FAQs

Once we have scheduled our intake appointment and you have completed your new client forms, I will email you with the link to my virtual “office” on a HIPAA-compliant platform I use, called Sessions Health.  You don’t have to worry about downloading anything to your computer. On the day of our appointment, you’ll simply click on the link and type in your name to let me know that you have arrived in the waiting room. Then I’ll be able to click on your name to connect with you by video.  

Although I used to see nearly all of my clients in-person in an office setting, it became clear during and after the COVID pandemic that providing psychotherapy virtually can be equally effective, in addition to being  a convenient and flexible way of delivering services.  As such, I have fully transitioned to seeing all of my clients virtually, which allows for the possibility of my helping clients throughout the state of California, in addition to New York and Florida.   

My current fee is $300 for a standard 45-50-minute therapy session and $450 for the initial 75-minute intake evaluation. 

I am not panelled with any insurance companies.  However, most of my clients have PPO insurance, which generally allows  me to provide them with a monthly “super bill” (insurance company-speak for an invoice summary) that they can submit to their insurance for partial reimbursement of my fee.

Our first appointment provides an opportunity for me to learn about you and your reasons for seeking treatment.  I will ask questions about your background and the history of whatever difficulties you might be having. This will enable me to come up with a working diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for how best I can help you.  I will also be happy to answer any questions you might have about me and my treatment approach.  We will also discuss logistical things like my office policies, confidentiality, and scheduling/canceling appointments.  Finally, we will figure out a convenient regular appointment time and session frequency that is convenient for you.

As I have little chance of scheduling another client or activity without adequate notice of a cancellation, I ask for a minimum of 2 business days’ lead time for all cancellations to avoid being charged for your reserved appointment time.  

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who completed a residency in psychiatry and is able to prescribe medication to treat mental health issues. A psychologist (at least in California) is a mental health professional who has earned a doctorate (either a PhD or a PsyD) in clinical psychology and has completed thousands of hours of training in the use of talk therapy to treat mental health problems. Generally, a psychiatrist focuses on assessing, prescribing and monitoring patients who are taking psychotropic medications. A psychologist provides assessment and psychotherapy and typically meets with the patient on a more frequent basis.  The word “psychotherapist” is an umbrella term that applies to psychologists as well as to masters-level therapists (in California known as MFTs or Marriage and Family Therapists and LCSWs or Licensed Clinical Social Workers).    

While a friend or family member might well be a great listener, I add to the mix my expertise, developed from over 25 years of clinical experience, in helping clients to more effectively navigate difficult mental health situations, such as anxiety and depression. As a licensed psychologist, I can help you approach your situation in a new way, using evidence-based treatment methods. I will listen to you without judgment or expectations, teach you skills for coping with difficult situations, and help you gain a new perspective. Also, therapy is confidential. You won’t have to worry about others close to you finding out about personal details, thoughts and feelings that you’d rather keep to yourself. 

Medication can be helpful for certain chronic mental health problems. Often, however, psychotherapy can be an important complement to taking medication. It is through therapy that you will have an opportunity to learn new tools and strategies for managing difficult interpersonal or emotional situations. In some situations, such as with anxiety disorders and depression, cognitive behavioral therapy, which includes learning to respond to anxiety or a downturn in mood in a different way, has been shown to be a highly effective component of treatment. Therapy can help you identify and gain insight into patterns of behavior that might actually be contributing to your problems and help you make changes to enable you to feel better and move closer to achieving your goals.

Unfortunately, this is not possible to estimate without knowing your unique situation or diagnosis. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to start therapy in the first place.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.  Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.   You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.  You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.  If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.