Questions people ask before starting therapy

Book a free 15-minute consultation. It's a short call to hear what's bringing you in and to see whether we're a fit. No pressure, no commitment – just a conversation.

Mostly I listen. I'll ask what brought you here, what you've already tried, and what you want to be different. You don't need to prepare anything or tell your story in order, and you don't have to start with the hardest part.

That's a completely normal place to start. You don't need to know exactly where to begin. Therapy is a collaborative process, and we can discover that together.

It depends on what you're working on. Therapy isn't a timeline. We move when you're ready, slow down when we need to, and check in often about whether the work is helping.

Adults 18 and older, couples, and families – with families most often meaning parents and their adult children. I am LGBTQ+ affirming and committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive space where clients can explore their identities and experiences without fear of judgment.

Then I'll tell you and help you find someone better suited. That's partly what the consultation is for, and it's a better outcome than six months of therapy that isn't landing.

No. As a licensed marriage and family therapist I don't prescribe, but I'm glad to coordinate with your physician or psychiatrist.

Sessions are 50 minutes. Most people start weekly and we adjust from there.

No. I see clients in person at my office in Anaheim Hills, and online on a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. For an online session you'll need a private space and to be physically located in California.

I offer daytime and evening appointments, and open times are shown when you book. If none of them work, ask on the consultation call – there is sometimes room outside the posted times.

Cancellations and rescheduled sessions will be subject to a full session fee if notice is not received at least 24 hours in advance. If you are using insurance benefits, your insurance will not be billed for a late cancellation or no-show; you will be billed directly, out of pocket, at my current private-pay session rate. The full policy is on the fees page →

Yes, with the limited legal exceptions every California therapist is bound by – risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else, and suspected abuse of a child, elder or dependent adult. I'll walk through this in the first session, and it's covered in the intake paperwork.

$175 for individual sessions and $200 for couples and families, both 50 minutes. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. Full details on fees →

I'm in network with Aetna and UnitedHealthcare, and I provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement with other plans. How insurance works here →