Getting Started
Getting Started
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy offers an opportunity to explore your concerns in depth and work toward your personal goals. The first few sessions provide an opportunity for us to get to know one another, consider how we might work together, and discuss next steps, including the frequency and duration of therapy. Finding a therapist who feels like a good fit is an important part of the process.
The length and focus of therapy vary depending on your concerns and goals. Some people benefit from shorter-term work focused on a specific concern or transition, while others choose longer-term therapy to explore longstanding patterns, relationships, and deeper questions about themselves and their lives.
When appropriate, I may recommend other providers or additional support. With your permission, I am also glad to collaborate with other providers involved in your care.
Consultation
Consultation offers focused psychological support around a specific question, challenge, or situation. It may be a good fit when you are seeking perspective or guidance but do not need ongoing psychotherapy.
Consultation may be helpful when you are facing a difficult decision, navigating a professional or interpersonal challenge, managing a period of heightened stress, seeking perspective on a particular concern, or wanting to think through a situation before deciding what to do next.
Consultation typically consists of a few focused sessions in which we explore the concern, consider different perspectives, and identify helpful next steps.
Initial Phone or Video Consultation
Before scheduling an initial appointment, I offer a complimentary 15–20 minute phone or video consultation. This brief conversation provides an opportunity to discuss what has prompted you to reach out, answer questions, and consider whether psychotherapy or consultation may be a good fit.
Appointments are available Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first step is to schedule a complimentary 15–20 minute initial phone or video consultation.
It is a brief, informal conversation. You can share what prompted you to reach out and ask questions about my approach and services.
If we determine that working together may be a good fit, we can discuss scheduling and next steps. If another provider may better meet your needs, I am glad to discuss other options.
No. If you’re unsure, we can discuss your needs and consider which service may be most appropriate.
Psychotherapy provides a confidential space to explore concerns, better understand yourself and your relationships, navigate transitions, and work toward meaningful change. Therapy may involve exploring patterns, addressing current concerns, developing practical strategies, or a combination of these.
The length varies. Some people benefit from shorter-term work focused on a specific concern, while others choose longer-term therapy to explore patterns, relationships, or deeper questions about their lives.
Brief consultation is focused support around a specific question, challenge, or situation. It may involve a few sessions to explore the concern, consider different perspectives, and identify helpful next steps.
Psychotherapy generally involves an ongoing therapeutic relationship and may explore concerns and patterns in greater depth. Brief consultation focuses on a particular question, challenge, decision, or situation and does not necessarily involve ongoing therapy.
Consultation may be helpful with a difficult decision, professional or interpersonal challenge, heightened stress, or a particular concern or opportunity you want to think through.
The number varies depending on the concern and your goals. Brief consultation may involve a few focused sessions rather than ongoing psychotherapy.
No. You do not need a specific diagnosis or clearly defined problem to start psychotherapy.
Yes. I offer in-person appointments in Orinda, serving Lamorinda and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The office is accessible by both stairs and elevator, and complimentary parking is available on site.
Yes. I offer secure telehealth appointments throughout California.
If you are planning to travel to or relocate to another state or country, please reach out before your travel or relocation to discuss whether telehealth may be available in your location.
Yes. I am in-network with Aetna, Medicare, and the UC Berkeley Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).
I also work with clients using out-of-network benefits. You pay me directly, and I provide a statement or “superbill” for possible reimbursement.
Coverage varies by plan, so I recommend confirming your benefits with your insurance provider.
Have other questions?
Please feel free to reach out.
I welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and help you determine whether psychotherapy or consultation may be right for you.