Common Questions an Answers

Free consultations are virtual zoom meetings with me and the prospective client (assumed to be you) that last no more than 30 minutes.  I see these meetings as opportunities for you to answer the question "Are we a good therapeutic fit?". I will give you the floor to ask me questions, tell me a bit about themselves and see how it feels, or really anything you would like to do to help you answer that question. You may decided to pursue therapy with me at the end of the meeting; however, a timely decision in not required and you can take all the time you need to think about it after the appointment.  If you would rather receive referrals or not pursue therapy with the therapist, that is totally ok. 

As the content of these meetings are legally considered a part of therapy, prospective clients will complete my informed consent forms before meeting with me.  These forms do a variety of things such as review the risks and benefits of therapy, describe a client's rights in therapy, the rules of therapy, etc.  If a prospective client feels uncomfortable with any part of the paperwork they absolutely can contact me to discuss before signing (and/or change their mind about meeting with the therapist in general). Prospective clients will be asked for an emergency contact as well as need to provide their current location address at the beginning of the meeting, again for legal reasons.       

Sessions are $200.00 for 45-50 minutes and $400.00 for 85 minutes (2 therapeutic hours).  I occasionally have temporary scholarships available to qualifying clients.  Most scholarships are reserved for  BIPOC, LGBTQIA, First Responders and Students including EATM students (Exotic Animal Training and Management). 

I currently accept cash and IvyPay payments.   No worries if you have never heard of this app before, it is extremely user friendly and I can show you how to set them up. 

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 to both! I use a secure video conferencing platform for telehealth and have an office in Los Alamitos I meet with clients on Fridays.

 All scheduling depends on my availability.  

• Typically, I see clients virtually Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.  I see clients in-person on Thursdays and Fridays. 
• Consultation may be offered Monday through Friday.  Consultation groups are currently all held remotely.  Individual consultations can be held remotely M-F or in-person on Thursdays or Fridays.

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 Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (CAT) OC service: 855-625-4657
• Psychiatric Mobile Response Teams (PMRT LA service: 800-854-7771
• 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) Supports veterinary professionals struggling with their mental health.  
• Sexual Assault and Harassment in the Workplace 
• 211LA: Phone line to connect with mental health services, case management, housing, food, healthcare expenses (Literally call the number 211). 

What you say in therapy is confidential with 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."

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  I have earned a masters degree in Counseling, acquired all of my 3,000 pre-licensed hours to qualify to apply for licensure, and passed my MFT licensure exam. I now own and operate the company B Messy Therapy which supports newer therapists earning their pre-licensed hours. 

Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFT) are therapists who have earned their masters degree in Counseling and actively acquiring their 3,000 pre-licensed hours to apply for licensure.  AMFTs are under the supervision of a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and meet with their supervisor weekly to discuss cases to grow in their experience and expertise. Associates have a wide variety of knowledge, experience, and skill.  AMFTs often charge less than Licensed MFTs charge due to their level of licensure. 

Currently, all of the associates connected to B Messy Therapy are being supervised by Dr. Mary M. Read, LMFT. Mary is a licensed practitioner, similar to myself, and accepting new clients. Their contact information can be found on the associates page

Everyone affiliated with B Messy Therapy are registered to work in the state of California only.