Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes it might not be clear where to start or what to talk about. Before starting therapy, you might have certain ideas or expectations for how to be in therapy, such as not disagreeing with the therapist or not asking many questions. Below are a few things that might be helpful to get the most out of your therapy:

• Don’t pretend to be okay. It’s okay to talk about things that feel embarrassing or scary
• Regularly attend your sessions and take an active part in them
• Be prepared for each session and be ready to focus on a problem or issue
• Work collaboratively with me and be willing to explore new behaviors both within and outside the sessions
• Be open and honest with me about how the sessions are going for you, particularly if you don’t think you’re being helped
• Ask questions. If I'm talking about something you do not understand, or you feel uncertain about a particular suggestion, ask questions

I follow the professional, legal and ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association and the state of Pennsylvania. This means that information about your sessions or what is discussed in the session is not shared with anyone without expressed written permission. There are some exceptions to confidentiality. If there is the possibility of harm to the client or another person, or in cases of child or elder abuse, I am mandated to report certain information to the appropriate authorities. I will review confidentiality with you at the outset of treatment and answer any questions you may have.

If you have a mental health-related emergency outside of my regular business hours, please call 9-1-1 immediately. 

Additionally, you may receive 24/7 Crisis Support as follows:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.SUICIDE (784.2433)
• Veterans Crisis Hotline: 1.800.273.TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
• Trevor Project 24/7 Line: 1.866.488.7386 or TrevorText: text START to 678-678
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1.800.656.HOPE (4673)

A number of benefits are possible from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include: 

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
• Developing skills for improving your relationships
• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
• Managing anger,  grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
• Improving communications and listening skills
• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Since the health crisis, I've made my online counseling program more robust. In addition to the flexibility of meeting online due to recovery from surgery or running late to an appointment, I’ve also made video sessions available to new and existing clients who want to meet remotely. This is only available to clients who are physically located in CA state and is not appropriate for clients traveling out-of-state or out-of-country. 

Yes, I take COVID seriously and am vaccinated. I ask all clients to wear a mask in the waiting area, and those who are not vaccinated to wear a mask during sessions as well. I wipe down common areas and equipment with sanitation wipes between sessions. I'm in the Tustin office on Thursdays and Fridays and will be opening a Long Beach office on Tuesdays in the near future.

I don't take insurance, but superbills are available to you through your patient portal. You can call your insurance company and ask what they reimburse for an out-of-network provider. When you send your superbills into them, they'll reimburse you whatever that rate is.