Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy

Getting Started

How do I find out whether we might be a good fit?

I offer a brief initial phone consultation to learn a little about what brings you to therapy and discuss whether my approach and experience may fit your needs. It is also an opportunity for you to ask questions.

If I believe another provider or type of service would better meet your needs, I will let you know and offer referrals when possible.

What happens during the first therapy sessions?

We begin with an assessment of your concerns, history, current circumstances, relationships, and goals. I want to understand not only what is difficult but also what has helped you, what matters to you, and what resources you bring to the process.

Together, we develop an understanding of your needs and discuss an approach to treatment.

How long does therapy take?

The length of therapy varies according to your goals, concerns, history, and response to treatment. Some people seek help with a specific difficulty, while others want to explore longer-standing patterns.

We will periodically review your progress and discuss whether our work continues to meet your needs.

In-Person and Online Therapy

Where is your office?

My practice is located in Old Town, San Diego, California. Ample free parking is provided at the office complex. Please contact me for current office details and appointment availability.

Do you offer online therapy?

I offer online therapy for adults located in California. Online sessions can be a convenient alternative to traveling to an office. We can discuss whether this format is appropriate for your needs.

Fees and Insurance

What are your fees?

My current rates are $220 for a standard therapy session, $260 for the initial evaluation, or my contracted in-network rate. 

Do you accept insurance?

I participate with Cigna/Evernorth and Lyra Health, subject to current network participation and plan eligibility. I may also provide a superbill for clients seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Coverage and reimbursement depend on your specific plan, so please confirm benefits directly with your insurer.

What should I ask my insurance company?

You may want to ask whether outpatient psychological services are covered, whether your plan requires a referral, what your deductible and copayment are, and whether out-of-network reimbursement is available.

Do you offer any low fee rates? 

It is important to me to keep a portion of my caseload reserved for people who cannot afford the full fee for therapy. I have a limited number of these spots. If you would like to ask about this, please reach out. 

How do I take the next step?

Contact me to discuss a free 15-minute consultation. You do not need to know exactly what kind of therapy you need before reaching out.

Therapy Approaches

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a structured psychotherapy used to help people process distress associated with traumatic and other difficult experiences.

Treatment includes preparation and assessment, and the pace and suitability of processing work are determined collaboratively.

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

ACT helps people develop a different relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings while taking steps toward their values. Rather than trying to control every internal experience, the goal is to increase flexibility in how you respond to it.

What is Interpersonal/Relational therapy?

These approaches explore how earlier experiences and important relationships may influence present-day feelings, beliefs, and patterns of relating. Understanding these patterns can help create opportunities for change.

Do I need to choose one type of therapy?

No. I use an integrative approach, drawing from different therapeutic traditions according to your goals, circumstances, and treatment needs. We will discuss what seems most appropriate for you. Of course, if you have a preference, please let me know!

Do I need to meditate to benefit from mindfulness?

No. Mindfulness can include many ways of paying attention to present-moment experience. Formal meditation is one option, but it is not a requirement for benefiting from mindfulness-based strategies.