Fees & Beginning · The practical details
Beginning therapy, in practical terms.
Finding a therapist involves more than deciding what we want to explore. There are also questions of timing, fit, cost, and what it might mean to begin working together.
A conversation is a good place to begin.
04 / Fees & Beginning
Arrangements for therapy
An ongoing commitment, approached thoughtfully.
I generally work with people on a regular basis, allowing the therapeutic relationship and the work itself to develop over time. Before we begin, we can discuss the practical arrangements openly, including fees, scheduling, and whether my way of working feels right for you.
Private pay · New individual clients
$225 / session
This is my current fee for new individual private-pay clients. Existing clients may have different fee arrangements.
Couples psychotherapy
$275 / session
My current fee for new couples psychotherapy clients. Existing clients may have different fee arrangements.
An initial conversation
Finding a fit.
We can arrange a brief initial consultation to discuss what brings you to therapy and any practical questions about beginning.
A note on fees
Sliding scale & accessibility.
The fee for therapy is something that may be individually agreed upon with each client.
I seek to earn a living wage while committing to offer my services to a wide range of individuals. I ask that clients consider a weekly fee that is possible for them on a continued basis, while also considering the meaningful amount of work that is being engaged with.
For those whose circumstances positively impact their social and economic standing, I ask that you please consider these factors before negotiating a reduced rate. Charging a full rate to those who can afford it allows me to also meet with other clients who are more impacted by myriad structural forces at rates that more accurately meet their needs.
Using insurance
Insurance & out-of-network benefits.
For new clients, I work with the following plans through Optum-related insurance arrangements, subject to confirming eligibility and my participation in your specific plan:
- Meritain
- Nippon
- Oscar
- Oxford Health Plans
- Surest (formerly Bind)
- UMR
- UnitedHealthcare
I also work with clients who have PPO plans from many other insurers on an out-of-network basis. In these cases, you pay the session fee directly, and I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurer for possible reimbursement.
Coverage and reimbursement vary by plan and are not guaranteed. I recommend confirming your out-of-network benefits, deductible, and any authorization requirements directly with your insurer before beginning.
What to expect
How we might begin.
01 / REACH OUT
Get in touch.
A brief message is enough to begin. You might mention whether you are looking for in-person or online therapy, and what has led you to consider it. You needn’t describe your personal history in detail in an initial inquiry.
02 / FIRST CONVERSATION
Talk together.
An initial consultation gives us a chance to discuss what brings you to therapy, what you’re hoping for, and whether my approach seems like a good fit. You can ask questions about fees, scheduling, and the process.
03 / ONGOING WORK
Find a rhythm.
If we decide to begin, we’ll establish a consistent meeting time. Many people meet weekly, although frequency and the direction of our work are things we can discuss as the relationship develops.
A few common questions
Before we meet.
Yes. I see clients in person in Pasadena and offer online psychotherapy to clients located throughout California.
Not necessarily. Some people come with a particular concern, while others have a more general sense that something in their lives deserves attention. We can begin by trying to understand what brings you here.
That differs from person to person. My orientation allows for ongoing, exploratory work, but the length and frequency of therapy are matters we can consider together rather than decide in advance.
We will discuss regular appointment times, any scheduling changes, and the cancellation policy before beginning treatment.
Taking the next step
An initial conversation.
If you’d like to explore working together, you are welcome to get in touch. I offer in-person sessions in Pasadena and online therapy throughout California.
Private-pay clients who do not use insurance may be entitled to a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges. Applicable intake and billing information will be discussed before treatment begins.