Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do you take my insurance?
I am out of network with insurance plans: you pay for each session yourself, and I give you an itemized receipt in case your plan reimburses. I do not take Medicare or Medi-Cal.
What is a superbill, and can I send it to my plan?
A superbill is the itemized monthly receipt I give you, with the dates and kind of session, and you can send it to your plan, which may reimburse part of out-of-network care. It carries a diagnosis code your insurer can see, and your plan decides whether it pays anything.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you pay without insurance, you have the right to receive a written estimate of your care before you start. I send you one before the first session. If the final bill is $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it. The estimate is not a contract.
How much does it cost, and how do fees work?
Your fee is given to you in writing before we start, and you pay at the end of each session. The page on how fees work walks through insurance, receipts and the estimate.
Can I use an HSA or FSA card?
Yes. Most HSA and FSA cards work for sessions. Check with your plan administrator if you are unsure.
What happens in the first session?
It lasts 50 minutes. I explain how I work, the limits of confidentiality and the possible risks and benefits of therapy, and I listen. At the end we each decide whether to continue.
How often, and for how long?
Most people come weekly at first. I do not promise a number of sessions: we talk about the pace as we go, and you can change it.
Am I covered by your license where I live?
My license is from California. By video I see people who are in California during the session. If you are elsewhere, I will help you find someone licensed where you live.
What do I do in a crisis?
Call or text 988, any time. In an emergency, call 911. This site and my messages are not monitored around the clock.
What is confidential, and what are the limits?
What you share stays in the session. The law sets limits: if someone is at serious risk of harming themselves or another person, or if abuse of a child or an older adult is suspected, I may have to tell others. I explain this in writing before we start.
Do you teach meditation, or offer mindfulness as treatment?
No. I am a therapist, not a meditation teacher, and I do not offer mindfulness as a treatment. If your practice is part of your life, we can talk about it. If you want instruction, I can point you to a teacher or a class.
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for 24 hours' notice to change or cancel an appointment. The terms are in writing before the first session.
Is there a question we missed?
Write to me and I will answer it.