Frequently Asked Questions
In order to assist you on your journey I've collected the following frequently asked questions. I hope these will help facilitate the process.
What is your fee?
My current fee is $180 per 50-minute session.
However, I offer a limited number of reduced fee openings. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you would like to discuss a lower fee and we can explore what the possibilities might be.
Do you offer a free consultation?
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation in order to assess if I would be a good fit for you. This is also an opportunity to discuss what you are looking for in a therapist and what type of experience you are looking for.
If I am, for whatever reason, not the right person to help you, I will do my very best to provide you with an appropriate referral if that is what you would like. To schedule a consultation, please contact me at 714-266-3920.
Do you accept insurance?
If you are covered by PPO health insurance, in many cases your plan will reimburse you at their out-of-network rate. At the end of each month I will provide you with a claim form which you can submit to your insurance. Payment for my services is required in full at each session.
Health insurance varies greatly from plan to plan. Please call your insurer to learn about the extent and limits of your coverage for mental health. Useful questions to ask include:
- What is my coverage for outpatient mental health?
- What is the reimbursement rate for an out-of-network provider?
- How many sessions are covered per calendar year?
- What is my deductible and how much has been met?
You are responsible for understanding your coverage.
Is therapy confidential?
What is shared between a therapist and their client is protected by law. However, there are a few important exceptions to confidentiality of which you should be aware. Examples include suspected child abuse, elder or dependent adult abuse, and threats of physical harm to self or others.
In these specific circumstances, I am required by law to report to the appropriate agency. Please let me know if you have any questions about the limits of confidentiality.
What will sessions be like?
On your first session you should arrive about 15 minutes before your appointment in order to complete paperwork. The first several sessions are usually spent coming to know and understand what brings you to therapy and the current issues. As we come to know one another, your sessions will become a place to work together toward healing.