FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a "Marriage and Family Therapist?" Why it called that?
Marriage and Family Therapists are mental health clinicians educated and trained to help with relationship difficulties, as well as diagnose and treat the mental disorders and emotional problems of individuals, couples, families and groups. Marriage and family therapy is highly effective because of the “systemic” orientation that its therapists bring to treatment. In other words, they believe that an individual’s mental or emotional problems must be treated within the context of his or her current and prior relationships if the gains are to be meaningful and productive for the patient.
All California MFTs have completed a Master's degree at an accredited university, at least 3000 supervised clinical hours, and successfully passed the requisite board exams necessary for licensure. They are required to renew their license every two years and maintain current malpractice insurance.
What's the difference between a "client" and a "patient?"
These terms can be used interchangeably.
Are sessions held in the office or virtually?
That's up to you, depending on your level of comfort and what is most convenient. The majority of my clients choose to meet in person, but I do offer telehealth sessions (either through a HIPAA-compliant video platform called VSee or on the phone), as well. I am only licensed in the state of California, meaning that I am not allowed to treat someone who is located out-of-state.
What is your fee?
My current fee for a 50-minute session is $200. This rate is adjusted periodically with reasonable notice provided. I do reserve a limited number of spots in my practice for a “pay what you can” fee structure. Patients who qualify for this accommodation might be students, interns, unemployed, under-employed, or limited financially for some other reason.
What methods of payment do you accept?
Payment is expected at the time of service unless otherwise arranged. Payments may be made via cash, check, Zelle, or PayPal.
What is your cancellation policy?
Appointments must be cancelled at least 24 hours prior to the session time whenever possible. Late cancellations and no-show appointments will be billed at the full fee. If we are able to reschedule your session within the same week, you will not be charged a late cancellation fee.
Do you bill insurance?
While I am not in network under any insurance plans, services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
Is your office ADA compliant?
Unfortunately, no, my suite is on the second floor and there is no elevator. If you need to see a therapist in an accessible location, I will be happy to assist you in finding someone who meets your needs.
Marriage and Family Therapists are mental health clinicians educated and trained to help with relationship difficulties, as well as diagnose and treat the mental disorders and emotional problems of individuals, couples, families and groups. Marriage and family therapy is highly effective because of the “systemic” orientation that its therapists bring to treatment. In other words, they believe that an individual’s mental or emotional problems must be treated within the context of his or her current and prior relationships if the gains are to be meaningful and productive for the patient.
All California MFTs have completed a Master's degree at an accredited university, at least 3000 supervised clinical hours, and successfully passed the requisite board exams necessary for licensure. They are required to renew their license every two years and maintain current malpractice insurance.
What's the difference between a "client" and a "patient?"
These terms can be used interchangeably.
Are sessions held in the office or virtually?
That's up to you, depending on your level of comfort and what is most convenient. The majority of my clients choose to meet in person, but I do offer telehealth sessions (either through a HIPAA-compliant video platform called VSee or on the phone), as well. I am only licensed in the state of California, meaning that I am not allowed to treat someone who is located out-of-state.
What is your fee?
My current fee for a 50-minute session is $200. This rate is adjusted periodically with reasonable notice provided. I do reserve a limited number of spots in my practice for a “pay what you can” fee structure. Patients who qualify for this accommodation might be students, interns, unemployed, under-employed, or limited financially for some other reason.
What methods of payment do you accept?
Payment is expected at the time of service unless otherwise arranged. Payments may be made via cash, check, Zelle, or PayPal.
What is your cancellation policy?
Appointments must be cancelled at least 24 hours prior to the session time whenever possible. Late cancellations and no-show appointments will be billed at the full fee. If we are able to reschedule your session within the same week, you will not be charged a late cancellation fee.
Do you bill insurance?
While I am not in network under any insurance plans, services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
- Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
- What is my deductible for out-of-network providers and has it been met?
- How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session for CPT code 90834 (Individual Therapy) and 90847 (Family & Couples Therapy)?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
- Do I have a co-payment or coinsurance responsibility? If you do, this amount will be deducted from the amount your insurance provider would normally reimburse you.
Is your office ADA compliant?
Unfortunately, no, my suite is on the second floor and there is no elevator. If you need to see a therapist in an accessible location, I will be happy to assist you in finding someone who meets your needs.