online therapy in SF Bay Area + across California
What are virtual therapy sessions like?
In the first session, we will spend most of the time going over your intake form and getting to know each other. This session might feel more question-heavy on my end, this is just so I can focus our conversation on gathering helpful information for our work together. Some of this time will be held to answer any questions that might come up for you.
During our regular sessions, I will hold space for you to check in about your week and any topics that are top of mind that day. Sometimes you might unearth something you didn’t know was there, that you’re not totally ready to explore; other days you might tell me about the less than supportive comment your friend made. Then there might be times when you talk about that your recent trip to the grocery store. No topic is off-limits, this time is for you.
I may gently guide you to engage with your senses as you share different experiences that come up. This practice can help build the connection between your mind and your physical body and over time can help build your relationship with yourself. Especially for folks who have experienced trauma, when untapped feelings come up, it can move past uncomfortable and into overwhelming quicker than we expect. There may also be times I pause the conversation to check-in and get a sense of your internal experience. This might feel odd at first, but it’s an important way to keep tabs on our emotional state and make sure we’re moving at the right pace for you.
At the end of our session, we will have a brief check-in and there will be space for any final reflections, requests, questions, or feedback you might have for our work together. After our session ends your payment will be processed via the card information you entered in your secure client portal.
How should I prepare for our virtual sessions?
This is absolutely not required by any means! Just bring yourself and be in a private space.
Some people find it helpful to set up their space in a way that feels comforting and supportive. Find a private place to sit that feels cozy, have a soft blanket, a pillow to support your back, your cute pet curled up in your lap, a box of tissues, your favorite crystal to hold in your hand, a journal, a cup of tea, a snack, the possibilities are endless. Take some time to think about how you can make your space the most supportive for you, you might even try just one tiny adjustment and see how it impacts your experience.
A note on Virtual Therapy sessions - Maybe you’ve had a little experience with video calls, maybe it’s new for you, maybe you’re well-seasoned with using platforms such as Zoom or Google Meet (I use Simple Practice). You will receive a link prior to our first session that you will use to join our sessions. If you are new to using these online platforms, I recommend giving it a test run to make sure things go as smoothly as possible.
What is your fee?
My private pay fee for 50-minute sessions is $250.
*I can provide a superbill should you want to seek possible partial reimbursement from your insurance company. If you are considering this route, I can provide you a list of important questions to ask your insurance provider.
As of July 2024 I have a couple of sliding scale spaces available, please reach out for details and to schedule a consultation.
Do you accept insurance?
I accept Kaiser Northern California through One Life Counseling, an agency I’m contracted with.
*If you would like to use your Kaiser benefits please reach out to schedule a consultation and I can let you know the process.
How does payment work?
When you complete the online paperwork and consent forms you will also be prompted to add payment information in the secure Simple Practice Client Portal. You can enter a debit or credit card here to be stored for payment. This card information is not visible to me, can be changed by you at any time, and is only used as payment for sessions or cancellation fees.
What is your cancellation policy?
Therapy sessions are a specially dedicated hour for your healing and it’s important that you make each session. Should you need to cancel or adjust an appointment, I ask that you please provide me with 24 hours notice. This is time that has been set aside for you and I am unable to fill that space with short notice.
Should you cancel or miss your session without 24 hours notice you will be charged the full amount of the session. If you have questions about this policy please feel free to contact me.
GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and 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, including psychotherapy services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.
You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.
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.