FAQ

My office is WHEREVER you are. Talk about convenience in an inconvenient world!

My central location is in Brea, California; however, my office is virtual since I practice through telehealth. You can simply log in wherever you are, and we can get started!

No parking is necessary. No traffic, parking fees, waiting to find the perfect parking spot.

You can park in the comfort of your home, whatever room you feel the most comfortable in, outside in the sun, or even at the beach! You choose.

My regular hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and I fit in free, 15-minute consultations according to your schedule.

I’m on call 24/7 for emergencies – all you need to do is call and leave me a message. If I don’t respond immediately, I will get back to you the same day.

In general, sessions run 45 to 50 minutes. That gives us enough time to cover your needs and gives me time to complete notes and plan for the next session. (I also need time for the loo!)

You won’t believe how much we can accomplish in a short time!

I offer a free, 15-minute consultation. This will allow us to get to know and understand more about each other and see if our relationship is a good fit.

If you feel comfortable with our connection, we’ll set up an initial intake interview where I’ll gather as much information as possible. I’ll send you my consent and intake forms that you need to complete before the session.

I’ll also send you a link for our work together through the SimplePractice platform. When it’s time for your session, simply click on the link – and the journey begins.

Insurance companies restrict the type of work we do. They require a mental health diagnosis to justify treatment, calculate the number of sessions, and the type of service. To better serve you, I choose not to allow them to place any limitations or demands on our treatment together.

While I don’t work directly with insurance companies, I provide out-of-network benefits by giving you a “superbill,” a receipt that includes insurance codes and service names that you can submit to your insurance company to receive reimbursement a covered service.

More about Insurance:

I recommend talking to your insurance company in advance so you can work out all the details before we start.

Questions to ask your insurance:

• What does my plan cover for out-of-network mental health services?
• Is there a limit to the number of reimbursable sessions?
• Do I have an annual out-of-network deductible?
• Have I met any of my annual deductibles?

These questions should help get you started. Please make sure you feel comfortable with the payment expectations and how reimbursement works.

My billing goes through the Simple Practice platform. I accept all major credit cards, so you may enter the method of payment you prefer.

Life happens! I totally understand. If something comes up that interferes with your therapy time, you can always reschedule for that week.

However, I reserve your scheduled time exclusively for you. If you can’t be there, I need to re-open that opportunity for someone who can benefit from my services.

For that reason, I do have a standard 24-hour cancellation policy, meaning if you cancel or are a no-show within 24 hours of your appointment, you will be responsible for the full session fee.

There is no such thing. All I ask for is honesty.

I begin with children and young adults and work through infinity and beyond.

Yes, yes, yes, and YES to the superheroes.

Because I’m a big Marvel fan, I always ask who your favorite is and why and about your unique superhero powers.

A good therapist – someone who makes you feel safe – can help you accomplish so much!

I’ll be present with you, listen actively and without judgment, and provide you an objective and new perspective on your thoughts, feelings, and relationships – with yourself and others.

Together, we’ll formulate current and future goals. We’ll learn new ways of approaching things you’ve been trying to solve by yourself for SO long.

I tailor each session specifically to you and your unique needs. First, I always check in with you. Together, we’ll prioritize the areas of focus most important to you.

Right from the start, we’ll look for patterns, reactions, and areas of trauma that feel most challenging and vital to your daily functioning.

Each week, we’ll explore and process your thoughts and feelings in a safe place. Side by side, we’ll develop strategies and new coping skills so you can live your fullest and best possible life.

Confidentiality is a big word, and it has a big meaning. I take it VERY seriously. It is the law, and it’s also an ethical issue. Your story and experiences are your own – you have the right to share that information as you choose.

I am the keeper of your story, and I will protect and honor it.

Confidentiality means that everything we talk about stays strictly between us. There are, however, three exceptions to the rule. They fall under a clause known as “mandating reporting.” By law, if you disclose to me that you are in danger of harming yourself – or someone else – or if you know of someone unable to advocate for themselves (a minor, elder, or someone developmentally unable to self-advocate), I must report to the agencies that will ensure that safety is the priority.

If you want me to talk to someone (a doctor, family member, friend, partner), you will have to sign a release of information allowing me to share your protected health information (PIH).

Sometimes, I may receive a legal request for information. We’ll work on those disclosures together, and you’ll be aware of any information released every step of the way.

Confidentiality for Teenagers

I know you worry about my telling your story to your parents, guardians, teachers, etc.

But I do not do that. I encourage you to engage in open and honest communication on your own.

When topics such as drugs/alcohol, sex, and other risky behaviors come to my attention, we’ll discuss the severity of the risk and will act accordingly.

Confidentiality is my priority, so I will respect your privacy. I will not approach you, but if you approach me, of course! You can introduce me to your friends and family – however you feel most comfortable.

ALL THE TIME.

No holds barred – cursing, yelling, and crying is part of the process.

However, I will NOT tolerate abusive language – I will end that immediately.

How can we not? Of course. Again, no holding back.

NO WAY.

I don’t advocate secrecy. Secrets are most likely one of the reasons why we’re here together. Anything you share with me needs to be shared with all of us.

I don’t take sides. That would be counterproductive and unethical. Please bring this to my attention if you feel this may be happening.

That would be nice, but no. I respect that you are both adults and can maintain interactions with one another without a third-party present.

Afterward, you can share how it went, what you ate, whether you had a food fight, didn’t like the server or ambiance, etc.

Absolutely. If you have a preference for what you would like me to call you and the pronouns I should use to refer to you, please let me know so I can be respectful of who you are.

I’m a licensed clinical psychologist. I received my doctorate in psychology with an emphasis on multicultural and community health from Alliant International University in 2002 and obtained my license in 2004.

I’ve worked in community mental health clinics and inpatient psychiatric facilities and was a member of a long-term group practice.

I specialize with children and teenagers, couples, and adults dealing with depression, anxiety, and panic disorder.

Clients have described me as enthusiastic, energetic, compassionate, and loving.

I can roll with the punches – if you’re upset with someone or something and take it out on me, I’ll understand. I won’t take it personally. Promise.

I started therapy when I came out of my mother’s womb. Yes, I’m a lifelong and current patient myself. I know what it is like to squirm uncomfortably on the couch.

Everything. My clients assume that they learn from me, but it goes both ways. Everyone I work with has taught me invaluable life lessons and provided love, respect, trust, and care. Everyone’s story influences mine, and I learn just as much as they do.

YES! I would love to meet your furry babies! I know how important they are to you, so meeting them helps me understand you.

The added benefit of teletherapy is that I also get to see your surroundings – your home, favorite pieces of art, pictures. Anything to help me get to know you better is a plus.

Comfort is key.

We’ve all lived through the pandemic when we didn’t shower or change our clothes and wore elastic for the year, so I get it.

Just be you.

You can cry, yell, curse, scream, sing, dance, or show me your karate moves or favorite yoga pose.

Just being honest – I’ll most likely do the same, just minus the karate and yoga pose.

Yes. I generally don’t share personal information, but if it benefits you and our treatment together, of course.

My goal is to care for you, not vice versa.