Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
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You can book a free 15-minute phone consultation with me here. Once you book a time, I will call you at that time to answer any questions and discuss what you're looking to get out of therapy. Once you book an appointment, you can expect to receive a packet of intake paperwork to fill out as soon as possible in order to verify your insurance coverage and so I can get all the information I need to ensure I'm the right fit for your needs. Once the paperwork is received, I'll send you a secure Zoom link and send a reminder prior to the appointment. (Please note that consultation and appointment options and reminders are in Pacific Standard Time. Please set your reminders according to your own time zone if different from PST.)
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What can I expect from the first appointment?
The first appointment takes between 50 and 60 minutes and is where we discuss what really makes you the person you are right now. I'll ask you questions about what's going on that brings you to therapy, how it's affecting you, what you're looking to get out of our time together, and learn more about factors that might be impacting you, such as your family history, medical challenges, social supports, cultural identification, and other factors that are important to your life. From there, we'll talk about your goals for therapy and make a plan to get you where you want to be.
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What does therapy with you generally look like?
For each therapy session, I'll ask that you be in a quiet and private space to talk. We'll meet over Zoom for somewhere between 45-60 minutes. During that time, the floor is yours. I'll listen to what's on your mind and help you untangle the complicated thoughts and feelings associated with what's going on. I'll provide a calm, nonjudgmental, and supportive space for you to talk. But I'll also challenge you at times in order to help you. I'll ask you to question your thinking and accept your emotions, and I'll provide suggestions for things you can do to help you feel calm and empowered. I will not be telling you what to do. That's not how therapy works. I'll help you uncover what you need to change or shift, but I don't have a magic wand and cannot fix problems. I'm here to help you along the path you're making for yourself, not create it for you.
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How do I know if your open appointments fit my schedule?
During our phone consultation, we'll discuss both of our schedules and see what works. If you have very limited availability, please feel free to email, call, or text me first with your availability so that I can let you know if my openings meet your needs prior to doing a phone consultation.
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Do you take my insurance?
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I take many plans under Aetna and Optum/United in California, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Prior to the first appointment, I will submit your insurance details to be verified. You'll know whether I take your plan and what your copay/coinsurance will be before our first appointment.
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How is my insurance verified?
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During our phone consultation, I will ask for the following information to verify your insurance (so please have your card handy):
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your name as written on your insurance card
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your date of birth
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your address associated with the insurance
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your gender as identified on the insurance
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name and birthday of primary subscriber (if different)
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the name of your insurance plan
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your insurance ID number
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your insurance group number
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Once I have this information, I will submit it through either the billing system Alma or Headway. They will check to ensure my services are covered under your plan. Between approximately 1-5 days after submission, you and I will both receive an email verifying your insurance and stating your copay/coinsurance responsibility. If your insurance isn't verified prior to our first scheduled appointment, we will push back the first appointment until it is. I do not expect you to go into the first appointment without knowing for sure I'm in-network with your insurance.
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What if you don't take my insurance and I still want to work with you?
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My private pay fee is $150 per session. I can provide a Superbill that you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. However, I do not guarantee reimbursement. Please speak with your insurance company to learn more about your out-of-network benefits.
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How do I pay for therapy?
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I ask that all clients enroll in auto-pay with a credit card. An email invitation to enroll in auto-pay will be sent to you prior to the first appointment. I also ask that you include your credit card information in the initial paperwork for my records in case of any issues. Your card will not be charged unless an appointment takes place or a late cancellation fee is collected (cancellation and no-show policies can be found in your initial intake paperwork).
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Have questions that aren't answered here? Contact Me or Book a Consultation.