FAQs

Finding a good therapist can be challenging. People often feel uncomfortable and nervous when reaching out to seek therapy. Also, telling a stranger things that you may have never told anyone else before is pretty bold. I value that openness and know that this is not an easy process. That’s why I try to make the transition into therapy as seamless as possible. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so that you can learn more about how I work, get a sense of my style, and ask any questions you may have.

First Session: Getting to Know You
In the first session, we will discuss what brought you in to therapy at this time. I want to understand your current concerns and problems that you’d like to work on. I’ll also in- quire about when then problems started, how you’ve been trying to cope thus far, and what you’d like to see as a result of coming to therapy. During this session, I’ll ask a lot of questions about you and do a ton of listening. I want to have a full understanding of your situation to help me create a therapy plan tailored to your needs.

Second session: Understanding Your Past
The second session often consists of collecting more history about your upbringing, your relationship history and your sexual history, if applicable. My goal is to understand you in context and figure out what the core issues are. It is important to understand where you are coming from to help guide you to where you are going. I want therapy to create a life long impact for you and not just be a band aid.

If you are coming in as a couple, I will often see both individuals separately so that they can have the space and time to discuss their unique histories. Please know that I will keep the information shared in separate therapy sessions private so you have the com- fort to share whatever information you like.

Third Session and Beyond: Starting Your Journey
Now I have a better assessment of the situation and we will begin your journey. I will be able to set up a clear game plan for moving forward. I will share my thoughts of what I see working on with you to see if we are on the same page, and will ask that when ther- apy is completed, what do you hope to have accomplished.

From here, we will get deeper into the main concerns and work on resolving your is- sues. I will continuously check in with you to see how therapy is going, and make sure that we are on track. Know that therapy can bring up a variety of feelings as we delve deeper into issues and topics that you may have not discussed before. That is normal and we can discuss whatever is coming up for you along the way.

Please contact me for my current rates. 

I am only in network with Lyra Health. Otherwise I am considered an out-of-network provider. My fee of $225 is due at time of service. If you would like to get reimbursement from your insurance company, I am happy to provide a “superbill” that you can file with your claim.

All psychotherapy sessions are conducted using a HIPPA-compliant platform for Telehealth that is compatible with any desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone that has access to a web camera. No software downloads are required. I am not offering in-person sessions are offered at this time.

Clinical psychologists are professional healthcare providers with training and expertise in the areas of human behavior and psychological health. Clinical psychologists aim to reduce psychological distress and enhance and promote psychological well-being. They learn about the human mind, human development, psychological problems, the measurement and understanding of personality characteristics, and other important areas of knowledge about how people think, feel, and behave. Often, clinical psychologists will consult with other medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients, especially treatment that includes medication. Clinical psychologists generally are not permitted to prescribe medication to treat patients; only psychiatrists and other medical doctors may prescribe certain medications. Clinical psychologists earn a doctoral degree in psychology which typically takes four to five years of full-time graduate study beyond a college degree. The degree may be a Ph.D., a Psy.D., or an Ed.D., depending upon the graduate training program.

The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) certified sex therapists are mental health professionals, trained to provide in-depth psychotherapy, who are specialized in treating clients with sexual issues and concerns. AASECT requirements include 90 hours of courses in 15 core areas of human sexuality, and also 60 hours of training in seven specific disciplines related to sex therapy. Every AASECT certified sex therapist must agree to abide by the AASECT code of ethics, which stresses competence and integrity along with moral, ethical, and legal responsibility to safeguard the well-being of clients. AASECT certification also requires up to 50 hours of direct supervision by an AASECT certified sex therapy supervisor.

AASECT credentials sexual health professionals on the basis of rigorous standards for academic preparation, supervised training and consultation, field-related experience, and applied skills. Field experience and practical application of skills and competencies carried out under trained and approved supervision or consultation are crucial aspects of certification. Applicants must substantiate completion of certification requirements with academic transcripts and other formal documentation, and must also undergo peer review of their credentials.

Yes, I do! While I have a specialty in sexuality and sex therapy, I also have extensive experience in treating mental health concerns such as anxiety and mood disorders, adjustment to various life transitions, relationship issues, parenting challenges, and work stressors. I also offer support to women going through the menopause transition and medical challenges such as cancer and autoimmune challenges.

Yes. In addition to my California Psychologist license, I have a telehealth license to provide therapy to clients in Vermont and Florida. I am also able to see clients internationally in many countries that do not have license restrictions, such as Hong Kong. Please contact me to see if I may be able to provide therapy where you are currently located.