FAQ
Frequently Asked QuestionsWHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TALKING TO A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND AND TALKING TO A THERAPIST?
Friends and Family can give you a lot of well-meaning and good advice. They may have a lot of experience in what you are dealing with. However, professional help is different because you can be completely honest with no fear of judgment and bias. It can also be difficult to hold boundaries with your friends and family when they want to jump in and help. As a therapist, I am a neutral person trying to help YOU sort out what you need. I am here to support you while you make your own decisions.
DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?
I do not accept insurance, however, I will provide you with a super bill that you can submit to your insurance provider for possible out-of-network reimbursement. I will explain how to do this when we meet, and often times you can submit these electronically directly to your insurance company. Please consult with your insurance company regarding your out-of-network mental health coverage as each plan has their own rules and restrictions. Many insurances will reimburse at 60-80% of the fee for out of network providers depending on your plan and deductibles.
If I am unable to fit your financial needs, I would be happy to provide referrals for other amazing therapists in my professional network who may accept your insurance.
WHAT IS THE COST OF A SESSION?
Individual/Family Sessions: $185 for 50-55 minutes
Extended Session: $275 for 90 minute session
Good Faith Estimate:
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. (This is the same as my session fee and there are no extra costs added to the consent form that you sign for services.) You can also submit a superbill to your insurance for out of network coverage.
For more information or questions about your right to a Good Faith Estimate,
you can visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises
Here are some potential monthly costs for therapy. (based on a 4 week month) You can multiply this by the amount of months you come to therapy.
Weekly Therapy: (55 min session) $ 185 x 4= $740
Bi-weekly services (2 x month or every other week) (55 min session) $185 x 2 = 370
Once monthly service (55 min session) $185
90 minute session weekly: $275 x 4 = $1100
Bi-weekly: $275 x2 = $550
Monthly: $275
POLICIES:
- To cancel/reschedule: 24 hour notice is REQUIRED
- Late cancellation fee: $90 (anything less than 24 hours)
- No show: Full Session Fee
DO YOU OFFER ONLINE THERAPY?
YES!
Being a mom or parent is a very busy time of life and you may not be able to make it in to my office for regular sessions. You may prefer to do online sessions because of the health risk during Covid and I have a HIPPA compliant platform that is secure, private and easy to access. This is also a great option if you suddenly can’t make it in to the office but you want to keep your therapy appointment or you and your spouse want to do parenting sessions together and do not have babysitting. I also offer “walk and talk” sessions for moms anywhere in South Orange County.
IS THERAPY CONFIDENTIAL?
Therapy is ALWAYS confidential and I do not share with anyone about our sessions.
I believe that trust and confidentiality are of the utmost importance when searching for a therapist. If it would be helpful for me to speak to someone regarding your therapy then you would sign a Release of Information form in order for me to talk to that person. These include doctors, other practitioners you are working with, teachers or other professionals working with your child. I also have an exit door from my office for increased confidentiality so you do not have to go back through the waiting room.
There are a few legal reasons that I would have to break confidentiality and these include:
- If you (or your child) may be in immediate danger of hurting yourself or others.
- If there is suspected abuse to a protected class (children/ dependent adult/elderly).
- If you (or your child) are threatening serious bodily harm to another person(s), both the police and intended victims need to be informed.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
My office is centrally located at the corner of Marguerite and Oso in Mission Viejo. It is very close to the 5 freeway and has ample parking.
Contact Me Today to schedule your Free 20 minute phone consultation
I’d love to find out how I can help you and if I’m the right therapist for you