FAQs About Therapy and Couples Counseling

Yes.

I offer in person sessions at my office in Berkeley and online therapy via HIPPA compliant Zoom platform.

Sessions are held weekly or every other week and are 50 minutes in length. I meet weekly with new clients. Some clients reach a point where they see improvement and would like to meet every other week and I am open to discussing this.

We can collaborate around if/when this might be beneficial for you. I don’t meet with new clients every other week because it’s essential to build a relationship for me to offer the most effective support.

Yes, all information shared during therapy sessions is strictly confidential, with the following exceptions:

• In consultation with professional colleagues, I may discuss your counseling sessions in order to review what is happening, and to give our work together appropriate attention. Your name and other identifying information would be omitted from these discussions.
• If I learn that there exists a serious threat to self and/or others.
• If there is evidence of, or reasonable suspicion of, child, elder, or dependent adult abuse or neglect.
• If I receive a court order to appear or produce client records.
• If you are trying to get insurance reimbursement, some information may be given to your insurance company, after you sign the release of information portion of the form.

Serving San Francisco and the East Bay

• Open Path Collective – you choose your own therapist and clinicians charge a max of $80/session.
• Liberation Institute – pay what you can session fee
• Wright Institute Clinic
• Queer Life Space – Serving LGBTQ+ community
• Pacific Center – Serving LGBTQ+ community
• Heart in Balance Counseling Center
• The Psychotherapy Institute
• Roots Community Clinic
• Family Paths
  
  

• Estimated Session Costs: The GFE provides an estimate of the cost for each therapy session. This includes the therapist’s fees, facility fees (if applicable), and any other associated costs.
• Insurance Coverage: The document outlines the portion of the therapy costs that is expected to be covered by the patient’s health insurance. This information helps individuals understand the extent of their coverage.
• Patient Responsibility: The GFE specifies the amount that the patient is anticipated to pay out of pocket for each therapy session. This includes deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
• Total Estimated Costs: The GFE provides a summary of the total estimated costs for the entire course of therapy. This is beneficial for patients to plan their budget and be aware of the financial commitment involved.

• Review with Your Insurance Provider: Patients are encouraged to review the GFE with their health insurance provider to ensure accuracy and to clarify any questions regarding coverage.
• Informed Decision-Making: Armed with the GFE, individuals can make informed decisions about their therapy options, considering both the quality of care and the financial aspects.
• Budgeting: The GFE helps patients budget for their healthcare expenses, allowing them to plan for potential out-of-pocket costs associated with therapy.