Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy in San Francisco, CA

How much do therapy sessions cost, and how long do they last?

Individual counseling is $200 per 50 minute session.

Are counseling sessions covered by my insurance?

This depends on your insurance plan and the type of service that you are seeking. I am an out-of-network provider with many PPO insurance plans. This means you would pay me for sessions directly on the day of service. Then, I can provide you with a receipt for services (called a “superbill”) that you may submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

There is an app, Reimbursify, that I recommend to clients with PPO insurance plans to assist them with filing claims. I am more than happy to discuss this solution with you during our consultation call.

If you want to use your insurance, please call your insurance company to verify your benefits before we begin working together. I want you to feel comfortable with the financial aspect of your counseling. Here are some useful questions to ask:

• What is the name of my plan? Is it an HMO or PPO?

• Does my plan include out-of-network mental health benefits?

• Is pre-approval required before obtaining out-of-network services in order to be reimbursed?

• Are services rendered by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist covered?

• If I submit a claim, will I be reimbursed the full amount I paid or a portion?

• What is my deductible? How much of my deductible have I met this year?

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, please notify me at least 48 hours in advance to avoid being charged the full session fee. Please keep in mind that insurance providers do not reimburse for late cancellations or no-shows.

In case of sickness or emergency, I am happy to move to a virtual session or reschedule your missed appointment the same week, providing you can meet at a time I have available.

Do you offer telehealth, online video sessions, or phone sessions?

Yes, I use a secure HIPAA compliant platform to offer virtual and phone sessions to clients. You will need access to a private space, a good internet connection and a computer, tablet, or phone to engage in online therapy.

Online therapy allows me to provide therapy to a broader geographic range than in-person services, therefore, I see clients throughout the State of California. Besides being convenient and secure, there have been numerous studies showing that telehealth is just as effective as in-person counseling.

Virtual sessions may be reimbursable for out-of-network, but phone sessions typically aren’t.

How often do we meet for therapy to be effective?

I have found that meeting weekly improves clients’ progress toward their goals. Clients benefit from weekly sessions for a number of reasons, such as stronger alliance with the therapist, spending more time in session on underlying dynamics rather than “catching up,” and more focused attention on learning and practicing skills outside of therapy. For these reasons, we will meet at least weekly until you’ve met your goals.

What happens during the initial 15-minute phone consultation for therapy?

An initial consultation is to explore your needs and find out if I would be a good fit therapist for you.

What happens during the first therapy session?

During the first session we will focus on identifying your goals for therapy. If therapy did exactly what you needed, what would your life look like in 3 to 6 months? How could I tell that it has worked by looking from the outside?

How long will I be in therapy?

Every client is different. It’s common for clients to feel significant relief after only a few sessions, usually because the act of starting counseling gives a boost in hopefulness. However, I have found that problems that have developed and grown over the course of many years cannot be solved within a few weeks. Part of my process is to regularly ask you what your goals are and how you’re progressing toward them. You get to decide how long you come to therapy, and our conversations about your progress will help you decide.

Do you work with couples or provide marriage therapy?

I don’t work with couples. I specialize in one-on-one work for individuals who want to transform the way they navigate relationships and/or for folks who want to do deeper solo work outside of couples therapy.

Do you have evening and weekend appointments available? 

The latest appointment time I offer is at 5pm. I do not provide weekend appointments.

I know it can feel like a big step to call a therapist, but I’ll make it easy. We’ll spend 15-minutes on the phone and I’ll let you know how or if I can help. If I am not the right person, I’ll do my best to get you to the right provider.