FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make an appointment? 

I offer a free 15 to 20 minute consultation session. The goal of this session is to identify if we are a good fit to work together. Therapy is a collaborative process and I want to be sure that I can be helpful. If we mutually decide to work together then we can discuss potential days and times for future sessions. I am see people in the afternoons and evenings on weekdays and on weekends around mid-day. 

How frequently do you see people and how long do you normally see clients?

When therapy first begins, I recommend meeting on a weekly basis as a means of developing a solid therapeutic relationship. I may recommend more or less sessions per week depending on how you are doing. The duration of therapy is determined person by person. Some people prefer brief skill based therapy which may last only a few months. Others prefer long-term talk therapy which can last a year or more. Ethically, I would not see you more often or for a longer duration if I felt it would not be helpful.

Do you take insurance?

I am a preferred provider for Lyra Health which is an employee assistance program. I do not take any type of insurance at this time. I can provide a super-bill which allows you to seek reimbursement with your insurance provider if you have out of network benefits. 

How are you seeing people at this time? 

I have an office in Mountain View and see people at this location for in-person sessions. I also meet with people virtually through Google Meets. Occasionally I will see people in their home or in the community if this seems appropriate. Some community locations that I typically meet with people include parks, college campuses, and local coffee shops as long as it is a safe environment. I cannot guarantee confidentiality for community based settings. I also provide HIPAA compliant telephone sessions. 

What is your cancellation and/or no show policy?

I request a 24 hour notice of cancellation. If a cancellation is done with less than a 24 hour notice or If you do not show up to your appointment then you will be expected to pay the full session rate. Please note that I obtain payment through Ivypay and charge the card on file up to 72 hours before your scheduled session. 

What if I am going to be late to our scheduled session?

If you know that you will be late to your scheduled session please provide as much of a notice as possible to see if rescheduling is an option. Otherwise, you can arrive up to 15 minutes late and your session will last until the scheduled time slot expires. 

Do you work with couples or children?

I have had various experiences working with children, families, and couples. However, I do not typically provide this type of service. This is something that can be discussed on a case by case basis. 

Good Faith Estimate 

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

A Good Faith Estimate explains how much your medical or mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services which includes psychotherapy services. 

When will I receive a Good Faith Estimate? 

A Good Faith Estimate will be given to you prior to your first session and will be provided to any current patients up to 3 days before their next service if it has not already been provided. All of the Good Faith Estimates I provide are based on having sessions on a weekly basis at the agreed upon rate. The Good Faith Estimate may not be accurate if we are meeting more or less than once a week and an updated Good Faith Estimate can be provided if requested.

What can I do with a Good Faith Estimate? 

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.