Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during the first therapy session?
Following our complimentary 15-minute phone consultation, we will schedule your first session. Before we meet, you will receive a few forms through my secure client portal, including practice policies and information to help me better understand your needs.
Our first session is focused on getting to know each other, discussing what brings you to therapy, exploring your goals, and determining how I can best support you. I encourage you to ask questions so we can build a comfortable and trusting therapeutic relationship.
Where do sessions take place?
I offer in-person therapy sessions in my Santa Barbara office as well as secure telehealth sessions throughout California. In certain circumstances, alternative settings may be discussed based on individual needs.
How do I know if therapy would be helpful for me or my teen?
Therapy can be helpful when emotions, relationships, school, work, or daily responsibilities begin to feel overwhelming. Some signs that additional support may be helpful include increased anxiety, difficulty managing emotions, changes in mood, withdrawal from others, increased conflict, feeling stuck, or struggling with major life transitions.
Therapy is not only for times of crisis. Many people seek support because they want to better understand themselves, strengthen relationships, build confidence, and develop healthier ways of coping.
Do you work with individuals experiencing more complex mental health concerns?
My private practice focuses on supporting teens, young adults, and adults experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma-related challenges, emotional regulation difficulties, and life transitions.
For individuals needing a higher level of care or specialized services beyond the scope of my practice, I am happy to help connect them with appropriate resources.
How often will I need to come to therapy?
The frequency of therapy sessions depends on your individual needs, goals, and the type of support you are seeking. Many clients begin with weekly sessions because consistency helps build trust, develop new skills, and create meaningful progress.
As we work together, we will regularly evaluate your goals and progress to determine the level of support that feels most appropriate for you.
Some clients may benefit from more frequent sessions, such as twice-weekly appointments, particularly when focusing on specific skills or more intensive support. Others may transition to less frequent sessions as they gain confidence and feel ready to maintain their progress independently.
How long will I need to come to therapy?
The length of therapy varies depending on your individual needs, goals, and the challenges you are working through. Some clients seek support for a specific concern or life transition, while others choose to continue therapy longer for deeper personal growth and ongoing support.
Many clients begin noticing progress within the first few months of consistent therapy. Throughout our work together, we will regularly check in on your goals and progress to make sure therapy continues to be meaningful and beneficial.
The goal of therapy is not to keep you in treatment indefinitely, but to help you build the insight, confidence, and skills you need to navigate life more effectively. Many clients choose to return for additional support during future transitions or challenges.
Do you have evening or weekend appointments available?
My regular appointment hours are during weekdays. However, in certain circumstances, limited evening or weekend availability may be possible on a case-by-case basis depending on availability and the specific needs of the client.
I believe maintaining balance and personal well-being allows me to be fully present and provide the best support for my clients. If an urgent need arises, we can discuss available options and determine what support may be most appropriate.
How much do sessions cost?
The investment in therapy varies depending on the type and length of session.
Initial Therapy Session (75–90 minutes): $250
Individual Therapy Session (50 minutes): $200
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Session (60 minutes): $220
Please contact me if you have questions about session fees or would like to discuss which type of support may be the best fit for your needs.
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Are sessions covered by my insurance?
I am not currently in-network with private insurance companies. However, some insurance plans offer out-of-network mental health benefits that may allow you to receive reimbursement for a portion of your therapy fees.
I can provide a superbill that you may submit directly to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement. Coverage varies depending on your specific insurance plan, so I recommend contacting your insurance company to learn more about your out-of-network benefits.
I accept Zelle,major credit cards, as well as FSA and HSA payment options.
How do I seek reimbursement from my insurance company?
If your insurance plan includes out-of-network mental health benefits, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for a portion of your therapy fees.
I will provide you with a superbill, which is a document you can submit directly to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Each insurance plan is different, so I recommend contacting your provider before beginning therapy to understand your benefits and reimbursement process.
You may want to ask your insurance company:
Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
What is my reimbursement rate for therapy sessions?
Do I have an out-of-network deductible?
How do I submit a superbill for reimbursement?
I am happy to provide the documentation needed to support you through this process.
Do you accept CenCal insurance?
I currently have limited availability for CenCal (Medi-Cal) clients. At this time, my CenCal openings are not available, and I do not maintain a waiting list for these slots.