FAQ & Fees

Scroll below to view FAQs for Individual and Couples Counseling.

Individual Counseling FAQ

How do we start?

In the beginning of therapy, I will have what’s called an “intake session” with you. This is a longer, fairly structured session where I will ask you a series of questions. The goal of the intake session is to learn more about you and your unique history, identify strengths, and clarify your goals for therapy After the intake session, we will meet weekly for a 50-minute session. Meeting consistently will help you get the most of your therapy experience.

Intake sessions generally take about 1.5  hours, but can go up to 2.5 hours if needed.  Since a thorough intake sets the foundation for successful therapy, it’s more important for you to not feel rushed while sharing your life experiences and goals. All intake sessions are a flat fee of $300, regardless of whether the sessions goes over 1.5 hours.

What are your rates for Individual sessions?

The fee for individuals are $200 for 50 minute sessions. Sometimes clients prefer or require longer sessions. I am happy to discuss the option of 75 minute sessions, which are offered at 1.5x the fee for 50 minute sessions. Longer sessions are limited to availability.

How long will therapy take?

This is a great question; it’s understandable you would want to know how long it will take to start feeling better. Below I list some factors that can influence the length of therapy.

• Goals and expectations.
• If there is a history of significant trauma.
• Frequency of therapy.
• Engagement with therapy.
• Willingness to practice tools and techniques outside of therapy.
• Initial relief from problem vs. lasting change.

People who engage in therapy for 3 months are no different than people who stay for 6 months, or even longer. Therapy is like farming. It’s natural for growth to happen over time. People don’t jump from “not ready” to “ready”, in the same way that plants don’t jump from “not a plant” to “a plant”.  Plants start as seeds, and with water and sun, they begin to sprout and grow. Some people feel ready to end therapy when they see the first signs of growth, others feel more comfortable ending therapy after experiencing steady growth. Each person is different, and that’s totally normal.

I’m really nervous to start counseling. Is this normal?

It’s very normal to be nervous! Starting something new naturally brings about nerves. That’s why we start at a comfortable pace. It’s my job is to earn your trust and answer any questions about the process that help put you at ease. That’s also why I offer free consults. When we speak, you can hopefully get an idea of me and my personality. If you leave our call feeling comfortable and hopeful, that’s a great sign!

Is there any reason I couldn’t start counseling with you?

Ensuring counseling is a productive and safe experience fo my clients, I cannot begin individual counseling with a person if they are actively engaging in suicidal behaviors and attempts. Because I am solo practitioner, my availability and resources are too limited to adequately support people struggling with feelings of suicide or self-harm in the way they deserve to be supported. In these circumstances, I would recommend working with group practices that are set-up to have 24-hour care, as well as a wrap-around support team (e.g., counselors, psychiatrists, groups).

Couples Counseling FAQ

What’s the process of couples / relationship counseling look like?

In the beginning of therapy, I will have an intake session with you and your partner, and then I will have an intake session with each of you separately. Having intake sessions sets the foundation for effective and successful therapy. I will take the time to talk to you and your partner so I can understand your unique history, the nuances of your relationship, a clear understanding of what the problem is, as well as identify the strengths and positive qualities already existing within your relationship. When I have all these pieces early on, I can better help you and your relationship. Below is a clear outline of the process.

1. First Session (Couples Intake Session, 90 minutes): I will guide you and your partner through a pretty structured session that includes discussion the issues, and an oral history of your relationship, recommendations on how to get the most out of therapy, and confirm your goals for therapy. 
2. Second & Third Sessions (Individual Intake Sessions, 90 minutes*):  You and your partner will individually have an intake session with me. These Individual sessions are incredibly important for successful couples therapy.
3. Fourth Session & Ongoing Sessions : This session and subsequent sessions for couples counseling are the regular length of 55-minutes.

*Individual intake sessions generally take about 1.5  hours, but can go up to 2.5 hours if needed.  Since a thorough intake sets the foundation for successful therapy, it’s more important for you to not feel rushed while sharing your life experiences and goals. All intake sessions are a flat fee of $300, regardless of whether the intake session goes over 1.5 hours.

What are your rates for Couples sessions?

The fee for couples/ relationship counseling sessions are $250 for 55 minute sessions. Sometimes couples prefer or require longer sessions. I am happy to discuss the option of 75 minute sessions, which are offered at 1.5x the fee for 55 minute sessions. If I do not have availability for longer sessions, I will provide you with referrals to other therapists who have more openings.

How long will it take for therapy to “work”?

This is a great question; it’s understandable you would want to know how long it will take to start feeling better. There’s no way to predict an exact number (believe me, if I knew, I would tell you!). However, below I list some factors that can influence the length of therapy.

• Goals and expectations.
• If there is a history of significant trauma.
• Frequency of therapy.
• Engagement with therapy.
• Willingness to practice tools and techniques outside of therapy.
• Initial relief from problem vs. lasting change.

Couples who engage in therapy for 3 months are no different than couples who stay for 6 months, or even longer. Therapy is like farming. It’s natural for growth to happen over time. People don’t jump from “not ready” to “ready”, in the same way that plants don’t jump from “not a plant” to “a plant”.  Plants start as seeds, and with water and sun, they begin to sprout and grow. Some couples feel ready to end therapy when they see the first signs of growth, others feel more comfortable ending therapy after experiencing steady growth. Every relationship is different, and that’s totally normal.

Will you take sides?

As your couples therapist, it’s important I don’t take sides. I like to say: “I don’t take sides; I’m on the side of the relationship“. As your therapist, you and your partner should both feel supported by me and believe that I see the positive qualities each of you bring to the relationship.

Is there any reason we couldn’t start couples counseling with you?

To ensure couples counseling is a productive and safe experience fo my clients, I cannot begin couples counseling if any of the below are present. In these circumstances, I will recommend individual counseling prior to couples counseling.

• If there is an untreated history or active presence of domestic violence or abuse.
• If one or both of the partners is engaging in an affair and/or us unwilling to admit or give up the affair.
• If one or both of the partners is struggling with an untreated substance use disorder/addiction, severe mental illness that makes daily functioning a struggle, or engages in suicidal behaviors or gestures.

General FAQ

In-person & Telehealth

I am currently offering sessions for both in-person and Telehealth. My office is located in the Mission District neighborhood of San Francisco at 1195 Valencia St.

For Telehealth, I am licensed to provide Telehealth services to anyone in California.

Insurance

I do not accept insurance at this time, however, I am able to provide you with a monthly superbill to submit for reimbursement if you have out of network benefits, a Flex account or HSA through your employer.

 Cancellation Policy

I request my clients notify me 48-hours prior to their scheduled appointment. I understand things come up, and when that happens I do my best to reschedule. If you request a change under the 48 hour window and we cannot find a new time or an alternate time is not available, you will charged the full session fee.

Emergencies

Please be aware that it may take me up to 48 hours to respond to your message. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact your personal physician, go to your local emergency room or call a 24-hour support line such as the San Francisco Suicide Hotline at 415-781-0500.