Is therapy right for me?

Working with a therapist can provide insight, support, and new ways of dealing with all types of life challenges. Therapy can help you address many issues, including abuse, trauma, depression, anxiety, inner conflict, grief, trauma, poor health, managing stress, body image, and various types of life transition.

Do I really need therapy?   I can usually handle my problems...

In seeking therapy, you take responsibility for your well being by accepting your desire and commitment for change.

How can therapy help me? 

Therapists can provide fresh perspectives on a difficult problem, or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you may find from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of these benefits may include:

• A better understanding of yourself, your identity, and what you value
• Discovering ways to improve your relationships
• Resolving the issues that led you to seek therapy
• Learning new strategies for managing stress
• Managing anger, grief, and depression
• Improving self-esteem and self-confidence

What is therapy like? 

Every therapy session is unique to individuals and their specific needs. It is standard for therapists to discuss primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. Therapy can be short-term and focus on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. For therapy to be most effective, you must be an active participant during and between the sessions.

Is medication a substitute for therapy? 

In some cases a combination of medication and therapy can be helpful. Working with your medical doctor, you can determine what's best for you.

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

I currently accept:

Kaiser insurance

 I am an out of network provider for additional insurance carriers and can supply super bills for all forms of insurance. To determine if you have mental health coverage check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully to find the answers to the following questions:

• What are my mental health benefits?
• How much does my insurance pay per therapy session?
• Do I have a co-pay?
• How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
• Does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
• Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Is therapy confidential?

Therapists are required by licensing boards to consult with other therapists. This is called peer supervision and helps assure high quality care; if I should feel it necessary to consult about your case, the therapist I talk with is also required to keep your information private. I ask for your agreement and understanding in doing so. Otherwise, the law protects confidentiality during therapy and no information is disclosed without your request and prior written permission from you.

There are important exceptions to this rule that are required by law. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder  abuse; the therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person, the therapist is required to notify the police.
• If  a client intends to harm him- or herself, the therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety.  However, if an individual does not cooperate with this process, additional measure might need to be taken that break confidentiality.

 Disclaimer: The information on this site is intended for educational purposes only, not for diagnosis and treatment and is not intended as a substitute for consultation with a qualified mental health professional that is familiar with your situation. There is also no guarantee being made as a result of information provided or the counseling services offered.