Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started:
How do I know if therapy with you is a good fit?
If you’ve been in “survival mode” for a while (overthinking, feeling stuck in old patterns, or noticing the same relationship dynamics playing out over and over) there’s a good chance we’ll work well together. I help adults and teens name what’s happening inside, make sense of how past experiences show up in the present, and build practical tools so life feels more manageable and less overwhelming.
In our first few sessions, we’ll both be paying attention to fit. You’re never “stuck” with me. If it doesn’t feel right, I’ll do my best to recommend someone who might be a better match.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is more structured than most. We’ll talk about:
You don’t have to have your story perfectly organized. My job is to help you ask good questions and put words to things that may feel tangled or blurry.
- What brought you to therapy right now
- Your history with anxiety, mood, relationships, and big life events
- What has helped (or not helped) in the past
- Your long-term and/or short-term goals
You don’t have to have your story perfectly organized. My job is to help you ask good questions and put words to things that may feel tangled or blurry.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
It depends on what you’re working on. Some people come in with a specific, time-limited goal (e.g., coping with a breakup, a life transition, or a specific anxiety trigger) and work with me for a few months.
Others are working with long-standing patterns, complex trauma, or long-term mood issues and may stay for a year or more. We’ll talk openly about pacing, check in on progress, and make decisions together about when it’s time to slow down, pause, or end.
Others are working with long-standing patterns, complex trauma, or long-term mood issues and may stay for a year or more. We’ll talk openly about pacing, check in on progress, and make decisions together about when it’s time to slow down, pause, or end.
Do you work with both teens and adults?
Yes. I work with:
The work looks a little different with each group, but the core is the same: understanding what’s going on underneath the symptoms and building new ways of relating to yourself and others.
- Teens who are struggling with anxiety, school stress, social withdrawal, mood changes, parent/teen conflict, or lingering effects of difficult experiences.
- Adults who are tired of overthinking, people-pleasing, shutting down, or feeling like they’re “too much” or “not enough” in relationships, work, or family life.
The work looks a little different with each group, but the core is the same: understanding what’s going on underneath the symptoms and building new ways of relating to yourself and others.
Fees, Insurance & Logistics
What are your fees?
My current fee is $185 per 50-minute individual session and $275 for 90 minute sessions.
You’re always welcome to ask about fees, and I’ll review my current rate with you before we schedule our first appointment.
You’re always welcome to ask about fees, and I’ll review my current rate with you before we schedule our first appointment.
Do you take insurance?
I am currently paneled with various insurance carriers through Headway. You can find my available insurance time slots, as well as verify if your insurance covers my services here.
If you have out-of-network benefits, you may be reimbursed by your insurance. I can provide a monthly superbill which you submit directly to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Please note that reimbursement is not guaranteed and depends on your specific plan.
It’s a good idea to call your plan and ask:
If you choose to not use your insurance or opt for OON benefits, please note that you are responsible for the full fee at the time of service, and any reimbursement goes directly to you.
As the practice grows, I'm exploring third-party options like Thrizer that may help make sessions more accessible by handling the insurance paperwork on your behalf so you pay a reduced session fee upfront rather than waiting for reimbursement. Check back for updates.
If you have out-of-network benefits, you may be reimbursed by your insurance. I can provide a monthly superbill which you submit directly to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Please note that reimbursement is not guaranteed and depends on your specific plan.
It’s a good idea to call your plan and ask:
- Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
- What’s my deductible and co-insurance?
- How many sessions are covered per year?
If you choose to not use your insurance or opt for OON benefits, please note that you are responsible for the full fee at the time of service, and any reimbursement goes directly to you.
As the practice grows, I'm exploring third-party options like Thrizer that may help make sessions more accessible by handling the insurance paperwork on your behalf so you pay a reduced session fee upfront rather than waiting for reimbursement. Check back for updates.
Do you offer a sliding scale or reduced fee?
