Frequently Asked Questions
Where is your office?
My office is in El Sobrante, which is an unincorporated area between Richmond and Orinda along San Pablo Dam Road. My office is near the intersection of San Pablo Dam Road and Valley View Road. I will provide the exact address when our appointment is confirmed. This office also has ample parking, and access to a waiting room and restroom.
Do you take insurance?
While I do not take insurance, you may be able to get your insurance to cover my sessions as an out-of-network practitioner. You will need to pay for your sessions directly. I will provide you with a Superbill monthly, which you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement. You will need to determine if your health insurance benefits provide reimbursement to you for treatment with out-of-network providers.
Can I pay with my Health Savings Account?
Yes! I can take payment with your Health Savings Account card or check.
Do you take Victim’s Compensation?
I do accept Victim’s Compensation benefits to fund your morning therapy sessions once you have a case number and any other insurance you have has been billed. I will fill out forms for compensation, and you will also have to submit forms in a timely way to any other insurance you may have. Please note that it may take several months to receive approval for benefits under the Victim’s Compensation program.
Will you provide Superbills that I can submit to my insurance?
Yes! I use an electronic health records system which can send you a Superbill each month for you to submit to your insurance. Many clients receive significant reimbursement from their insurance company for out-of-network providers. You will be responsible for paying at the time of appointment, and seeking reimbursement through your insurer.
How much will therapy cost?
I provide therapy at market rates. It takes about 12 years of education and training to become a licensed psychologist (not unlike becoming a doctor). As a psychologist, I have knowledge and experience in treating significant mental illness and offering medication monitoring, as well as treating a variety of conditions. I realize that it is not always easy to make room in your budget for weekly therapy. Please consider it an investment in yourself. You are worth it.
Do you offer sliding scale fees?
Recognizing that not everyone can pay standard fees, I do offer some sliding scale slots. Please inquire if you need a sliding scale rate, and I will let you know if a slot is available.
Can I pay with cash, check, credit card, or electronically?
Yes! You can pay with cash, check, credit card, Zelle, or PayPal. I ask for a credit card on file, which you can choose to use to pay for sessions. I will not charge this card on file without your approval, and you can choose your preferred method of payment for each session.
Can I trust you?
This often a big concern for individuals, especially those with a trauma history. Therapy works best when you are able to trust your therapist. Developing a trusting relationship is the focus of the first several weeks or months of therapy. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment and seek to put you at ease. It is your choice what to address, what to talk about, and how deep you want to go. At any point in therapy, you have the right to ask us to stop, and revert to topics or methods which you find more comfortable. You have control of your therapy. I collaborate with you.
Will anyone find out I am in therapy?
Your therapy is confidential and protected by HIPPA regulations. I take precautions to protect your information and privacy.
Confidentiality will only be breached under a few specific legal requirements. These include court order, child abuse, elder abuse, risk of harm to self or risk of harm to others. Please read my Privacy Practices when you enter therapy.
Do you treat addiction?
I do not treat addiction when it is the primary concern. There are many excellent addiction specialists, and I can refer you to some. I recognize that addiction is something that requires management. Once you have made significant progress with your addiction, I can help you maintain sobriety and help you focus on the underlying causes that may have led to the addiction.
Does therapy have to be weekly?
This is a common question. People often want to come to therapy less regularly in order to manage their budget. However, considerable research and experience shows that regular weekly therapy is best for overcoming psychological distress. When you begin therapy, it is important to commit to weekly therapy. As a new client, I will expect you to come to therapy weekly and schedule appropriately. When your issues are significantly resolved, or if you have completed intensive therapy before, biweekly sessions can be considered if the schedule allows.
What if I need to cancel an appointment?
Once you are an established client, I hold your appointment time slot for you every week. It is your hour. I require 48 hours notice for cancellations without incurring fees. Appointments cancelled late may be charged using the credit card on file. Recognizing that sickness and accidents do happen, I allow for a small number of late cancellations without charge. Vacations are no problem, as long as you let me know with 48 hours notice.
Are you accepting new clients?
Most likely, yes! Clients improve and complete therapy regularly. This leaves openings for you and people like you! Check out my schedule to see what times are free right now, or give me a call at 925-386-6062.