Frequently Asked Questions

+ How long does counseling last?

That depends upon your goal and your effort. When to start or stop therapy is your decision. I have found that the more you put into processing between sessions, the quicker change occurs. I also have found that trauma, whether big or little, is sticky. Once we clear one aspect, another may be attached. How much of you you want to heal is yours to decide. You may stop counseling whenever you would like. So what do you have to lose, try it!

+ Can counseling help everyone?

Yes, it can, if the person wants change. Note: I never suggest you drag someone who you feel is broken to therapy. Instead, I advise you come to therapy to better manage your frustration towards them. In that time you can learn boundaries to help you keep their mess from being your mess.

+ Are people who go to therapy weak or crazy?

People who go to therapy are amazing, courageous people who want life to be better. Most come because they need a confidential space to sort out life. Specifically with someone who is safe so they can openly verbalize what they think and feel. Therapy is a great place to learn new skills, get a different perspective, and help you learn to listen to yourself.

+ Do you take insurance?

There are a lot of thoughts to weigh before deciding if you should use insurance to pay for counseling. Here are some of the issues you should consider before using your insurance for Counseling.

Do you have a diagnosis? Counseling won't be covered without one. For instance, marital problems aren't a diagnosis and therefore wouldn't be covered by Insurance. Also, personality and character issues are not covered by Insurance. Even if it is a covered topic, you may not meet the full criteria, so that it won't be covered.

Insurance will typically limit the number of sessions. Not all healing has a 6 appt. clock. The remaining sessions are your responsibility.

Insurance companies decide who you can see and there are so many people trying to get an appointment that there is usually a waiting list.

Is your need a "medical necessity?" Even if you have a diagnosis, you might not be able to prove the "necessity" of therapy. Then, you'll have to pay for services.

Do you know that Insurance may deny your claim? Just because you submit a superbill to ask for reimbursement doesn't mean the insurance company can't deny it.

I have heard of diagnosis' becomes a pre-existing health condition. This may preclude you from getting Insurance down the line. It also can deter doctors from seeing your symptoms as valid and not just a mental disorder.

Consider your co-pay. Is your co-pay high? Is what it will save you worth it.

I have also found those who want to financially invest in their mental health are those that want to work the hardest to stop paying. I put in all of me for each client and therefore I want to work with those who are working just as hard.

No, I do not take Insurance. If I did I would also have to increase my rate to pay for administration help. Then I would have to pass those fees on to all my clients. The average cost of therapy in California is close to $200 primarily because of what it costs to process all of the paperwork required by insurance companies.

If you decide you must use insurance please get on the waiting list ASAP for one of the insurance providers. There are some great providers taking insurance but clients are waiting weeks and sometimes months to get an appointment.