FAQs

How long does each therapy session last?

Each individual session lasts for 60 minutes. Couples and family sessions may last for 90 minutes. If we are using IFS or EMDR therapy, we may decide that a 90-minute session allows us to get deeper into the work in order to achieve your goals. This is something that we would talk about and decide together over time.

How regularly do I need to attend?

Sessions are typically held one or two times per week in the beginning depending on your individual needs. The number of sessions can decrease to once every other week depending on your needs, how you progress, and your comfort level. 

How many sessions will I need?

Some clients find enough benefit from a few sessions (6-12), while others prefer longer-term support. This really depends on your circumstances and what you want to get out of therapy.

Are the sessions confidential?

Sessions are confidential with a limited number of exceptions, such as if I believe you or someone else is at risk of harm, in the course of clinical supervision, and where there is a legal requirement such as suspected child abuse or elder abuse.

  • The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other, ask each other questions, explore what you want to get out of therapy, and consider how we might work together.

    Subsequent sessions can range from unstructured, exploratory talking therapy to highly structured therapy in which we use specific techniques and exercises. We will be guided by your evolving wants and needs, and my knowledge and experience of evidence-based psychological methods. 

  • My rate for a 60 min session is $140. My rate for a 90 min session is $190.

  • I currently see clients online via Telehealth. If you wish to be seen in person, that may be able to be arranged - please get in contact to discuss.

  • I am in network with California Health & Wellness, Anthem Blue Cross, Anthem Medi-Cal, HealthNet, MHN A Health Net Company, CalOptima, Medi-Cal, Aetna, Optum, Partnership Healthplan of California, and Carelon Behavioral Health.

    If our institution isn’t in your health plan network, get in touch and we’ll find a way to take care of you.​ If we are out of network with your insurance, we will still bill your insurance unless otherwise noted.

    Please note, you may be responsible for deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance, or any other cost deemed patient responsibility by your insurance company.

    We also offer Superbills for clients to submit to their insurance company for reimbursement of fees paid out of pocket

  • A Superbill is a document that we can provide to you that contains billing and session information for you to submit to your insurance to seek reimbursement.

    *Superbills do require a diagnosis

  • Insurance requires a mental health diagnosis for your treatment to be covered. While a mental health diagnosis may be beneficial and appropriate for some, many people are seeking therapy for non-diagnosable reasons, such as grief, stress, relationship conflict, etc.

    Other benefits of self-pay include fewer limits, more flexibility, and greater privacy in your specialized treatment and care.

  • Teletherapy is therapy done through a live video connection between the therapist and client.

  • While you don’t have to be at home to participate in your teletherapy session, I do ask that you are in a safe and confidential location that provides you the space to focus on you free from distraction and interruption.

  • While teletherapy has become increasingly popular over the past several months, it has actually been utilized for years in a variety of settings. According to the American Psychological Association, teletherapy is as effective as in-person psychotherapy, and even removes some barriers to receiving support (i.e. eliminates commute time, childcare challenges, privacy concerns, safety/illness, etc.).

  • I offer sessions every day of the week between 8am and 8pm by appointment.

  • I am currently only seeing clients online via Telehealth.

  • In California, therapists must be under the supervision of a licensed clinician for the first 2 years or 3000 hours of practice after graduation. During this period of time, these therapists are known as registered associates under supervision. I am a registered associate MFT currently under the supervision of Michael Courter LCSW 61303.

  • I am a doctor of dental surgery, i.e., a dentist. I am not a doctor of psychology. I have “Dr” in my email address because I use the same email for both therapy and dentistry.

  • No. As a registered associate MFT, I cannot have my own practice. I practice with Free at Heart Therapy under the supervision of Michael Courter LCSW 61303.

Love isn’t perfect, nor should we strive for it to be.

Being intimate with someone means acting as your most authentic version of yourself and still being accepted. In return, your partner should feel comfortable to do the same with you.

Weird love is the best kind of love, because it’s unique to the individuals, instead of what society deems “normal.”