Straight answers to real questions.
Do you take my insurance?
I am out of network with insurance plans, so you pay the practice directly. I do not bill Medicare or Medicaid. The page on how fees work explains how to ask your plan to reimburse you.
What is a superbill, and how do I use it?
A superbill is an itemized monthly receipt that you can send to your plan to ask for reimbursement. It lists a diagnosis code, which your plan will see, and your plan decides whether it pays you back.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you pay without insurance, you have the right to receive an estimate of what your care will cost before it starts. I give you one in writing. If a bill comes in well above it, you can dispute it. It is not a contract.
How much does it cost, and how do fees work?
You have my fee in writing before you book. The page on how fees work covers paying yourself, receipts, the estimate and checking your benefits.
Can I use an HSA or FSA card?
Yes, those cards work for sessions. Your plan sets its own rules, so check with it if you are unsure.
What happens in the first session?
Fifty minutes, in person or by video. We talk about what is hard and what you want from therapy, I explain how I work, and we decide together whether it is a fit.
How often and how long?
Sessions are 50 minutes. Most clients start weekly. Your clinician sets the pace with you, and I do not promise a number of sessions.
Are you licensed where I live?
I am a licensed psychologist in California. I see clients in person in San Francisco, and by video if you are in California when we meet.
What do I do in a crisis?
Call or text 988, any time, or call 911 in an emergency. This practice does not monitor messages around the clock.
What is confidential?
What you tell me is confidential, with limits the law sets, such as a risk of serious harm to you or someone else, or a report the law requires. I explain the limits at your first session.
Can you see my teen?
I see adults, 18 and over. If you are looking for care for a teen, I can help you find a clinician who sees them.
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for 24 hours' notice to cancel or move a session. A late cancellation or a missed session may be charged.
Still have questions?
Tell me how to reach you. I reply on weekdays.