forms following our first session.

Our first few sessions will involve an evaluation of your needs and the establishment of goals for our work together. The evaluation will involve getting to know you, your abilities and resources, and what you have tried so far to deal with whatever is troubling you. By the end of the evaluation (usually 2-4 sessions), I will be able to offer you some first impressions of what our work will include and we will develop a plan to meet your goals. 

How long does this take? 

We can work together in therapy for as long - or as briefly - as you want. Some issues, such as career dissatisfaction or academic stress, may be addressed using a solution-focused approach in which we focus on present dilemmas and work for a short period of time towards solutions. Other issues, such as relationships with families and partners or depression and anxiety, may require a longer period of time to acquire a deeper understanding of your past and patterns in order to reach solutions. After our first few sessions, we will have a better sense of how we might work together. 

How often do we meet?

For therapy to be most effective and efficient, meeting at least weekly is the best option. This way we can build the understanding and trust that make up a good working relationship. Meeting weekly also gives you time to apply what you discover in our sessions.  Often, people opt to come twice a week, and find more frequent meetings to be a much more powerful tool. We can discuss if more intensive work could be beneficial to you.

What will this cost?

I charge $250 for a 50-minute appointment for individuals, and $270 for a 50-minute appointment for couples. 

Can I use my insurance?

While I do not bill insurance directly and do not participate in any managed care (HMO) insurance panels, I can provide detailed receipts which you may use for possible reimbursement from your insurance if you have a PPO and/or your Health Savings Account. I can talk you through what that means to you. It will be your responsibility to first confirm that your insurance carrier allows for a reimbursement option. There are now federal protections for clients—the “No Surprises Act”—regarding charges for Out of Network Services. Please see more information here.

Are you the right therapist for me?

This is a very important question. The goodness of fit between a therapist and client is in fact the best predictor of a successful outcome in therapy. Many people find that they can get a good sense of whether we will be a good fit from reading through my website or from talking with me on the phone. It’s normal to feel a bit uncomfortable or anxious in the initial consultation or first session, but the right therapist for you should inspire some sense of confidence that the relationship will grow in comfort and trust. Give me a call at (510)-548-7960 or E-mail me and we can talk a bit about your situation and how we would work together.

How will I know when it’s time to end?

Having clear goals will help us know when it is time to finish meeting. Whenever you are thinking that you might be ready to stop coming, we can discuss how to end our work together in a way that will help you hold onto the progress you have made. And, of course, as new situations arise, you are always welcome to come back.

Do you see clients in person and via video?

I am conducting therapy in person for fully vaccinated clients. I am also practicing via video and phone for California-based clients at this time.

To get started, call me at (510) 548-7960 or send a secure message.

I look forward to talking with you.