FAQs

How do I know if I should start therapy?

There are a million reasons people start therapy, and no reason is “wrong,” Although therapy can help you feel better if you are struggling in life, it can also help you further grow, adapt, and thrive even when things are going well. Some people prefer to seek therapy to address a specific issue or set of problems and then, once those are resolved, stop therapy. Others enjoy being in therapy long-term as a form of continuing self-improvement, enrichment, and self-care.

Effective psychotherapy, at its core, stems from the healing relationship formed between the therapist and client. Regardless of your purpose for coming, or the particulars of your personhood, therapy involves allowing yourself to - at your own pace - talk with a caring professional about your thoughts, feelings, memories, experiences, and relationships.

Rather than worrying about whether your concerns or desires are “worth” pursuing therapy to address, we recommend instead considering how you would feel about the idea of allowing a supportive professional to get to know you, as a person. There is no way to be “bad at therapy,” or to do it “wrong.” However, what you get out of therapy will depend in large part on how much you put into it in terms of time, energy, honesty, and your willingness to gradually allow yourself to be known.

How can I tell if you are the right therapist for me?

This is an important question! Research, as well as decades of clinical wisdom, has shown that the single biggest predictor of positive therapy outcomes is having a comfortable and trusting relationship with a therapist that you feel safe with, and who makes you feel understood. Sometimes it might take a few tries to find a therapist that you “click” with, and that’s ok!

If, after reading through this website, you feel that I might be a good fit for you, I invite you set up a free 20-minute phone consultation. We will chat about what you are looking for help with and I will share any initial thoughts and impressions, as well as answer any questions you might have. After that phone call the next step would be to schedule a first session. You will likely have a good sense of how you feel about working me after a consultation call or a first session.

If, at any point, I feel that your needs might be better addressed by someone with different experience or expertise then I will let you know and discuss my thoughts with you, as well as provide referrals or recommendations as necessary.

What are your fees?

My fee is currently $225 per 45-minute session. Payment is due at the time of session and can be made via credit/debit card, HSA/FSA card, cash, or check.

I do offer a sliding-scale (ie: lower fee) for a portion of my clients, depending on need and current availability. If you would like to work with me and cannot afford the fee please feel free to reach out and we can discuss your options.

Do you accept insurance?

I do not accept or work directly with any insurance plans. If you have insurance which includes out-of-network outpatient mental health benefits (such as partial reimbursement), we can provide a monthly superbill that you can submit to your insurance company in order to receive those benefits.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel or reschedule a session please let me know as soon as possible so that I can accommodate any last-minute needs of other clients. If you cancel a session more than 24 hours before our session time then you will not be charged. If you cancel within 24 hours of the session, and we are not able to reschedule for a different time that same week, then you will be charged your regular session fee. Please note that insurance companies do not reimburse for cancellation fees.

Do you offer video therapy? In-person therapy?

Both! While I prefer to see clients in-person at my office in Pasadena whenever possible, for those whose distance or schedule precludes this I do offer video therapy (ie: telehealth) sessions using a secure HIPAA-compliant web-based platform.

Please note: I am only able to work with clients who are located in California due to the nature of mental health professional licensing restrictions. If you live outside of the United States I may be able to work with you, depending on your country’s laws and regulations. Feel free to contact me and we can discuss.

Where is your office located, and where do I park?

The office is located in downtown Pasadena at:

117 East Colorado Blvd., Suite 425 Pasadena, CA 91105

It is a six-story building at the corner of Colorado Blvd. and Arroyo Parkway. There are restaurants on the ground floor of the building.

My office is on 4th floor in Suite 425. When you enter the waiting room please press the call light button next to my name on the wall directly in front of you, so that I will know you’ve arrived. I will then come out and meet you at your appointment time.

Parking:

There is a paid parking structure adjacent to my building located at 48 N. Raymond Ave, as well as metered parking available along Raymond Ave, Arroyo Parkway, and Colorado Blvd. The closest free parking is at the parking structure located at 33 E. Green St. two blocks away, which is free for the first 90 minutes.