BEFORE YOUR FIRST VISIT

“I want to help people to understand they are the solution."

-David Eshleman

Rates

New Initial 20-minute Connection-Call: 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 available.  

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

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

Rates are increased from time to time.  

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance of the appointment. If cancellation is not made 24 hours in advance, or you otherwise miss your appointment, you will be billed for the normal session rate. 

Good Faith Estimate

You are entitled to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of what the charges could be for psychotherapy services provided to you. While it is not possible for a psychotherapist to know, in advance, how many psychotherapy sessions may be necessary or appropriate for a given person, this form provides an estimate of the cost of services provided. Your total cost of services will depend upon the number of psychotherapy sessions you attend, your individual circumstances, and the type and amount of services that are provided to you. This estimate is not a contract and does not obligate you to obtain any services from the provider.  Normally, psychotherapy is provided once a week at my current rate of $170 / 50 minute session, which would amount to approximately $8840 / year.  How much you pay could change based on how often you attend, and how long your weekly sessions are.    

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 (Superbill) provided by me.

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

-What are my Behavioral 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.

Privacy Considerations if Using OON INSURANCE Benefits

If you are considering using your PPO Out of Network insurance to pay for all or some of your therapy, there are certain additional considerations you should understand.  When you choose to pay for your own therapy rather than going through your insurance company, you maintain greater control over your treatment and privacy.  Insurance companies require an official mental health diagnosis in order to process and reimburse claims.  Some companies want additional personal information and/or treatment progress reports to determine fee payment, length of treatment, etc.  Additionally, it is possible that this personal information, including your diagnosis, will remain in your medical history and might affect later access to health or disability coverage, even after you've made progress and no longer need therapy.

Directions

Sherman Oaks - South West corner of Van Nuys Blvd and Moorpark, limited free street parking, metered parking and cash only lot with attendant $8/day off Moorpark, ADA accessibility 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 Client discuss a myriad of issues, events, experiences and memories for the purpose of creating positive change so Client can experience his/her/their 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.