(FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
Do you offer remote telehealth therapy sessions?
Yes, telehealth is an option for psychotherapy sessions. Since March 2020, all sessions were transitioned to be offered primarily through telehealth mode via secure videochat technology or by phone.
Where is your office located?
When in-person appointments are available, I meet with clients in Fremont, California
- 3100 Mowry Ave., Suite 303, Fremont, CA 94538
How much do you charge for counseling services?
The fee is $165 per regular individual session (45–50 minutes) and $185 per regular couples or family session (50-60 minutes). The fee for an initial intake session (60-90 minutes) is $220. A standard therapy “hourly” unit is typically 50 minutes; any remaining time is used to maintain your clinical record. When additional session time is needed, the fee is prorated.
Do you offer good faith estimates?
Good faith estimates for the total cost of treatment in a 12-month period are available for self-pay clients, both orally and in writing, upon request or at the time of scheduling services for self-pay clients.
Do you offer a sliding scale for the session fee?
When available, sliding-scale fees are lowered rates to accommodate household income level and ability to pay. Availability is based on caseload considerations. Clients who are in full-time ministry may be granted priority for sliding scale fees.
What is your cancellation policy for scheduled sessions?
I require 24-hour notice to cancel a scheduled session for no charge. If a session is cancelled within 24 hours, the cancellation payment is 50% of the regular session fee. At the same time, I have discretion to work with you and the circumstances surrounding any cancellations.
How do I become a client?
Start by scheduling a free 15–20 minute initial call to exchange basic information, briefly discuss your reasons for seeking counseling services, and determine whether the fee and scheduling are viable. Afterwards, an initial telehealth or in-person (when available) intake session of 90–120 minutes may be scheduled. Each client will be asked to fill out a client questionnaire, informed consent and office policies forms, and initial assessment inventories. Once you have signed the relevant consent documents, you become one of my clients, and we will start working together towards your therapy goals!
What happens when your client caseload is full?
Sometimes my client caseload is temporarily full, and I am unable to schedule initial calls for potential new clients. During these times, I encourage clients to obtain needed services from other providers who may have more immediate availability. If desired, potential clients are welcome to circle back with me at a later time to inquire about my availability. I regret not being able to accommodate more potential clients and appreciate your patience and understanding.
Do you take insurance?
I am considered an out-of-network provider and am not contracted with any health insurance or managed care companies. If you have out-of-network mental health/behavioral health benefits that cover the counseling work we do together, I can periodically provide a summary receipt, which can be submitted to your insurance company to request a partial reimbursement. However, it is your responsibility to verify the terms of your policy.
What else about using insurance might be helpful for me to know?
The benefit of using insurance. Your insurance may pay for a portion of your therapy. You have paid your insurance premiums and may have options to use your mental health/behavioral health benefits in the form of counseling (psychotherapy) services.
Your insurance may or may not cover the counseling services I provide. You will need to contact them to verify your coverage for out-of-network mental health/behavioral health benefits. When talking to your provider they will need to know that you are seeking services from a licensed marriage and family therapist. Your insurance company may condition their approval to initiate or continue counseling based on a mental health diagnosis or a medical evaluation.
Privacy considerations regarding using your mental health coverage. Your level of privacy is impacted. Any third party payor (e.g., insurance, EAP and PPO) has a right to review your records, therefore impacting your right to confidentiality. If you are trying to apply for life/disability insurance/private health insurance, that company will request access to your mental health information as well as your medical history.
How long will counseling treatment last?
It varies. Most of my individual or couples clients see me for 6–12 months on a weekly or every other week basis. Some clients need targeted, short-term support and may come in for 2–6 sessions only. Premarital therapy typically runs for at least 6–8 weekly sessions. I also have clients who are continuing to make significant therapeutic progress after more than two years of counseling. For clients who are working on shifting their insecure attachment style to a more secure attachment style, it is not uncommon to be engaged in therapy for 3 plus years. When we start counseling together, we can discuss the specifics of your situation.
Once I sign consent paperwork during the first intake session, how many sessions am I obligated to see you for?
Once you become a client of mine, you are under no obligation to continue therapy. You may terminate with me at any time. If we have been working together for a while, I prefer to continue for at least 1–2 sessions after your informing me of your desire to terminate therapy; doing so will ensure that there is enough time to process the closure of treatment. If you decide to pause or stop therapy sessions for a prolonged time, I may administratively close your case file. You may request to reopen in the future should you have desire for counseling services again.
When do I stop being a client?
Ideally, I develop transition plans to close treatment for clients when they have achieved their desired therapy goals. Session frequency will be tapered off, and I will offer a final closure session. Clients can also inform me of their desire to terminate therapy for any reason at any time. The client relationship can also end when clients stop communicating with me or when no sessions have been scheduled for a prolonged period of time without an alternative agreement in place. I will then plan to administratively close the therapy casefile as appropriate. Therapy may also be terminated due to administrative, clinical, legal, or ethical issues.