Common questions
Honest answers to help you feel prepared before you write.
Do you take my insurance?
I am out of network, so I do not bill insurance, and that includes Medicare and Medicaid. Some plans reimburse part of the cost of out-of-network care. How fees work explains how to check yours.
What is a superbill and how do I use it?
A superbill is a monthly itemized receipt you can send to your plan to ask for reimbursement. It lists a diagnosis code, which your plan will see. A plan may reimburse part of it, and I cannot promise that it will.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you pay without insurance, you have the right to receive a written estimate of what care will cost before you start. It is an estimate, not a contract, and you can dispute a bill that comes in $400 or more above it. How fees work links to the rules.
How much does therapy cost?
Your fee is given to you in writing before your first session. A limited number of reduced-fee places may be open, so ask when you write.
Can I use an HSA or FSA card?
Health savings and flexible spending cards are accepted where your plan allows them for counseling. Your plan can tell you.
What happens in the first session?
We talk about what you want from the time. You can use whatever name and pronouns are yours. I explain how your records are kept private, answer questions about fees and ask whether you are comfortable. Your first session page has the order of the hour.
How often and how long are sessions?
Individual sessions are 50 minutes and couples sessions are 80. How often we meet is something you and I decide together, and you can change it.
Are you licensed where I live?
I am licensed in California. In-person sessions are at the San Francisco office, and video sessions are for clients who are in California at the time of the session. If you live elsewhere, I am glad to help you look for a clinician licensed where you are.
What do I do in a crisis?
This office does not monitor calls or messages around the clock. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, any time. In an emergency, call 911. The Crisis and resources page lists more places to turn.
What is confidential, and what are the limits?
I keep your records private and share them only as the law allows. The few exceptions, such as a risk of serious harm, are explained at the start of the first session.
Do you see teenagers?
No. I see adults, age 18 and over.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please give 24 hours' notice to cancel or move a session. A later cancellation may be charged, up to the fee for the session.
Still have questions?
Write to me with a few lines. All inquiries are held in the strictest confidence.
- Monday – ThursdayToday
- 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- FridayToday
- 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.