Therapy FAQ's

Do you offer
online therapy?

(phone or video)

Yes, I offer online therapy to provide flexibility for those who may travel for work and or live outside of San Francisco. I am happy to work with anyone who is a resident of California.

At this time, sessions will be offered by phone or video to ensure clients' health and safety during COVID-19. I use a
HIPAA compliant, encrypted platform to meet with clients
over video. In-person sessions will resume when advisable.

What is the payment and cancellation policy?

PAYMENT

My fee for individual therapy is $220 per 50 minute session. Couples and family therapy is $250 per 60 minute session.

I have a limited number of sliding scale availabilities and offer reduced fees that are determined by your income and individual financial situation.

I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can get a sense of whether I can be of support to you.

Cash and checks are accepted for payment.

I do not accept insurance at this time. However, I can provide documentation for reimbursable services if your insurance plan provides out-of-network benefits. Please contact your insurance company prior to the session.

CANCELLATION

My cancellation policy requires 48 hours advance notice. Appointments canceled with less notice will incur the full session fee.

How does confidentiality work?

All communications between you and I will be held in strict confidence unless you or legal guardians provide written authorization to release information about your treatment. If you participate in couples or family therapy, I will not disclose confidential information about your treatment unless all person(s) who participated in the treatment with you provide their written authorization to release such information. Per your signed release, I may discuss your case with your past and current providers, treatment team, supervisors, or peer consultants in accordance with accepted professional behavior. However, it is important that you know I utilize a “No-Secrets” policy when conducting family or couples therapy. Please feel free to ask me about my “No-Secrets” policy and how it may apply to you.

Everything you say and share in session is strictly confidential. However, the following situations are required by law, or permitted by law, to reveal information obtained during therapy to another person or agency without your authorization:

Information may be disclosed if you present an imminent physical danger to yourself or others.
In the case of danger to others or suspicion of abuse or severe neglect of children (under 18 years of age), dependent adults, or elders (65 and older), therapists are mandated to inform legal authorities so that protective measures can be taken.
If clients introduce their mental status into legal proceedings, the court could subpoena their records. Additionally, if a client is involved in a legal proceeding (divorce, custody dispute), therapist records could be subpoenaed. If a therapist receives a court order to release information, the therapist MUST comply. In some cases, the court is satisfied with a summary of the clients’ records.
In addition, a federal law known as the Patriot Act of 2001 requires therapists (and others) in certain circumstances, to provide FBI agents with books, records, papers and documents, and other items and prohibits the therapist from disclosing to the patient that the FBI sought or obtained the items under the Act.

Good Faith Estimate

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical 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 bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. The Estimate must be furnished within one business day of scheduling a service to be provided in three business days, or within three business days of scheduling a service to be provided in at least 10 business days. You can also ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or 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 http://www.cms.gov/nosurprises