Frequently asked questions

You tell me a little about what's going on and what you'd like to work on. I'll explain how I work, and we'll see together whether we're a good fit. There's no sales pitch and nothing to prepare. If I'm not the right person for you, I'll tell you honestly and do my best to point you toward other options.

Leave your name and phone number on the contact page. I'll call you back personally within 1 to 2 business days to find a good time for the 15-minute call.

"Something feels off lately" is reason enough. You don't have to wait until you can't cope. Starting earlier usually takes less effort, not more. Your hesitation is also a good thing to talk about on the consultation call.

We'll talk about what brought you here, what your life looks like right now, and what you'd like to change. You don't need to tell me everything in the first session. You decide how much to share and how deep to go.

Individual therapy (50 minutes) is $180, and couples therapy (60 minutes) is $220. I also have a limited number of sliding scale spots. If cost is a concern, please ask me about it on our call.

I accept most insurance plans. Please email me and let me know which plan you have.

Please let me know at least 48 hours before your appointment. Cancellations within 48 hours and missed sessions are charged the full fee. If you suddenly get sick or have an emergency, we'll talk about it case by case.

Under the federal No Surprises Act, clients who aren't using insurance have the right to a written estimate of expected costs. If you're paying out of pocket, I'll give you one before we begin.

Sessions are held online by video, for clients anywhere in California. All you need is a quiet, private space where you won't be interrupted.

Yes. Under California licensing law, you need to be physically in California at the time of each session.

We usually start with weekly sessions, then adjust once things feel steadier. How long therapy lasts is different for everyone. Some people spend a few months on one specific issue, while others stay longer and go deeper. We'll look back at how things are going together regularly, and you can ask to change things at any time.

Yes. Many people find that some feelings only come out in their first language, while other things are actually easier to say in a second one.

Of course. In therapy, you set the pace. You don't need to push yourself to talk about something just to "make progress."

Both. I'm not the kind of therapist who just nods and says "mm-hmm," but I won't rush to give advice before I really understand your life. Once we can see the whole picture, I'll honestly tell you what I'm noticing.

Research shows that the relationship between therapist and client is the most reliable predictor of how well therapy works, so fit really matters. You're welcome to book a free 15-minute consultation and then decide whether you'd like to work together. If I'm not the right fit, I can give you a list of other therapists who might be.

Yes. Confidentiality is the foundation of therapy, and what you share won't be told to anyone, including your family or partner (in individual therapy). There are a few exceptions required by law, such as concerns about someone's safety, and I'll explain them clearly in our first session.

Clinical records are kept in English per California requirements. That doesn't change what language we use together.