FAQs

Do you take insurance?

I’m a preferred provider for Loma Linda Risk Management. For all other insurance, I am out-of-network.

If you have another insurance you want to use, I can provide you with an invoice (called a “superbill”) that you can submit to your insurance to seek reimbursement for my services. I recommend you call your insurance carrier and ask if they cover out-of-network providers, as well as inquire about any deductibles, copays, or session limits. In general, a PPO plan is more likely to provide some coverage for out-of-network claims, while HMO plans generally require that you see a participating provider. I am also registered with Reimbursify, a service that submits your out-of-network claims for reimbursement. And, you can use HSA or FSA funds to cover therapy costs.

It is also important to note that most insurances only cover treatment for a diagnosable mental disorder. Couples therapy is generally not covered, unless it is part of treatment for an individual with a diagnosed disorder. Counseling for personal growth is also not generally covered by insurance. I’m happy to discuss any additional questions you have.

How long is a session, and what is the cost?

Sessions are $160 for 45-50 minutes, and $175 for 55-60 minutes. (The last five minutes of each session is reserved for payment and rescheduling if not arranged through auto-pay and/or online scheduling.) Payment is due at the time of service.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. 

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.

You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Do I need to come to therapy every week?

I generally meet with clients weekly until their goals for therapy are met. That being said, I’m not a one-size fits-all therapist. Before we schedule our first session, we will talk about what you want to achieve in therapy, and I will give you my professional opinion about what I think would help you meet your unique goals. While I am known as a therapist who works well with depth, I also really enjoy the challenge of working in a brief model. Whether we work together for just a few sessions, or over a longer course, our time together will be structured to help you achieve your goals and have a new way of thinking about your life moving forward.

How do you meet with clients?

I am currently meeting with clients online only. There are occasional exceptions for walk-and-talk sessions if it makes sense for your particular needs, and if my schedule permits. I occasionally schedule a day for walk-and talk sessions if there is enough interest among clients local to the San Diego area. I also have occasional time available in a private co-working office in Carlsbad. These in-person appointments are also limited due to the time constraints of my regular online schedule, as I work with clients throughout California.

Do you have a waiting list?

My schedule is often very full, and I can’t easily predict when I will have new openings. I don’t maintain a waiting list because I don’t want you to lose time waiting when you could be moving forward with another therapist.