Why is therapy important?

If you are experiencing adverse mental health symptoms that are interfering with your quality of life then therapy is a great way to begin addressing them. A therapist can help you explore the origin of these symptoms, understand patterns that may be occurring and give you tools to try and manage them. Managing symptoms that negatively impact your life is one reason to see a therapist, however many people enter therapy at a time when they’re feeling neutral about life, or even great! Therapy can simply be a place to gain deeper insight and reflect more fully on who you are, how your relationships work and how to lead a life you love and are proud of.

What is the cost?

Contact me for my current fees. Currently I am able to accept Medi-Cal through Anthem, and with certain plans, California Health and Wellness. We can verify your benefits prior to any incurred fees. I do not currently accept other insurance, but it is possible that your insurance company will reimburse you up to a certain percentage. Check with your insurance company to determine the rate at which you are eligible for reimbursement. The cost for therapists may vary. I do my best to keep my fees at a reasonable rate based on the circumstances of the client. The rates for individuals, couples, and families can vary based on session length.

How long is Each Session?

For individuals sessions are typically 50 minutes. For couples and families sessions will typically be 80 minutes. Session lengths can also vary based on Client needs.

What is your cancellation policy? 

I require 24 hour notice for all cancellations. If a session is canceled within less than 24 hours the full price of the session will be charged. 

Do you provide online therapy?

Online therapy is available for all California residents. I provide HIPAA compliant video chat.

How often should I go?

I recommend weekly therapy for a variety of reasons. First, it usually takes a few sessions for the therapist and client to establish a relationship and get to know each other. It takes some clients many, many sessions to feel comfortable finally getting into the most pertinent issues. Attending sessions weekly allows this process to happen more quickly. Second, sometimes when too much time passes between sessions clients may come in with a lot to fill the therapist in on, or there may be a new crisis each session.

Having weekly therapy ensures that you are giving yourself the space to process who you are and what’s going on in life on a regular basis, regardless of whether or not there’s been a crisis. Sometimes when there isn’t something pressing to address, things are quiet enough that you can go deeper and explore parts of yourself you never have before. We want to make the time and space for that exploration to occur.

How long will I need to go?

This varies from person to person. Some clients want somewhat brief therapy (maybe 3-9 months) for help with a specific issue, whereas other clients choose to be in therapy for years. These long term clients often view therapy similar to the gym or acupuncture, as a regular part of self-care. A space they provide for themselves ongoing. You can always address this with your therapist. If you are feeling like you no longer need therapy, or you aren’t sure how long you need to continue, feel free to bring it up in session.

How is therapy different than just talking to my friends?

This is a biggie. I often have friends joke with me about me being their therapist, or I hear people saying they don’t need a therapist because they have their friends. Friends are an essential part of your support system and you do need them. As a therapist I am always encouraged to hear when people have and use this resource. However, they aren’t going to be able to function in your life the same way a therapist does, and this is precisely because they’re IN your life. What you do and what you’re going through effects them. They also have expectations of you (if you have a balanced, give and take friendship) that a therapist doesn’t. So while many friends are amazingly objective, they can’t really be, because they love you. And also, people (even the most open ones) eventually tell their therapist things they don’t tell their friends - TRUST ME.  

What if I’ve been going for a while, but feel like it's not "working"?

The “fit” is extremely important in therapy. It’s perfectly alright to decide that this isn’t the therapist for you - and that’s why many people shop for a therapist before deciding who to see ongoing. BUT if the fit is good, and you still feel like it’s not working please bring it up to your therapist... in fact, even if it is the fit concerning you, feel free to bring that up too! We actually love to hear feedback about what is working or not working for you. This is something we can explore together.

What if I've had a bad experience in the past?

If you’ve had a bad experience with therapy in the past, I am so sorry. And bravo to you for considering giving it another try! I’ve worked with many people who have had negative past experiences (mostly when therapy was mandated) and it can be so difficult to give it another try. I would recommend being up front with the new therapist about this and sharing with them the nature of why it didn’t work for you.

What is the difference between a MFT, LCSW, Psychologist, and Psychiatrist?

• Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) – MFTs hold a Master’s Degree in psychology or counseling and may also hold doctoral level degrees. “MFT’s are the only mental health professionals that who by law have to complete mandatory coursework in counseling psychotherapy….MFT’s are considered relationship experts.” - California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)

• Psychiatrists (MD) - Medical doctors who are primarily trained to prescribe medications and may also practice psychotherapy.

• Psychologists (PhD) - Hold doctoral-level degree and their primary focus is on psychological testing and psychotherapy.

• Social Workers (LCSW) - Hold Master’s Degrees and may also hold doctoral-level degrees with a primary emphasis on social services, including psychotherapy.

Do you have Therapy Appointments in Grass Valley Available? 

Yes! Currently I am accepting new clients. Call or email me today and we can get started on your healing.