Oakland Therapy FAQ
How much does therapy cost?
A therapy session with me is $185 per 50 minute session. I am an out of network therapist however I can provide you with superbills so you may request reimbursement from your insurance company if you’d like.
Transition can be a scary place to be. Full of uncertainty. Lack of answers. The unknown. So that’s where I come in! Helping you deal with your firsts, your moves, your adjustments, your changes.
How often will we meet in order to see results?
To see results, I meet with clients on an every week basis. I have found that this is the best cadence for helping you see results fast.
You occasionally may have conflicts with our weekly appointment time. In those cases, the expectation is that we will make every effort to reschedule to a different time that week to avoid missing precious opportunities for your growth.
Click here to book with me today!
Do you accept insurance?
I am not on any insurance panels however I am considered an Out-of-Network provider and you may submit superbills to your insurance for reimbursement.
How do therapists treat anxiety?
I will teach you several practical skills you can use whenever anxiety is getting in the way of living your ideal life. Some of these include mindfulness, helpful self-talk, learning how to take a step back, and coping with urges. I can help you with all different types of stress: in the workplace, family conflicts, and social anxiety.
What’s the difference between ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)?
The difference between ACT and CBT is that CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) teaches you to change thoughts. ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) teaches you to notice thoughts. Trying to stop, alter, redirect, ignore, avoid, or force any types of thoughts takes A LOT of energy.
Instead, ACT encourages you to look at your thoughts rather than from them. ACT helps you identify helpful aspects of your thoughts and do something with that. And when a thought is unhelpful you simply let it go by, like a passing car or a leaf on a stream. Noticing it but not engaging with it.
Can therapists diagnose a disorder?
Yes, I can diagnose a disorder. I am a licensed by the state of California (LCSW#61844) to diagnose mental health disorders.
How long are people in therapy?
I typically work with clients anywhere from 6 months to 3 years or so. It really depends on the goals you come to therapy with and your readiness to work on them! Some people use therapy to achieve short-term objectives. Others see therapy as a life-long wellness tool.
What therapist is right for me?
Finding a therapist who is a good fit is essential for your success. I work with millennials, young professionals, and students, typically people in their 20s and 30s for a specific reason: you have so much potential for growth!
Because you are open to self discovery and embrace challenges with an open mind, you are going to see some big improvements.
It all comes back to transitions. Transitions are changes. Phases. Transitions represent newness. Fresh starts. Beginnings. These are all very common places my millennial clients find themselves in. And if you are in a place like that, we can only go forward and upward.
Click here to learn about me to see if we make a good fit.
Can therapists text clients?
I will always make every effort to protect client confidentiality, but the confidentiality of any form of communication through electronic media, including certain video platforms, text messages or email, cannot be guaranteed due to the nature of their technology.
Text is a communication option for emergencies or late cancellations. We will discuss your communication preferences in our first session and we will abide by them. My default HIPAA compliant platform for video sessions is called Doxy.me however we can also use FaceTime if that is your preference.
Do therapists work online?
Yes, therapists work online. I work remotely, as well as in-person, and use a HIPAA compliant platform for video sessions called Doxy.me
Why is therapy so expensive?
Therapy is an investment. Probably one of the most important you will ever make. Clients frequently tell me their lives were changed because of our work together.
Therapy provides you with an increase in freedom, opportunities, self-development, fulfillment, and well-being that has no price tag.
You will experience benefits that last a lifetime, not just during our time together. I hope to provide you with a “gift that keeps on giving”. Working on yourself is intrinsically precious. With me, you will have epiphanies and surpass hurdles that will forever impact your life.
What is the difference between a therapist and a counselor?
The difference between a therapist and a counselor is that a therapist has a Master’s Degree or PhD.
A therapist has completed many years worth of supervised hours in the mental health field, and is licensed by the state to practice as a mental health professional.
A therapist with these credentials is also trained and able to provide a mental health disorder assessment and a formal mental health diagnosis. A counselor has less formal training and requirements.
Can you write Leave of Absence letters or Letters of Accommodation?
Yes, I can write leave of absence letters. When your mental health disorder is getting in the way of your ability to function, I can write Leave of Absence letters or Letters of Accommodation.
I have helped women extend maternity leave, students postpone deadlines, young professionals take medical leave, and clients get emotional support animals (ESA).
We will need to meet for several sessions prior to being able to provide you with a letter, so I can formulate an assessment and diagnosis of your mental health disorder and how it is affecting your career, well-being, education, etc.
Do therapists ever break confidentiality?
Everything you tell me is confidential. Under most circumstances, I cannot share it with anyone else unless you give me written permission.
One notable exception to this is if there is concern that you might harm yourself or another person, in which case I will need to do whatever I can to keep you and others safe.
We can discuss further legal exceptions when we meet in person.
Are therapists supposed to give advice?
As your therapist, I believe you know yourself better than anyone else. My job is to act as a mirror to reflect what I’m seeing and ask you open-ended questions to help you find answers.
I try my best to provide an objective, third-party perspective because no one really wants to be told what to do.
I will provide direction while also helping you feel heard and understood. I will always provide you with my expertise, honest feedback, and clinical guidance.
Do therapists have to report abuse?
Yes, therapists have to report abuse. We are “mandated reporters” and are required by law to report to the appropriate legal authorities if we suspect elder abuse or child abuse/neglect.