FAQ
Do you offer in person office sessions?
No. This is a dedicated telehealth practice available to residents in the state of California.
Are video sessions HIPAA compliant?
Yes. Only HIPAA compliant telehealth technology is used.
When is a good time to start therapy?
Sooner rather than later. If you are experiencing a problem that is causing you distress and is affecting your relationships, your social life, your ability to do your work, or your general sense of well-being, it may be a good time to start therapy. Waiting too long may worsen the situation and cause unnecessary pain and suffering.
How do I make an appointment?
The first step in making an appointment is to complete and submit the Appointment Request form. You will be contacted within three business days if there is an opening. If you do not hear back, the practice is full and not accepting new patients.
Due to high volume, I am unfortunately not able to respond to every request.
How much does therapy cost?
The fee is $200.00 per session. The cost of psychotherapy with a licensed psychologist in San Francisco typically varies between $175 and over $300 per session depending on the therapist's degree, expertise, experience, location and setting.
Do you have a sliding scale fee?
There are a limited sliding-scale slots available.
Do you offer a free initial consultation or phone interview?
No, I do not offer free initial sessions or phone interviews.
To discuss your needs and determine if we are a good fit, please make an appointment by submitting the Appointment Request form.
Do you work with children and adolescents?
No. I only see adults.
Do you offer couples therapy?
No. I only work with individuals.
Do you accept insurance?
Only Aetna plans are accepted.
For all other plans payment is due at the time of service. A Superbill or Statement will be provided for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
If you plan to use your PPO insurance, please follow these steps:
If you do not take my insurance, can I see you and still use my insurance?
Yes. Ask your insurer if you have out of network benefits, like a PPO. If you do, you can see me and I will provide you with a statement containing the necessary codes and information so that you can get reimbursement from your insurance. Make sure to check with them if you have a deductible that needs to be met and at what rate they will reimburse you, so that you can calculate your out of pocket cost.
Do you accept Medicare or Medical patients?
No.
How long is a therapy session?
A standard therapy session is 45 to 50 minutes long.
How often will we meet?
Once a week. If your situation requires more frequent sessions, it can be arranged.
Once we have established an effective working relationship, session can be spaced out to every other week or monthly.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
The length of time in therapy depends on how long it takes for you to reach your goal.
Some people are done in as little as 6 sessions, while others remain in therapy for years.
What is your cancellation policy?
24-Hours advance cancellation notice is required, otherwise you will be responsible for the full session fee.
Insurance does not pay for missed appointments, therefore you will be personally responsible for the fee ($200) of a missed session.
What happens if I am late for my appointment?
If possible, please notify my if you are going to be late for your appointment.
If you arrive late, you will have a shorter session, and the full fee will apply.
You will be considered a no-show if you are 20 minutes or more late.
What is the difference between a Psy.D., Ph.D., LCSW and MFT?
These are the qualifications of the therapist. The major difference is in years studied and areas of focus.
Psy.D. - Doctor of Psychology & Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy
The Psy.D. is a professional doctorate in clinical psychology which places more emphasis on practice than research, while the Ph.D. is the traditional academic doctorate with more focus on academic research than practice. To obtain either a Psy.D. or Ph.D. a therapist must first complete a Master of Arts (MA), or Master of Science (MSc) degree. Both are trained to practice psychology, to conduct scientific research, and to use and interpret psychological tests like the I.Q. test and the Rorschach (ink blot test). To be called a psychologist, a therapist must have a doctorate degree. A psychologist cannot prescribe medications. Typically studies for a total of at least 8 or 9 years.
LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
To be an LCSW the therapist must have at least a master's level degree. Trained in psychotherapy and social interventions to help people cope with problems in their environment. An LCSW cannot do psychological testing, nor prescribe medications. Typically studies for a total of at least 6 years.
MFT - Marriage and Family Therapist
MFTs have at least a master's level degree. Trained in psychotherapy and counseling with adults, children and families. MFTs cannot do psychological testing, nor prescribe medications. Typically studies for a total of at least 6 years.
What is your theoretical orientation?
My practice is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). Some of the techniques I use include: Attention Training/Retraining, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction.
No. This is a dedicated telehealth practice available to residents in the state of California.
Are video sessions HIPAA compliant?
Yes. Only HIPAA compliant telehealth technology is used.
