Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)?

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is one of several types of licensed mental health professionals. It requires a Master's degree in social work from an accredited university, 3,200 (now only 3,000) clinical hours post-graduation that includes at least 104 hours of clinical supervision by a licensed mental health professional. It also requires passing a Law and Ethics exam and the National ASWB Clinical Exam before obtaining licensure status. License renewal is required every 2 years that mandates continuing education to remain licensed. Visit the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to find out more about licensing and to verify a license. Need help with choosing a therapist? Take a look at the BBS' publication Self-Empowerment: Choosing a Mental Health Professional in California

Since you're a doctor, can you prescribe medication?

Do you have a physical office or are you only online?

What are the risks and benefits of telehealth (online therapy)?

Is therapy confidential?

Can you see clients outside of California?

Is telehealth (online therapy) appropriate for anyone? Who do you work with?

Telehealth (online therapy) is considered to be an inappropriate platform for use with high risk clients. The risk level of high risk clients is likely to fluctuate and change, which would require them to shift from telehealth to in-person sessions in order to facilitate their ability to receive the necessary support and resources to keep them safer than what is possible through a telehealth relationship, which has to contend with the possibility of technology failing at any given time. Moreover, such a change is likely to be disruptive to such clients who need to maintain a sense of stability in the therapeutic relationship; therefore, any unnecessary disruptions to care should be minimized. My clients are adults age 18 to 75 who want to benefit from therapy. I do not work with children. Typically, my clients tend to be working professionals who lead very busy lives, but because they have prioritized their health and wellness, they need the flexibility and convenience that telehealth services provide to fit into their hectic schedules. I work with many clients in the industries of technology and media, but can work with anyone who is receptive to change and self-improvement. 

How can therapy help me?

How is your practice similar or different from other telehealth (online therapy) platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, or 7Cups?

What is your therapy style/approach?

How long does therapy take?

What are your fees and how does payment for therapy work?

Do you take insurance?

I'm not in network with any insurance companies, but at your request, I can provide you with documentation called a superbill to provide your insurance company to request out-of-network reimbursement. I suggest it would be helpful to contact your insurance company to get details about your out-of-network coverage.

The reason I don't take insurance is because I focus on proactive and preventive care that the insurance model does not facilitate when it comes to behavioral health. Billing insurance companies for therapy they'll pay for requires that you're given a diagnosis of a mental disorder. Not everyone who comes to therapy will have a diagnosis. A diagnosis, especially for behavioral health, is a serious thing. I do diagnose, but only when appropriate. And to keep insurance companies paying for therapy, they require that progress is reported to them, and depending on how well you're doing, the insurance company might stop paying if you aren't "sick" enough anymore. This is not the way I like to work. People who may not necessitate a diagnosis, but want preventive care, often seek me for therapy to meet their needs. 


What are your hours? Do you have evening or weekend appointments?


What is your cancellation policy?


Have you been in therapy yourself?


How do I start working with you?


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