Answers To Some Common Questions...

“It’s all right if you grow your wings on the way down.” 

-Robert Bly

Rates:

New Initial 20 minute Phone Consultation: Free

Individual 50-minute Session:$170

Group and workshop rates are set independently.

Sliding Scale: If you are experiencing financial hardship or do not have the resources to afford therapy, you can call or email to inquire whether a reduced fee slot is available and/or if other options are availbe.  

Accepted Payments: Cash/Check/Venmo/Credit Card/HSA or FSA Card

*Payment is expected in full at the time of service.

CANCELLATIONS:
Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance of the appointment. If cancellation is not made 24 hours in advance, you will be billed for the session.

Tele-therapy:

Due to the pandemic, I am currently providing secure HIPAA compliant tele-therapy. For video calls, I utilize a high quality full frame Canon camera so that you can best see my face and utilize a virtual private network (VPN) for added security.  I will continue to provide tele-therapy into the future in addition to eventually and slowly returning to regular in person therapy, once the pandemic is over.  

Insurance & Flexible Spending Account: 

I am an Out Of Network Provider for all insurance. If you wish to use your insurance, please know that you will be responsible for seeking reimbursement directly from them by using the receipt provided by me.

For more information, please review your coverage carefully by checking: 

-What are my behaviorial Health Benefits?

-What is my deductible and has it been met? 

-How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?

-What is the coverage amount per therapy session for "Out of Network Providers"?

-Is approval or preauthorization required from my primary care physician?

*You can also use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) card to pay for sessions.

Directions:

Sherman Oaks - South West corner of Van Nuys Blvd and Moorpark, limited free street parking, metered parking and cash only lot with attendent $8/day off Moorpark, ADA accessibilty in a quiet building.

Urgent, Crisis Situations: 

Safety is my highest priority. If there is a potential of any physical danger to you or others, call 911 immediately or go to the closest emergency room before contacting me. After securing emergency services, please reach out to me via phone and leave a detailed voicemail or a secure message through my Online Portal.

Social Media Policy:

I am unable to accept "friend” or contact requests from current or former patients on any social networking site (Facebook, LinkedIn, Venmo, etc). Adding patients on these sites may compromise confidentiality and the therapeutic relationship. 

Encounters in Public:

If I encounter current or former patients outside the office, my approach will be aimed to protect your confidentiality. I will not initiate a greeting or acknowledge you, but if you greet me, I will interpret that as your signal and permission for me to greet you and acknowledge you in return. I will not be offended if you opt to maintain your privacy. I hope you will understand that I am not giving you a cold shoulder.

Risks and Benefits of Therapy:

Psychotherapy is a process in which Therapist and Patient discuss a myriad of issues, events, experiences and memories for the purpose of creating positive change so Client can experience his/her life more fully.  It provides an opportunity to better, and more deeply understand oneself, as well as, any problems or difficulties Client may be experiencing.  Psychotherapy is a joint effort between Client and Therapist.  Progress and success may vary depending upon the particular problems or issues being addressed, as well as many other factors.

Participating in therapy may result in a number of benefits to the client, including, but not limited to reduced stress and anxiety, a decrease in negative thoughts and self-sabotaging behaviors, improved interpersonal relationships, increased comfort in social, work, and family settings, increased capacity for intimacy, and increased self-confidence.  Such benefits may also require substantial effort on the part of the client, including an active participation in the therapeutic process, honesty, and a willingness to change feelings, thoughts and behaviors.  There is no guarantee that therapy will yield any or all of the benefits listed above.

Participating in therapy may also involve some discomfort, including remembering and discussing unpleasant events, feelings and experiences.  The process may evoke strong feelings of sadness, anger, fear, etc.  There may be times in which the Therapist will challenge the client’s perceptions and assumptions, and offer different perspectives.  The issues presented by the client may result in unintended outcomes, including changes in personal relationships. The client should be aware that any decision on the status of his/her personal relationships is the responsibility of the client.

During the therapeutic process, many clients find that they feel worse before they feel better. This is generally a normal course of events.  Personal growth and change may be easy and swift at times, but may also be slow and frustrating.  The client should address any concerns he/she has regarding his/her progress in therapy with Therapist.