I hold a limited number of reduced-fee spots for clients with financial need. If cost is a barrier, feel free to bring it up—I’m happy to talk honestly about options or offer referrals to lower-fee clinics and providers if I don’t have sliding-scale spots open.
How do I pay for sessions?
I accept payment by credit/debit card, processed securely through your client portal. Your card is typically charged on the day of your session. If you prefer not to use a credit card, ACH is an option.
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Sessions canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice (or no-shows) are typically charged at the full session fee, except in true emergencies.
We’ll go over this policy together in your intake paperwork so nothing feels like a surprise.
Where & How We Meet
Do you offer telehealth, in-person, or both?
- Telehealth: I offer secure video sessions for clients located anywhere in California.
- In-person: I currently offer in-person sessions in Pasadena, CA, located close to Highland Park, Mt. Washington, Altadena, and La Cañada in Los Angeles.
What platform do you use for online sessions?
I use a HIPAA-compliant video platform through my Sessions Health client portal. You can join sessions from your phone, tablet, or computer that is camera-enabled and connected to the internet. My home office is private and confidential. For your end, I recommend:
- Using headphones for privacy
- Finding a space where you feel comfortable speaking freely
- Turning off notifications so you’re less likely to be interrupted
Working With Teens
How does therapy work for teens?
With teens, I focus on helping them:
I typically meet one-on-one with the teen, and regularly check in with parents/caregivers to share general themes and suggestions while still respecting the teen’s privacy.
- Understand and name what they’re feeling
- Make sense of stressors at school, with friends, and at home
- Build coping skills for anxiety, low mood, and overwhelm
- Feel more confident and less alone with what they’re going through
I typically meet one-on-one with the teen, and regularly check in with parents/caregivers to share general themes and suggestions while still respecting the teen’s privacy.
What's the parent or caregiver's role in teen therapy?
You’re very much part of the process. I’ll usually:
At the same time, a big part of effective teen therapy is giving them a confidential space. I won’t share every detail of our conversations, but I will always take safety seriously and talk with you about any significant concerns.
- Meet with you at intake to understand your perspective
- Check in regularly about progress, concerns, or changes you’re noticing
- Offer ideas for communication and connection at home
- Encourage/offer family sessions to improve communication, coping, and functioning.
At the same time, a big part of effective teen therapy is giving them a confidential space. I won’t share every detail of our conversations, but I will always take safety seriously and talk with you about any significant concerns.
Will you tell me what my teen says in session?
Short answer: not everything, and that’s on purpose.
Teens need a place where they can be honest without worrying every word will be repeated. I explain the limits of confidentiality clearly to both you and your teen. I will share information if:
Outside of that, I focus on sharing general themes and progress, rather than specific details.
Teens need a place where they can be honest without worrying every word will be repeated. I explain the limits of confidentiality clearly to both you and your teen. I will share information if:
- There is a safety concern (risk of harm to self or others)
- There is suspected abuse or neglect
- We agree together that involving you would be helpful
Outside of that, I focus on sharing general themes and progress, rather than specific details.
About EMDR
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps people process distressing or overwhelming experiences that feel “stuck” in the nervous system. Instead of only talking about what happened, we use bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, tapping, or sounds) while you briefly bring aspects of the memory to mind.
Over time, people often report that the memory feels less intense, less present-day, and more like something in the past that they can think about without being flooded.
Over time, people often report that the memory feels less intense, less present-day, and more like something in the past that they can think about without being flooded.
What kinds of issues can EMDR help with?
EMDR can be helpful for:
We’ll always spend time building coping skills and stability before doing deeper EMDR processing.
- Single incident trauma (e.g., accidents, medical events, specific scary experiences)
- Complex or repeated relational wounds (e.g., emotional neglect, criticism, chaotic or unstable caregiving)
- Anxiety, panic, and “worst case scenario” thinking
- Negative core beliefs like “I’m not enough,” “I’m broken,” or “I’m not safe”
We’ll always spend time building coping skills and stability before doing deeper EMDR processing.
