Questions, answered.

Experiencing ups and downs is a normal part of life, so how do you know when you need extra help? If your symptoms are persistent, maybe it's time to reach out. Common reasons for seeking therapy include; feeling unfulfilled in your work or personal relationships, difficulty setting boundaries, burnout, inability to enjoy accomplishments, low self-esteem, and more.

First we'll get all the logistics out of the way. I'll review policies including confidentiality, scheduling, and payments. Next, I'll spend time getting to know you and what brings you to therapy. I'll also talk with you about how I work and we can discuss if we'll be a good fit for each other. If so, we can schedule your next session and go from there. If not, then I'm happy to review other options with you.

The length of time varies from person to person, based on your specific needs. I have worked with clients for a few months, and some for years. People typically continue sessions for as long as it feels helpful for them, rather than placing a time limit on it.

Generally speaking, all sessions are confidential and conducted using a HIPAA compliant virtual platform. There are a few exceptions in which I am required to break confidentiality, including (but not limited to): 1. You are a danger to yourself (e.g. suicidal) 2. You are a danger to someone else  3. You disclose child or elder abuse  For additional information, please feel free to discuss with me or visit https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/supplemental/Essential-Ethics-Psychologists/exceptions.pdf https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/confidentiality

I work exclusively via telehealth using a HIPAA compliant platform for residents of California. Virtual sessions offer a wider range of flexibility to meet your schedule. No more sitting in traffic or waiting in sterile waiting rooms. You can join a session from any place in California that is private and where you feel comfortable. The only tools you'll need are a reliable internet connection and device with a camera.

If you are using insurance, your co-pay is determined by your insurance provider and sessions are limited to 45 minutes in length due to insurance restrictions.  For cash-pay clients, my session fees are $200 per session for a 50 minute session.

I am currently in-network with Optum. Aetna, and some Carelon plans. Anthem/BCBS is not currently accepted.  For all other insurances, I am considered out-of-network and I do not accept these insurances directly. However, I am able to provide superbills (detailed receipts) that you can submit to your insurance provider. By choosing to work with fewer insurance providers, the focus is kept 100% on you and your needs rather than insurance requirements and limitations.

I currently only offer weekly appointments. Bi-weekly appointments are reserved for long-term clients who are tapering down and looking to end services within the next 3 months.

I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I work by helping you understand negative patterns that are keeping you stuck, identifying core values, and taking action towards living those values. I also focus on uncovering the root cause of what's contributing to your current concerns, working through challenges rather than around them, and helping you build a strong foundation to weather future storms long after sessions have ended.

I work with California residents aged 18 and older. When deciding to work with any therapist, you want someone who makes you feel heard, accepted, and respected. A good therapist is reliable, open to feedback, and invested in your progress. Sometimes this can mean giving you the space to just talk, and sometimes this means you'll be challenged and/or asked to commit to utilizing new skills outside of session. I'm always happy to have an ongoing conversation about this in our sessions.

You can reschedule or cancel your appointment with 24 hours notice. Sessions that are rescheduled, canceled, or missed without 24 hours notice will be charged a $50 fee for the first instance, and $100 for each following. Exceptions can be made for serious illness or emergencies.

Clients typically see a gradual lifting of symptoms over time. Coping skills and communication styles that once felt like a challenge to use become second nature. Emotions that used to be difficult to manage, like anxiety and depression, may feel less intense and pass quicker than before.

Αν και μιλάω λίγα ελληνικά, δεν τα γνωρίζω αρκετά καλά ώστε να πραγματοποιώ συνεδρίες θεραπείας.

I am not able to offer crisis intervention services. If you feel like you are in crisis and need immediate assistance, call 911 or the National Suicide Hotline at 988. I do not currently offer psychological testing services and I am not able to prescribe medications or give medication advice.  Lastly, I do not have specialized training in substance abuse or eating disorders, and as such, I am not able to see clients where this is their primary concern. You can visit the website of your insurance provider or visit www.psychologytoday.com to find another clinician who can work with you.

I hear you, starting therapy for the first time can feel intimidating! However, to comply with privacy laws, I am not able to accept referrals on behalf of someone else. The person requesting services must be the person contacting me, or I won't be able to schedule an appointment.

It's normal to have periods of feeling stuck or lost in therapy. However, if you feel like it's persistent, let's talk about it! We can make adjustments as needed and we'll troubleshoot together to give you the best possible experience. I also understand that sometimes, a different perspective is what's needed. If your healing journey requires you to see another therapist, I'll work with you on getting connected elsewhere. My focus is always on getting you the best help for your unique situation.