Common Questions

I Understand That Therapy Is A Financial Commitment. It’s also a place for you to experience growth and healing in a way that can change your life.

The following questions are the most commonly asked. If I left a question out that you would like answered, please do not hesitate to contact me.

1. What are your fees? My fee is $140 for each 60-minute session (In-person and online rates). I accept check, cash, and all major credit cards for payment.

  • Initial Intake Appointment (75 minutes): $155

  • Standard 60-minute Individual session: $140

  • I am also able to extend sessions at a rate of $20 per 30 minutes

My Fee Includes The Following Services:

ADDITIONAL ACCESS

My clients have access to me by way of a secure messaging portal where you can email/text me throughout the week (M-F). You do not have to wait an entire week until you see me again to ask me a question or share something with me.

SESSION SUMMARIES

I also provide my clients with a Session Summary Follow-up. I do not keep my progress notes a secrete. This way, you don’t have to try and remember everything. You can access your notes at any time. I will share your assessments by way of your secure client portal, too, and interrupt them for you.

NETWORK ACCESS

I help you build a professional health team to assist in your treatment with me.

2. Is there a free initial consultation? Yes, I offer a free 30-minute consultation on the phone or in person. I have designed this to see if we are a good match before moving forward and if I can help you. If not, I will provide you with a referral to someone who can best fit your needs.

3. Do you accept insurance? No. I am not on any insurance panels but can offer you a Statement of Services (superbill). Ultimately, you are responsible for payment at the time of service, regardless of whether your insurance company reimburses you. I encourage you to contact your insurance provider and obtain information regarding your benefits if you intend to seek reimbursement from your insurance provider. I can provide you with an Insurance Benefit(s) Questionnaire form if you like. Here are some excellent questions to ask:

  • Do I have out-of-network mental-health benefits?

  • What is my coverage- the number of sessions or percentage- for a provider outside of the network?

  • What is my deductible and has it been met?

  • Do I need to obtain a pre-authorization before my first appointment to go to an out-of-network provider?

  • Do my benefits cover a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist?

4. Why don’t you accept insurance? Please read this article at http://www.confessionsofatherapist.com/2010/12/what-your-therapist-hasnt-told-you.html . It explains it well. 

5. Can you prescribe medication? No, as prescribing medication is not under my scope of practice. Only a Licensed Medical Physician can prescribe medication.

6. How does therapy work? Each person is unique; therefore, therapy looks different for each person, as it is not a one-fits-all approach. I will encourage you to take an active role in the therapy process; this includes working in-between session, as this often leads to healthy growth. I will provide action tasks in-between sessions that best benefit your specific needs to improve your overall health. I will explain why I might encourage you to complete a task and its benefit your treatment.

When you share your story, it helps us find where the problem is stemming from, the root cause. We will be able to identify patterns that need to be broken and move toward healing and restoration. I work collaboratively with you; we are a team in this journey.

7. Do you only provide therapy to women? Yes, I predominately work with adult women (35-55) in my private practice.

8. How long will therapy take? As short as possible and as long as it takes. Due to the varying nature and severity of problems and the individuality of each person, I am unable to predict the length of your treatment or to guarantee a specific outcome or result. Each person's situation is unique; therefore, the duration of therapy is different for each person. However, I consider myself a brief therapist. I want to help you become the CEO of your health and provide you with what you need to move forward. We can discuss this further at any time during the therapeutic process.

9. What are your confidentiality and privacy policy? The law protects the client and therapist relationship. Your information cannot be disclosed without your written permission. However, state law and professional ethics require an immediate report to the authorities. Here are a few exceptions to this policy:

  • Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, and elders based on information client provides or collateral sources.

  • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and the victim/s.

  • If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. However, if the client does not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law to ensure their safety.

In our first session, this will be discussed in further detail verbally and in your Informed Consent form.

10. What is your cancellation policy? Your appointment time is reserved especially for you. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please contact me at least 48 hours before your scheduled session. If you do not show up for your scheduled appointment, and you have not notified me at least 48 hours in advance, a full fee will be charged. 

11. Do I have to be a Christian to come to get therapy?  No, I am here to serve the community with my training, tools, and skills. I will respect your strongly held values and beliefs.   

12.  Is treatment Biblically based?  I respect your personal beliefs and doctrine and incorporate the scriptures and prayer as much as you desire it to have a part in the therapy process.