When is a good time to start therapy?
Sooner rather than later. If you are experiencing a problem that is causing you distress and is affecting your relationships, your social life, your ability to do your work, or your general sense of well-being, it may be a good time to start therapy. Waiting too long may worsen the situation and cause unnecessary pain and suffering.
How do I make an appointment?
The first step in making an appointment is to complete and submit the Appointment Request form. You will be contacted within three business days if there is an opening. If you do not hear back, the practice is full and not accepting new patients.
Due to high volume, I am unfortunately not able to respond to every request.
How much does therapy cost?
The fee is $200.00 per session. The cost of psychotherapy with a licensed psychologist in San Francisco typically varies between $175 and over $300 per session depending on the therapist's degree, expertise, experience, location and setting.
Do you have a sliding scale fee?
There are a limited sliding-scale slots available.
Do you offer a free initial consultation or phone interview?
No, I do not offer free initial sessions or phone interviews.
To discuss your needs and determine if we are a good fit, please make an appointment by submitting the Appointment Request form.
Do you work with children and adolescents?
No. I only see adults.
Do you offer couples therapy?
No. I only work with individuals.
Do you accept insurance?
Only Aetna plans are accepted.
For all other plans payment is due at the time of service. A Superbill or Statement will be provided for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
If you plan to use your PPO insurance, please follow these steps:
- Call your insurance and verify if you have out-of-network benefits for therapy. Find out if you have a deductible and ask how and where you should submit a claim for reimbursement.
- Make an appointment for your initial consultation by completing the Appointment Request form.
- Payment is made at the end of session using either, credit or debit, or HSA card. You will receive a Superbill or Statement will be provided for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
If you do not take my insurance, can I see you and still use my insurance?
Yes. Ask your insurer if you have out of network benefits, like a PPO. If you do, you can see me and I will provide you with a statement containing the necessary codes and information so that you can get reimbursement from your insurance. Make sure to check with them if you have a deductible that needs to be met and at what rate they will reimburse you, so that you can calculate your out of pocket cost.
Do you accept Medicare or Medical patients?
No.
How long is a therapy session?
A standard therapy session is 45 to 50 minutes long.
How often will we meet?
Once a week. If your situation requires more frequent sessions, it can be arranged.
Once we have established an effective working relationship, session can be spaced out to every other week or monthly.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
The length of time in therapy depends on how long it takes for you to reach your goal.
Some people are done in as little as 6 sessions, while others remain in therapy for years.
What is your cancellation policy?
24-Hours advance cancellation notice is required, otherwise you will be responsible for the full session fee.
Insurance does not pay for missed appointments, therefore you will be personally responsible for the fee ($200) of a missed session.
What happens if I am late for my appointment?
If possible, please notify my if you are going to be late for your appointment.
If you arrive late, you will have a shorter session, and the full fee will apply.
You will be considered a no-show if you are 20 minutes or more late.
What is the difference between a Psy.D., Ph.D., LCSW and MFT?
These are the qualifications of the therapist. The major difference is in years studied and areas of focus.
Psy.D. - Doctor of Psychology & Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy
The Psy.D. is a professional doctorate in clinical psychology which places more emphasis on practice than research, while the Ph.D. is the traditional academic doctorate with more focus on academic research than practice. To obtain either a Psy.D. or Ph.D. a therapist must first complete a Master of Arts (MA), or Master of Science (MSc) degree. Both are trained to practice psychology, to conduct scientific research, and to use and interpret psychological tests like the I.Q. test and the Rorschach (ink blot test). To be called a psychologist, a therapist must have a doctorate degree. A psychologist cannot prescribe medications. Typically studies for a total of at least 8 or 9 years.
LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
To be an LCSW the therapist must have at least a master's level degree. Trained in psychotherapy and social interventions to help people cope with problems in their environment. An LCSW cannot do psychological testing, nor prescribe medications. Typically studies for a total of at least 6 years.
MFT - Marriage and Family Therapist
MFTs have at least a master's level degree. Trained in psychotherapy and counseling with adults, children and families. MFTs cannot do psychological testing, nor prescribe medications. Typically studies for a total of at least 6 years.
What is your theoretical orientation?
My practice is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). Some of the techniques I use include: Attention Training/Retraining, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction.