Questions people
ask before they reach out.

I'm an out-of-network provider, which means I don't bill insurance directly. However, many insurance plans offer out-of-network benefits that may reimburse a portion of your session fees.

I can provide a monthly superbill — a detailed receipt you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. I'd recommend calling the member services number on your insurance card to ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits before getting started.

You can find my full fee schedule on the Fees page. I'm happy to discuss fees during our consultation call as well.

A superbill is an itemized receipt that includes the diagnostic and billing codes your insurance company needs to process an out-of-network claim. I provide these upon request and you submit them directly to your insurer. Reimbursement rates vary by plan.

The easiest way is to fill out the contact form. I'll follow up within 1–2 business days to schedule a free 15–20 minute consultation call. That call is a chance to talk briefly about what's bringing you in, ask any questions you have, and see if we feel like a good fit — before making any commitment.

Yes. I offer a free 15–20 minute phone or video consultation before we begin. It's a low-pressure way to share what you're looking for, get a sense of how I work, and decide if you'd like to move forward.

The therapeutic relationship matters a great deal. I'd encourage you to read my About page and a few blog posts to get a sense of how I think and communicate. If something resonates, that's usually a good sign.

The consultation call is also designed for exactly this question. You should leave that conversation with a clearer sense of whether working together feels right — and if it doesn't, I'm happy to help point you in a better direction.

The first session is mostly about getting to know each other. I'll ask about what's bringing you in, your history and background, what you're hoping to get out of therapy, and what's worked or hasn't worked in the past. You don't need to prepare anything — just come ready to have a conversation.

By the end, we'll have a clearer sense of what we'll focus on together and what working together might look like going forward.

Individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes. Extended sessions are available upon request at a prorated fee. Group therapy sessions run 75 minutes.

Most clients start with weekly sessions. As things stabilize, some people shift to biweekly. We'll figure out the right frequency together based on what you're working on and what feels sustainable for you.

I use SimplePractice, a HIPAA-compliant platform designed specifically for healthcare providers. Sessions take place via secure video — you don't need to download anything. You'll receive a link before each session and can join directly from your browser.

I ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice are charged the full session fee. I understand that life happens and am happy to discuss exceptions in genuinely unavoidable situations.

Yes. Everything you share in session is confidential. There are a small number of legal exceptions — for example, if I believe there is imminent risk of harm to you or someone else, or if child or elder abuse is disclosed. I'll review these in full during our first session and you can always ask me questions about it.

It depends on what you're working on and what you're looking for. Some people come in with a specific situation they want to work through and feel ready to wrap up after a few months. Others find therapy valuable over a longer period as they continue to grow and explore.

I don't have a set timeline. We'll check in about how things are going and what feels right for you.

Progress in therapy isn't always linear — some weeks feel more productive than others, and things can feel harder before they feel easier. Over time, most people notice they're responding to situations differently, understanding themselves better, or feeling less stuck.

I encourage you to tell me if something doesn't feel useful or if you're not sure we're heading in the right direction. That feedback makes the work better.

A psychologist holds a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and has completed several years of supervised clinical training and licensure exams. The term "therapist" is broader and can refer to anyone who provides talk therapy, including licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), marriage and family therapists (MFTs), and licensed professional counselors (LPCs), who typically hold master's degrees.

In addition to therapy, psychologists are trained to conduct psychological assessments and testing. You can read more about these distinctions on my blog: Therapist, Psychologist, or Counselor — What's the Difference?

No. Psychologists in California and Colorado are not authorized to prescribe medication. If medication is something you'd like to explore, I can help coordinate with a psychiatrist or your primary care physician.

Yes. I work with adolescents and have particular experience with high-achieving teens navigating academic pressure, identity, anxiety, and family dynamics. You can read more on my Teens & Children page.

I'm currently licensed in California and Colorado, and I'm in the process of obtaining my Massachusetts license. I can see clients located in any of these states via telehealth. For in-person sessions, I see clients in the Bay Area.