Frequently Asked Questions

What do we talk about during the consultation?

Therapy is about fit. No therapist is a blank slate, and as humans we all bring something “into the room.” The consultation is as much about giving you an opportunity to ask me questions and determine if I would be a good fit for you and/or your family as it is about me trying to learn more about you and what you would like to change. Previous research has indicated that as much as 30% of the factors that contribute to positive change in clients are related to the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist.

Do you see young adults/What is the age range in clients you see?

I do! I see clients ages 13-22. The issues that I tend to treat in college-aged clients are stressors within relationships, social anxiety, depression, and life cycle and transition difficulties, among others.

Do you take insurance?

I am not currently accepting insurance.

What are the advantages of private pay?

One of the biggest advantages of private pay in regards to mental health support for adolescents is the ability to receive help quickly. Because I am not in network with insurance providers, your teen does not have to be placed on a waiting list — some of which are up to over a year long.

Private pay also provides a freedom to provide the kind of care that fits you and your child. We can more easily customize the length and frequency of our sessions. Additionally, private pay does not require me to provide your child with a psychiatric diagnosis of a mental health condition — which is a requirement for insurance providers to provide coverage of services.

What if parents/teens need support in between counseling sessions?

Again, one of the benefits of private pay is my accessibility — outside of what would be possible to bill your insurance provider. My support of adolescents and their families goes beyond the time we spend in sessions. Teens and families have unlimited access to me as part of a “concierge” mental health services model, which refers to services intentionally offered on a small scale. This type of therapy centers on individualized, client-centered approaches to mental health support. This means you can reach out and send me a text message/voice message when things come up unexpectedly and you/your family needs support. I ask for a 24-hour grace period in my response time, but typically I am able to respond the same day.

Do you offer in-person sessions?

I have a very limited number of in-person sessions available. In regards to psychological counseling sessions, if you are an adolescent or young adult living in the San Diego metro area and are comfortable with “walk and talk sessions” — during which we are walking along a predetermined route throughout our session in a public area such as a public park — then we may be able to hold in-person sessions depending on my availability. Specific considerations regarding confidentiality in this setting would be discussed in detail with clients prior to conducting these sessions.

Do you attend IEP/504 meetings?

As I am a practicing full-time school psychologist, I am not available during school hours to attend IEP meetings. All consultation I provide is intended to provide you with the education and confidence to appropriately communicate your child’s educational needs to your school team.

What does my teen need to begin teletherapy?

1. A stable internet connection.

2. A smartphone, laptop, or desktop computer.

3. A confidential space in which they are not worried about being overheard by others.

Can teletherapy sessions take place over the phone?

Yes! Sessions can take place through a HIPAA compliant video call or phone call — whichever you prefer.

How do you protect confidentiality on a virtual platform?

Any sensitive information is communicated only through a HIPAA compliant platform, including messages, voicemail, and the teletherapy sessions themselves. All client data is collected and stored via a HIPAA compliant database.

What is your cancellation policy?

Please provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel a session. Exceptions for emergencies will of course be granted.

What is your payment policy?

Payment is expected on the day of treatment. An invoice is provided at the conclusion of each session with online payment options.

Do you coordinate care with other providers?

Yes. Upon your written request, I will coordinate with your chosen healthcare providers.