Frequently Asked Questions

Sessions are $175.00 for 45-50 minutes and $350.00 for 85 minutes.  I occasionally have temporary scholarships available to qualifying clients.  Most scholarships are reserved for  BIPOC, LGBTQIA, and Students including EATM students (Exotic Animal Training and Management). 

I currently accept cash, IvyPay, and CashApp payments.   No worries if you have never heard of these apps before, I they are extremely user friendly and I can show you how to set them up. 

The only form of insurance I accept is through the Victims of Crime program.  I do not currently accept any other forms of insurance.  If you would like to try to have your sessions reimbursed, I am able to provide receipts and/or super bills.  There is no guarantee, however, that these reimbursements will be approved by your insurance. 

I do not accept sliding scale; however, I do occasionally offer temporary financial scholarships for qualifying clients.  This consists of time restricted discounted sessions. 

 Yes, I use a secure video conferencing platform for telehealth.  

My Marriage and Family Therapist license is limited to the state of California.  If you live somewhere in California we are able to meet with telehealth. 

If you are experiencing an emergency or require immediate assistance, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. 

If you are not experiencing an emergency and you would like someone to talk to as soon as possible, please consider these resources:

• Crisis Text Line
• Orange County Warmline (non-emergency hotline): 877-910-9276 
• California Suicide Hotlines
• Call Blackline (prioritizes BIPOC)
• The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386 
• The Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
• Casa Youth Shelter: 800-914-CASA (For Adolescents near Orange County/Long Beach)
• Not One More Vet (NOMV) has a listing of many resources out of area at: https://nomv.org/crisis-numbers/

I see both individuals and families.

What you say in therapy is confidential with a limited exceptions:

• My clinical judgement suggests my client is a threat to themselves or others.
• My clinical judgement suggests there is a real possibility of child, dependent, and/or elder abuse occurring.
• Some court proceedings as evidenced by a judge's subpoena addressed to me. 
• There is an issue of national security as proved by the government.

Minors are legally able to consent for their own therapy at the age of 12.  In this case, minors information will be held confidential (with the above limits standing) from everyone including their parents, unless otherwise discussed. 

All of these exceptions are discussed further in the consultation.  If you have additional questions please feel free to contact me and I can help you find the answer. 

I would be happy to meet with your friend or family member.  If you think we would be a good fit, please feel free to pass my information along to them.  If you are a parent looking for a therapist for your child, please contact me directly so we can discuss setting up a free consultation. 

The amount of time spent seeing a therapist is completely dependent on the individual and situation.  I have had some clients complete their therapeutic goals very quickly (over the course of a few months) and others that choose to continue sessions for years.  

As my main therapeutic modality utilizes EMDR, success with therapy goals may be seen faster than other forms of talk therapy as shown by empirical research.  This success is not guaranteed.    If you want to learn more about EMDRs empirical research, check out the EMDRIA website.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  

• Therapists- Therapists have earned at least a masters in their field and may be licensed or unlicensed.  They commonly see clients in different setting such as agencies, organizations, or private practice.  Therapists use their modality to help clients complete their therapeutic goals through the use of therapy.  
• Psychiatrists- Psychiatrists are doctors that have completed medical school and are able to prescribe medications.  Some psychiatrists also perform therapy.
• Psychologists- According to Career Explorer, a "psychologist is someone who studies mental processes and human behaviour by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and the environment. Some psychologists work independently, doing research or working only with patients or clients." 

If you would like to learn more, please check out the Integrated Care Clinic's article "What's the difference between a psychologist, psychiatrist, and therapist."