Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some typical questions clients ask. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please contact me.
Do you offer sliding scale pricing?
I reserve a few spots in my schedule for clients who are unable to afford my full fee/do not receive a superbill.
I and my sliding scale clients deeply appreciate those who are privileged enough to afford full fee and pay it. Together we make it possible for me to have these options available for others in need to access therapy!
What is a superbill?
A superbill is a detailed invoice outlining the services you received in therapy. When you request a superbill from me you are expected to pay after your session time and at the end of each month you receive a superbill in your client portal. If you have out of network benefits you can contact your insurance company to inquire about how to submit your superbills.
What is AF-EMDR? Is it the same as EMDR?
Attachment focused EMDR is a form of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) that focuses on building a client centered relationship, utilizing a modified EMDR protocol, resource tapping and integrating talk therapy. It has the same evidence based roots of EMDR. You can read more about it by clicking here.
Will you write me an ESA letter?
California law outlines that we must be in active treatment for at least 3 months before I am able to write a letter recommending that you have an emotional support animal. I do not consider any requests until we have met this requirement and it is not guaranteed that I will write you one.
Are you part of the LGBTQIA+ community?
I lived my life as a passionate ally, but I recently realized I am part of it. Have more questions? I am happy to answer them when we chat.
How long does therapy take?
Some people come to a few sessions and feel they accomplished what they needed, others like to meet with a therapist weekly for years. If you are coming in with a specific problem, typically therapy takes about 4-6 months. If you are looking to do deeper psychodyanmic work we will likely meet longer. Personally and ethically, I want my clients to feel they have solid coping skills, understand themselves and move through life without therapy. I will suggest reducing sessions, ending or taking a break when it is clinically appropriate. Sometimes clients who end therapy choose to come back after a big life event or if their symptoms pop back up after an unexpected trigger arises. I always welcome clients to check in if they need it. Together we can decide if returning to a regular schedule can benefit you.
What does a "higher level of care" mean?
I practice therapy within my scope of practice. This means if you need help with something I do not have experience with it is not within my scope and I need to refer you to the appropriate level of care. It is against the MFT code of ethics to treat someone out of your scope, I promise it is not a personal reason.
What is your cancellation policy?
You must cancel 48 hours before your scheduled session time. I understand emergencies happen, but I do not make exceptions for this policy. This is an investment in yourself and if I don't treat it like one it is likely you won't either. You are allowed 2 missed cancelled appointments per quarter, excess cancellations will be charged at the full fee. If you do have more than 2 missed/cancellations in a quarter, you will be taken off my regular schedule and we will discuss if this is the right time for therapy.
If you are utilizing Partnership and cancel an appointment I do not get paid. I am also contractually not allowed to charge you for late cancellations. I accept Partnership because I want to do my best to make therapy accessible to all, but it really impacts my business when partnership clients chronically cancel. Our appointments are investment in yourself and if the time put aside for you is not respected it is likely you do not respect therapy as a process. Partnership clients are allowed 2 cancellations per quarter. If you cancel/miss more than 2 sessions per quarter, you will be taken off my regular schedule and we will discuss if this is the right time for therapy.