Are you currently providing telehealth?
Yes, I am providing telehealth on the phone or a HIPAA compliant video platform. See my telehealth services page for more information.
How long are sessions?
Sessions are 50 minutes. If you feel you need a longer session, this can be discussed at our first meeting and will be determined on a case by case basis.
Why don’t you take insurance?
I have chosen not to accept insurance for a few reasons, mostly having to do with wanting what’s best for you. 1) Insurance companies usually require a diagnosis and having a diagnosis on your medical record is not always beneficial for my clients. 2) Insurance companies often limit the number of sessions that they will allow/reimburse. I want your length of treatment to be based on your personal needs/goals.
If your insurance covers “out-of-network” providers (usually a PPO plan), they may reimburse you for party of my fee. Please contact your insurance company for more information. See my fees page for more information about my private pay fees.
What can I expect from therapy?
Beginning therapy can sometimes be an intimidating or scary step to take. I approach my clients with an open, non-judgmental attitude and understand how uncomfortable it can be to talk about difficult topics with a stranger. The first couple of sessions will be mostly spent talking about what brought you into therapy, gathering history, building rapport, and planning treatment goals. I do a lot more listening and less talking at the beginning. After these initial sessions, we will work more on your presenting problem, reducing symptoms, developing tools, and working on personal growth. I adapt my style and techniques to fit your needs, but I primarily work from a client-centered, humanistic framework. I want us to have a good working relationship, so I welcome questions and feedback about the process at any time!
How long will therapy last?
The length of therapy is different for everyone. It mostly depends on the complexity of your presenting problem, your commitment to the process and work involved in therapy, and what you are looking for in terms of support.
How often would/should I see you?
I typically recommend weekly sessions to maximize the full benefits of therapeutic work. We can decide together, based on your situation, what will work best for you.
What kind of education/experience do you have?
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – California State University, Sacramento (2002)
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology – California State University, Sacramento (2011)
Over the course of my education and training, I received over 3000 hours of supervised experience as a trainee and intern before becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in 2016.
I was previously a Clinical Supervisor at Hearts and Hands Counseling where I provided clinical supervision for pre-licensed Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Clinical Counselors.
I have completed training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). EMDR is an extensively researched and effective treatment modality for trauma and PTSD. It can also be effectively used for other distressing conditions such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, etc. For more information about EMDR click here or contact me.
I have extensive experience working with anxiety, relationship issues, and life transitions.
Are our sessions kept confidential?
Yes, the information shared with me in our sessions is protected by legal and ethical standards and I would not share any information about our sessions without your written consent. There are a few instances where I would be mandated by law to break confidentiality. These include suspected child abuse and/or neglect and elder (65 years of age or older) or dependent adult abuse and/or neglect, or if a client tells me they have plans to fatally hurt themselves or someone else. If we saw each other in public, I would not approach you, to protect your confidentiality. All of this would be discussed further in counseling.