FAQ
How can counseling help me?
Counseling provides you with a safe and empowering environment to explore the things that hinder you from living your best life. With my help, you will gain a fresh perspective on situations, insight and awareness into your own circumstances, and improve your overall satisfaction in life. Whether it is through processing difficult experiences or learning new coping and communication skills, therapy can assist you in discovering new ways of finding meaning and knowing yourself better.
However, the most important factor when considering how therapy can help will depend on how you take advantage of the process and put into practice the tools and skills you learn in sessions.What are the benefits of counseling over other self-help methods?
While other self-help methods are limited in the ways they can guide you, a counselor is like having a friend go through 100 self-help books, ripping out the pages that are helpful for you, and highlighting the key points that you may not notice reading on your own. As a counselor, I will utilize extensive training and education in the field of mental health to assist you with living your best life. When looking for a counselor, finding the best fit for you will be crucial in the way counseling works for you. This is why I offer a free 20-minute consultation to determine if my experience and approach are a good fit for your needs.
How much does it cost? Can I use my insurance or EAP?
For information about costs and insurance, please see my Rates & Insurance page.
Who will know about me receiving services?
Your involvement in counseling services, including attendance, are confidential. The therapeutic setting requires trust, and maintaining your privacy is key in developing and maintaining that trust. What you share in sessions, stays in sessions. The only times we can breach confidentiality according to HIPAA and California State Law are: When you provide a written release of information that specifies what is to be shared and with whom. When a court order is given by a judge to obtain records for legal reasons. When a mandated report is required (such as danger to self, danger to others, child abuse, elder abuse, and dependent adult abuse).
If you chose to use insurance for your sessions, your insurance provider will also have access to your information. However, they are under the same HIPAA and privacy regulations as I am.How frequently are sessions scheduled?
During our initial consultation, we'll discuss the schedule that fits your needs the best. Typically, we'll set up a specific date and time to meet once each week or every other week. Based on your treatment, a higher frequency of sessions may be offered.
What about medications?
When treating mental health, the research shows that medication alone cannot provide a long-term solution. When deciding whether or not to take medication, you need to consult with your doctor to discuss the costs and benefits of medication. In therapy, and with your permission, I will work in conjunction with your psychiatrist or medical doctor to ensure an integrative approach to your own wellness.
PLEASE NOTE: As an LMFT, I am not able to prescribe medications. If you are seeking medications for mental health related concerns, you will need to see a psychiatrist or a medical doctor.What is online therapy?
Online therapy, also known as Telehealth, is the provision of therapeutic services via video chat or phone call. Online therapy allows for more access to counseling services to those who would otherwise struggle with attending in-office appointments. Online therapy can address most counseling issues and can also be combined with in-office therapy. The programs utilized for online therapy are HIPAA compliant and encrypted in order to maintain your confidentiality and privacy.
Online therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Those who are in crisis, contemplating suicide, and struggling with extremely upsetting circumstances would not be best supported by online therapy and should seek out an in-office clinician.
