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What can I expect during the free 30-minute Zoom consultation?

The consultation gives us a chance to meet, talk about your needs and what you’re hoping to gain from our work. I’ll also be interested to learn if you’ve had prior therapy and if so, what those experiences were like. I’ll talk a bit about my practice and can answer any question you have. If it feels like a good therapeutic fit, we can schedule an initial session.

What can I expect when starting therapy?

During our first session we’ll talk through your history and current challenges, which will help me better understand how I can best help. After that, our sessions will focus on what you feel is important to talk about each week, with my supporting you in exploring those topics.

For couples, I’ll also learn about your relationship story, how you communicate, and what happens for your both during conflict.

If you feel nervous it’s okay! We’ll be getting to know each other and it’s normal to feel this way with someone new.

What if my partner isn’t ready for couples therapy?

You’re welcome to begin individual therapy. Working on your own growth can often shift dynamics in your relationship.

How much time should I commit?

The length of therapy is different for each person and is based on your reasons for seeking therapy, your goals, motivation to change, as well as consistency and commitment to the process. Ultimately, how long you decide to be in therapy is up to you. I work collaboratively and am committed to empowering my clients in making decisions aligned with their inner wisdom in all areas of their lives, including their treatment. 

Is it confidential?

There are laws that protect the communication between a client and therapist, therefore everything you share with me is confidential. There are a few exceptions to this wherein therapists are required to act in accordance with mandated reporting laws. This includes if there is reason to believe you intend to commit serious physical harm to yourself or others, or if children or elders are being abused.

How are fees determined?

Fees for therapy differ based on factors including geographical location, the experience of the therapist, whether you are seeing someone in private practice or a community clinic, and if you are using insurance or not. My rates are commensurate with those of other local psychotherapists in private practice with my training and experience. Fees cover our weekly sessions as well as research and preparation time, ongoing training, and clinical consultation to ensure I’m providing you with effective, high-quality care

Do you take insurance?

I don’t accept insurance directly. However, if your plan includes out-of-network benefits, you may be reimbursed for part of the cost. I can provide a monthly superbill (itemized receipt) for you to submit to your insurance company.

You can learn more about insurance and what to ask your insurer about coverage here.

What if I need to cancel a session?

I have a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel a session, I kindly ask that you do so at least 48 hours in advance of your scheduled session time to avoid being charged for the appointment.

What about rescheduling?

I understand that you may occasionally need to reschedule a session; however, I can accommodate requests within the same week only if my schedule allows.

Communication & Availability 

• Working Hours: I’m available Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm. Therapy sessions are held Monday – Thursday. I’m not able to schedule appointments on Fridays unless arranged in advance.

• Response Time: On weekdays, I’ll make every effort to return your call, email, or text within 9 working hours, excluding holidays.

• Weekend Messages: I don’t check messages received over the weekend until Sunday evening.

  Note: Communication outside of the session should be limited to scheduling or administrative matters.

Cancellations 

• 48-Hour Policy: To cancel, please notify me at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment time to avoid being charged for the session.

• Late Cancellation Emergencies: In the event of a true emergency (e.g., a severe illness, a death in the family, or a car accident), you won’t be charged for your session. 

  Note: Work conflicts, transportation or childcare issues, or minor illnesses (e.g., a cold) don’t qualify as emergencies under this policy.

• In-Person Sessions: If a non-emergency issue prevents you from attending an in-person session (e.g., minor illness, transportation problems, etc.), we can have a Zoom or phone session during your scheduled appointment time.

• Frequent Cancellations: Regular attendance is essential for making progress in therapy. If you frequently cancel sessions, we’ll talk openly about what might be getting in the way and consider options, including pausing therapy or connecting you with another therapist.

Rescheduling 

• Occasional Changes: I understand that you may occasionally need to reschedule a session; however, I can accommodate requests within the same week only if my schedule allows.

• Notice Required: To reschedule, notify me at least 48 hours prior to your appointment time.

• Frequent Rescheduling: If you often need to reschedule, we can see whether a different standing appointment time would work better, if my schedule can accommodate  the change.

Illness

• Contagious Illnesses: Please don't come into the office if you're sick, feel you're coming down with an illness (e.g., cold or flu), or if you're experiencing coughing, sneezing, or significant nasal congestion not related to allergies.

  COVID-19: If you've recently tested positive, have been exposed to, or had close contact with somebody who has COVID, please don't come in person.

  Session Options: If you're mildly ill (e.g., with a cold), or have been exposed to somebody who is sick, we'll hold your session via Zoom or phone at our scheduled appointment time.

  Cancellations: If you're too unwell to meet at all, please let me know at least 48 hours before your appointment time, in line with the cancellation policy. 

Late Arrivals 

• Please call or text if you will be late. If I don't hear from you by 15 minutes past the start time, the appointment will be considered missed, and you'll be charged for the session.

• For couples sessions: If either of you is running late, we’ll start the session once you’re both present. However, if either of you is more than 25 minutes late, the session will be canceled and subject to the late cancellation fee.

Emergency Contact Between Sessions 

• When to Contact Me: Emergency contact between sessions should occur during clinical emergencies only.

• What to Do in a True Emergency: If you’re experiencing a true clinical emergency — such as acute thoughts of harming yourself or others, or experiencing a traumatic life event — don't wait for me to call you back. Instead, take one of the following actions immediately:

• Dial 911

• Visit the nearest emergency room; ask for on-call psychologist or psychiatrist

• Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Hotline

• Call county crisis support services:
  Alameda County: 800-309-2131
  Contra Costa County: 844-844-5544
  Marin County: 415-473-6666
  SF Suicide Prevention: 415-781-0500
  SF General Psychological Emergency:  415-206-8111

Where we meet:

• In-person sessions are held at my San Francisco office:
  3354 Sacramento Street, Suite F, San Francisco 94118
  Please allow enough time to park as the neighborhood can sometimes be busy.

• Virtual sessions are held over Zoom.

• Door code and Zoom links provided in your ‘Getting Started’ email. Reach out if you need to request them again.