Frequently Asked Questions | What it's Like to Work Together

I use an integration of multiple therapeutic techniques and theoretic orientations including psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), mindfulness-based practices, and a strengths-based perspective in order to tailor the treatment to your specific needs.

For more about myself and my approach to therapy, read this conversation on how I work and issues that I commonly work with.

Online therapy (telehealth sessions) works just like in-person sessions except we’re both located remotely. I offer video or phone phone sessions. To make the most of your sessions, it’s best to seat yourself in a quiet, comfortable, and private area. I provide online therapy in California, as well as online therapy in Hawaii. I do not offer in-person sessions at this time.

For more information on virtual therapy and how to maximize your experience, see my guide on how to get the most out of your online therapy sessions.

Contact me at 323-332-9124 to inquire about my fees. I offer some limited sliding scale sessions to accommodate financial circumstances. The initial consultation or “intro call” is always free of charge.

Yes, I am in-network with Aetna insurance.

If you have another type of insurance, I offer to provide a superbill for submission of out-of-network claims. When deciding to use your insurance, please consider your comfort with releasing your confidential information to your insurance company. When I contract with insurance companies, I have to provide, at a bare minimum, the client’s diagnosis, identifying information, and the number and frequency of sessions. Additionally, insurance companies generally only provide coverage for specific mental health diagnoses and limit the number of sessions that will be covered.

I offer a free phone consultation to discuss important issues related to the therapy and determine together if I’m the right person to help you. The phone consultation is usually about 15 minutes long and consists of some basic questions about what you’re looking for and what kind of issues you’d like to focus on.

The first appointment is a 50-minute session during which we will get to know one another. I will be asking you questions about your history as well as what is going on in the present that is troubling you.

Let’s be honest, the first session can feel a bit awkward as you start sharing some personal information with a new person. We can go as slow as you would like and there is never any pressure to divulge information you’re not ready to discuss.

While prescribing medication is outside of my scope of practice, I frequently collaborate with psychiatrists/physicians or provide referrals to ensure continuity of care and make the therapeutic process as easy as possible for you.

Yes. I work with clients who are navigating many kinds of life transitions, including starting or changing careers, entering or leaving college, moving, shifts in long-term relationships, becoming a parent, health changes, and grieving the loss of a loved one. These seasons of change often bring up anxiety, stress, and self-doubt, even when the transition is something you chose or were looking forward to.

In our work together, we make space to understand what this transition is stirring up for you and how it connects to earlier experiences in your life. I use a blend of psychodynamic therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you get both immediate tools for coping and deeper insight into the patterns that tend to show up during times of change. If you’d like to explore this further, you can read my blog post on why change is hard and different ways to cope with life transitions.

All treatment plans are specifically tailored to the client. I offer both short-term and long-term treatment depending on your needs. Traditionally, short-term can be as brief as 8 sessions and long-term treatment can be an extended support for as long as needed.

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is trained in a variety of mental health and wellbeing-related domains including counseling or psychotherapy, case management (helping clients to access resources), and welfare/public health and policy. All social workers are required to adhere to high standards of ethics and confidentiality.

Yes. I offer life coaching for young adults who are navigating the transition into adulthood, building confidence, and discovering their authentic selves. My coaching work focuses on personal growth, self-esteem, and helping you create a clear, values-aligned path toward your goals.

Many people I talk to ask me, “Do I need a therapist or life coach?” Therapy is usually the best fit if you are struggling with significant anxiety, depression, trauma, or long-standing emotional patterns that are impacting your daily life. Coaching is often more appropriate when you are generally stable but feel stuck, unmotivated, or unsure how to take the next steps toward the life you want.

Coaching sessions are action-oriented and future-focused. Together, we clarify what you want to work toward, identify realistic steps, and build in support, accountability, and practical tools so you can take meaningful action between sessions. If you are unsure whether therapy or coaching makes more sense for you right now, we can talk about your needs in a consultation and decide on the most supportive starting point.