FAQs

What happens in the first session?
The first session is about getting to know each other. We’ll explore what brings you to therapy, your background, and your hopes for our work together. There’s no pressure to share everything at once—we go at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

How long does therapy last?
It depends on your goals and what feels helpful. Some clients come for a few months to work through a specific challenge, while others find ongoing therapy supports deeper growth. There will likely come a day when you will wake up and realize you have gotten what you needed from therapy. This is what we are working towards, and when that day comes, I will be so excited for you.

How often will we meet?
Most clients begin with weekly sessions, but we can adjust based on your needs. Some transition to biweekly or as-needed sessions over time.

Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is fundamental to therapy, and I follow all legal and ethical guidelines to protect your privacy.

Are there any exceptions to confidentiality?
There are a few situations where I may be required to break confidentiality:

• If I believe you are at imminent risk of harming yourself or someone else.

• If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult.

• If I am required to comply with a court order.

If any of these situations arise, I will discuss options with you whenever possible.

How much is a therapy session?
My session rate is $175 for a 50 minute individual session. If you have any questions about payment options, I’m happy to discuss them.

What are the pros of private pay? There are many advantages to privately paying for therapy, including increased confidentiality and flexibility. No personal mental health information needs to be shared with your insurance company, there are no limits as to how many sessions you can have, and there is no requirement for you to have a medical diagnosis in order to receive treatment. Much like anything else, mental health exists on a spectrum. Private pay allows you to receive the care you want without any of the requirements or restrictions that can come with involving a third party.

Do you accept insurance?
Yes, I accept a handful of insurance plans through Alma, a platform that helps clients use their in-network benefits for therapy. If your plan is eligible, Alma handles billing directly with your insurance provider.

A complete list of in-network plans can be found on my Alma Profile 

What if my insurance isn’t in-network with Alma?
If I am not in-network with your plan, you may still be able to use out-of-network benefits. Many insurance plans offer partial reimbursement for out-of-network therapy. If your plan includes these benefits, I can provide a superbill (a detailed receipt) for potential reimbursement. Possibility and percentage of reimbursement will depend on your individual plan, so please contact your insurance directly with any specific out-of-network benefit questions.

How can I check if my insurance covers therapy?
To check your coverage you can use Alma’s Cost Estimator Tool, or call your insurance company and ask:

• Do I have mental health coverage through Alma?

• What is my copay or coinsurance for therapy?

• Do I have an out-of-network reimbursement option?

• What is my deductible, and has it been met?

• Is there a session limit per year?

Do you accept HSA or FSA payments?
Yes, I accept Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for payment. Most mental health services qualify, but please check with your provider to confirm.

Will my insurance company have access to my records?
If you use insurance, your provider will likely require a diagnosis for coverage. Each time your insurance is billed, they will receive some basic information such as the session date, length of time, and diagnosis code(s). As the payor, they do have the right to request records for review. This is rare, but can happen in the event of an insurance audit. If you have concerns about privacy, we can discuss what using insurance means for you and explore private pay as an alternative option.

What are your available session times?

I see clients Monday through Friday, with sessions starting as early as 9:00 AM PST and as late as 4:00 PM PST. If you have a preferred time, I recommend reaching out as soon as possible, as availability can vary.

Where is your office located?
I am fully remote and provide virtual therapy for clients in California and Florida. Sessions take place via a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform.

How does telehealth work?
Before each session, you’ll receive a secure link to join from your phone, tablet, or computer—no downloads required. All you need is a private space and a stable internet connection.

What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations or missed sessions may be subject to a fee, as the spot has been reserved for you and cannot be given to someone else.

What does affirming care mean to you?
Affirming care means meeting you with respect, curiosity, and compassion. I want therapy to be a place where you feel safe to show up as you are, without judgment or expectation. I also recognize the broader social and cultural factors that shape mental health and work to create a space where your experiences are honored.

Do you work with LGBTQIA+ clients?
Yes. I welcome LGBTQIA+ clients and understand that identity, relationships, and societal pressures can all impact mental health. Whether you are exploring who you are, navigating relationships, or processing challenges, I want therapy to be a place where you feel supported.

Are you a pro-choice therapist?
Yes. I am a pro-choice, TFMR-affirming provider. I work with many people facing infertility, pregnancy loss, and complex reproductive decisions, and I approach these conversations with care, respect, and without judgment.

Can I ask about your stance on political or controversial topics?
Yes. Traditionally, therapists have been expected to be “blank slates,” but upon request, I believe that being open about certain values can help create a sense of safety. I welcome clients of all identities and backgrounds and am happy to share my perspective if it helps you feel more comfortable in therapy.

How do you incorporate affirming care into therapy?
I strive to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and valued. That means listening without judgment, using language that reflects your identity, and recognizing how personal and systemic experiences shape mental health. Therapy is about what matters to you, and I want to meet you where you are.

Do you work with clients from different cultural and religious backgrounds?
Yes. I know that culture, religion, and spirituality can shape how we see ourselves and the world. Whether these are meaningful aspects of your life or areas of struggle, I want therapy to be a space where you can explore them freely and in a way that feels right for you.

How do I make my first appointment?
Please reach out in the way that feels most comfortable for you. The best way to contact me is by email or by submitting the contact form on my website. From there, we can set up a consultation call so you can share a little about what is going on and how I may be able to help. The consultation call is optional—if you would rather get started right away, just let me know.

What paperwork do I need to complete before our first session?
Before we meet, I will send you intake paperwork to complete. This includes questions about your background, my practice policies, and any other details that will help us begin our work together. If you plan to use insurance, we will also verify your benefits ahead of time so you know what to expect.

What will our first session be like?
Our first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. We will talk about what is bringing you to therapy, what your life has been like up until now, where you would like to see yourself after our work together, and anything else you would like me to know. If you are feeling nervous, that is completely understandable—we will move at a pace that feels right for you, with no pressure to share more than you are ready to. My goal is for you to feel heard, understood, and supported as we begin this process.

Is there anything else I should know before getting started?
If you have any questions before our first session, please do not hesitate to ask. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I want you to feel as comfortable as possible. If there are any specific accommodations that would help you feel more at ease, I am happy to discuss them.