Do you use EMDR with teens too?
Yes—when it’s appropriate and when the teen is ready.
With teens, EMDR often focuses on:
We go at a pace that feels manageable, and I’ll integrate EMDR with other approaches (like talk therapy and practical coping skills) so your teen isn’t just re-experiencing difficult memories.
With teens, EMDR often focuses on:
- Bullying or peer conflicts
- Medical or school traumas
- Family stressors and attachment wounds
- Specific events that still feel “too close” or charged
We go at a pace that feels manageable, and I’ll integrate EMDR with other approaches (like talk therapy and practical coping skills) so your teen isn’t just re-experiencing difficult memories.
My Role & Credentials
What are your credentials?
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. This means I’ve completed my graduate training, supervised clinical hours, and all exam requirements for full licensure.
I am trained in EMDR, which means I’ve completed the basic training curriculum and the required 10 hours of consultation/supervision. I’m currently pursuing full EMDR certification, which includes additional advanced workshops and 25 hours of consultation.
I have experience working with teens and families in a community mental health setting, where I learned how to support clients navigating complex trauma as well as social and case-management needs. Through this work, I became comfortable using evidence-based practices such as Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and CBT-informed interventions.
I am trained in EMDR, which means I’ve completed the basic training curriculum and the required 10 hours of consultation/supervision. I’m currently pursuing full EMDR certification, which includes additional advanced workshops and 25 hours of consultation.
I have experience working with teens and families in a community mental health setting, where I learned how to support clients navigating complex trauma as well as social and case-management needs. Through this work, I became comfortable using evidence-based practices such as Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and CBT-informed interventions.
What’s your approach to therapy?
My style is:
I’m not here to judge or give you generic advice. I’m here to help you understand what’s going on, feel less alone with it, and build a life that feels more grounded and aligned with who you are.
- Trauma-informed and attachment-aware: I pay attention to how early experiences, family dynamics, and relational patterns shape how you feel today.
- Collaborative and practical: I support you in making connections and finding insights, but we also look at what you can do differently between sessions to create positive some change in your day-to-day.
I’m not here to judge or give you generic advice. I’m here to help you understand what’s going on, feel less alone with it, and build a life that feels more grounded and aligned with who you are.
Safety & Crisis
What if I’m in crisis between sessions?
I am not able to provide 24/7 crisis support. If you are in immediate danger or having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, please:
You can leave me a secure message in the portal to let me know what’s happening, though please understand that as a solo practice I am unable to respond outside of my normal business hours. I will do my best to check in at the earliest available, but crisis services are best equipped to offer immediate support.
- Call 911 or your local emergency number
- Go to the nearest emergency room
- Call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
- Use your county’s local crisis line or mobile response team
You can leave me a secure message in the portal to let me know what’s happening, though please understand that as a solo practice I am unable to respond outside of my normal business hours. I will do my best to check in at the earliest available, but crisis services are best equipped to offer immediate support.
Can therapy replace medication or medical care?
Therapy can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety, mood, and trauma symptoms. For some people, therapy alone is enough; for others, a combination of therapy and medication works best.
I don’t prescribe medication, but I’m happy to collaborate with your prescriber (with your written consent) or refer you to a psychiatrist or primary care provider if you’d like to explore whether medication could help.
I don’t prescribe medication, but I’m happy to collaborate with your prescriber (with your written consent) or refer you to a psychiatrist or primary care provider if you’d like to explore whether medication could help.
Practical Details
How often will we meet?
Most clients start with weekly sessions, especially in the beginning when we’re building momentum and safety. As things stabilize and you feel better, we may talk about shifting to every other week or spacing sessions out more. We’ll make that decision together based on your needs and goals.
How do I book a session?
The best place to start is to schedule a free, brief consultation here to get a vibe check. If working together feels like a good fit, you can book a full session through the patient portal. The patient portal will be where you will schedule or re-schedule ongoing sessions.
