FAQ

I am located in Long Beach, California. However, I do not provide in-person therapy at this time.

I provide teletherapy from a secure HIPPA-compliant video platform called Simple Practice. You only need to have an Internet connection to meet with me.

Details about how to connect will be given when an appointment is scheduled.

Teletherapy is convenient, easily accessible, and provides a great deal of flexibility when it comes to where you can have your therapy session. My clients tell me that it has made things immensely more convenient, and it feels just as comfortable as in-person sessions.

Yes, my office has a waiting area in the front; however, the office is in the back near the parking lot.

There is a door in the back of the space that you can enter. Please just walk to the front of the office and wait on the benched waiting area until I come to get you. Thank you.

There is a designated parking space behind the building. Just look for my name, and you can park in that spot.

A typical individual session will last 50 minutes. If it is a couples session, it will last 75 minutes; if it is group therapy, it is for two hours.

My hourly fee is $130/individual session and $155/couples session. I do offer a sliding scale for those times during the day that is more difficult to fill. Please inquire if you might be interested in that.

You can pay via cash, check, or Venmo.

I do not take HMO insurance. However, if you would like to use your out-of-network insurance or PPO, I can provide you with a monthly Superbill that you can submit to your insurance. It is your responsibility to make sure your insurance will reimburse you. Full payment of the fee is required at the time of service.

Of course. If you must cancel an appointment, I ask that you give me a minimum 24-hour notice. We can either reschedule for that week or wait until the next week for your regularly scheduled appointment.

If you do not cancel within the 24 hours prior to the appointment, I give a one-time pass. After that, I will charge you a late cancellation fee equal to the fee you are paying per session.

You may contact me via text, email, or phone to make an appointment. I do offer a free 30-minute consultation to inquire about your needs and make sure I am a good fit for you.

This is a brief opportunity for me to talk to you and ask a few questions to get a feel if I am a good match. I am committed to making sure that I can help each client that comes to me.

Therefore, if there is an issue that comes up during the initial consultation that I am clear I do not have the expertise required to help you, I would not want you to waste your time or money meeting with me. In such a situation, I would refer you to someone who might be more helpful for you.

It also provides an opportunity for you to interact with me and see if you feel comfortable with at least coming in for a first appointment.

All you need to do is fill out the contact form below, and I will reach you within the next 24 hours. Please include your name and the preferred way you wish for me to reach you (i.e., text, email, voicemail).

I work with adolescents and adults. However, I do offer family therapy in which children are welcomed.

Yes, Yes, Yes, and Yes! I have years of experience working with men and women of all ages, as well as couples.

I’m more than just “friendly,” I am an affirming therapist. I am not only educated on the various issues that the LGBTQ community experiences, I understand from a personal level as well.

You must find a therapist that truly comes from a place of affirmation and education without judgment. When I came out, it was difficult to find such therapists who were out and proud. And so, I made it my life’s work to make sure all LGBTQ persons feel affirmed in who they are.

It’s my passion.

Absolutely!

Due to strict rules and standards of some religions, I find that many LGBTQIA men and women feel unsure how to reconcile their sexuality with their spirituality. I went through this experience myself and make this issue an active part of our work together, especially if this is something with which you are struggling.

If they wish it, I strongly believe that spirituality is for ALL people; and, therefore, I can help you work through these difficulties and come to a place of peace.

I strongly believe anyone can benefit from therapy.

Therapy is for anyone who wants to feel better and be better. If you are ready to take a risk and learn about yourself and your motivations and make changes that make you feel empowered, then therapy is for you.

Therapy is not just for those struggling with past issues of childhood. It can be for someone who is just hitting a roadblock and feels stuck – and needs help to get unstuck and move forward in their lives.

If you are feeling like you continually fail in relationships, then it might help to get another perspective on what issues are keeping you from creating the love and relationships you want in your life. This is when therapy is perfect for you.

I have training in how to do effective in-depth therapy with people not only in person but through video or phone sessions. It is a different experience to do therapy via video, but it can be done effectively. So, I do offer confidential and secure video sessions.

When video sessions are not an option, I can do phone sessions as an emergency supplement. But as we know, much of communication is non-verbal; so I prefer to meet in person or via video.

I provide traditional group therapy for those who want to know themselves better and learn more about how they are perceived by others. This type of therapy is for anyone who might want to become better at communicating and connecting with others.

Some men and women find that the group therapy experience was the most helpful for them in becoming “better” in relationships. It is a profound experience to get that kind of feedback in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.

Many of my clients also will participate in group therapy, but being my client is not required.

If interested, please contact me, as I do require one session to meet with each prospective group member to ensure that group therapy is the right fit for their needs.

That is a very good question! I have tried to convey some of my personality and style through my website. However, that is not really going to do it.

Our first session is usually a good chance for you to get to know me and vice versa to make sure we are a good fit.

I can guarantee you one thing. If after meeting you and learning more about your concerns I feel that you would be better helped by someone with different expertise, I will let you know, as that is my ethical commitment to you and all my clients.

If you feel comfortable to meet again after our first session, we will go from there. However, if down the line you are unsure if it is helping you to meet with me, please bring this up, as it is an important part of the therapy process.