FAQs
Getting Started
I think most people can benefit from therapy (although I may be a little biased!). You don't need a mental health diagnosis or a major crisis to get something out of it. Sometimes it's helpful to have a space to sort through what's on your mind, gain a different perspective, and learn practical skills for navigating everyday life. In fact, many of my clients tell me they wish they'd learned some of these skills in school!
Therapy can also be an important part of treating anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. And if you've tried therapy before and didn't find it helpful, that doesn't necessarily mean it isn't for you. Different approaches and different therapists can make a real difference.
Should I try therapy?
Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. I'll ask questions about what brings you to therapy, what's been going on in your life, and what you're hoping to get out of our work together.
There's some flexibility in how we spend our time. Some people prefer to start with a more thorough conversation about their history, while others are eager to dive right into what's happening now. Since you'll have completed some paperwork beforehand, we can often strike a balance between the two.
There's no pressure to have everything figured out or to share everything right away. We'll begin identifying goals, talk about what our work together might look like, and leave plenty of room for your questions.
What can I expect during our first session?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer! The length of therapy depends on what brings you in, your goals, and how things progress. Some people benefit from short-term, focused treatment, while others find longer-term therapy helpful.
We'll identify goals together and regularly check in on your progress. As things improve, we may gradually meet less often, transition to occasional booster sessions, or celebrate your graduation from therapy! Ultimately, my goal is to help you build the skills and confidence to navigate life's challenges, both during therapy and long after our work together ends.
How long will I need therapy?
Working Together
I offer telehealth therapy throughout California and Illinois, making it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules without adding another commute to your day (especially if you're familiar with Los Angeles traffic!).
For clients in the Los Angeles area, including Westchester, Playa Vista, Culver City, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and surrounding communities, in-person sessions and house calls may also be available on a case-by-case basis.
Whether you're in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Chicago, or somewhere in between, we can connect virtually from wherever you're located within California or Illinois.
Do you offer telehealth services? Do you offer in-person services?
Research has shown that virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health concerns, and I've certainly found that to be true in my own clinical experience!
Telehealth offers the convenience of meeting from a comfortable, familiar space without the added time and stress of commuting. Of course, it isn't the right fit for everyone, and that's okay. If you're curious but unsure, I encourage you to give it a try. We can always discuss whether it's working well for you.
And for new parents, babies are welcome! You're welcome to hold, feed, or care for your baby during our sessions—whatever feels most comfortable for you.
Are telehealth services effective?
The perinatal period generally refers to pregnancy and the first year after childbirth, although perinatal mental health care often extends to experiences like trying to conceive, fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, and the transition to parenthood.
Perinatal mental health is one of my specialties, but it's certainly not the only population I work with! I have extensive experience helping adults (18+) navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, and a wide range of other concerns.
What does "perinatal" mean, and do you only work with this population?
Do you offer Comprehensive DBT?
I don't offer comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which includes individual therapy, group skills training, between-session phone coaching, and a therapist consultation team.
However, I do offer DBT-informed individual therapy and individual skills training. I draw from DBT strategies and tailor them to each client's needs, helping people build practical skills for managing emotions, navigating relationships, tolerating distress, and responding more effectively to life's challenges.
For clients who need the full comprehensive DBT program, I'm happy to help identify a more appropriate treatment option.
Fees & Logistics
My fee is $300 for a standard 50-minute therapy session. I also offer a complimentary initial consultation so we can discuss what you're looking for, answer your questions, and see whether working together feels like a good fit.
If you have out-of-network insurance benefits, you may be eligible for reimbursement for a portion of the session fee. You can find more information about insurance below.
How much does therapy cost?
Do you accept insurance?
I'm an out-of-network provider, meaning I don't contract directly with insurance companies. However, that doesn't necessarily mean your insurance won't help cover the cost of therapy!
If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, you may be eligible for partial or full reimbursement. Superbills (detailed receipts you can submit to your insurance company) are automatically provided through my client portal. I encourage you to contact your insurer to learn about your out-of-network coverage, deductible, and reimbursement rates.
I'm also open to pursuing Single-Case Agreements (SCAs) with insurance companies when appropriate. An SCA is an arrangement in which an insurer agrees to cover treatment with an out-of-network provider, often because an appropriate in-network option isn't available. If approved, you may be able to receive care at your plan's in-network cost-sharing rate rather than paying my full private-pay fee.
Insurance coverage and SCA approval are never guaranteed, but I'm happy to discuss these options with you.
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice, as well as missed appointments, are subject to the full session fee.
Getting started is easy! You can schedule a free initial consultation directly through my online calendar, or reach out by phone, text, or my contact form to arrange a time to talk.
During our consultation, we'll briefly discuss what brings you to therapy, what you're looking for, and whether working together feels like a good fit. I'll also answer any questions you might have.
If we decide to move forward, we'll schedule your first session, and I'll send you a few simple forms to complete through my secure client portal. No need to have everything figured out before reaching out!