frequently asked questions about online therapy
Starting therapy often comes with questions. Here are some answers to help you feel clear and supported from the very beginning.
-
My work is grounded in a mind-body, somatic approach. Meaning we won't just talk about what's going on; we'll also notice what's happening in your body as you share. I believe your nervous system holds wisdom, and therapy works best when we move at a pace that feels safe for you. Sessions are collaborative and led by what you bring in, whether that's a hard week, a pattern you keep noticing, or a moment that stayed with you. I draw from somatic, mindfulness-based, and IFS approaches with some weaving through of DBT skills, and tailor our work to fit your needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all protocol.
-
I work primarily with women and gender-expansive folks in bigger bodies who want to heal their relationship with their body and reclaim a sense of self-trust. My practice is neurodivergent-affirming and actively supports the LGBTQIA+ community.
Themes that often show up include anxiety, disordered eating, body image struggles, divesting from diet culture, grief, life transitions, and experiences of trauma. If something resonates but you're not sure whether it fits, please reach out during our consultation call. We can explore it together without pressure or gatekeeping.
-
No, my practice is 100% virtual. All sessions are provided through telehealth via SimplePractice, the secure HIPAA-compliant video platform I use for every meeting.
Offering telehealth allows clients a different level of flexibility and autonomy over their therapy experience. You get to decide which private space you meet in, what snacks you bring, or what cozy blanket you have nearby. There's no driving or taking transit to an office. It also allows flexibility for me, and I've found this model creates a more accessible and comfortable environment overall.
Understanding My Approach
-
The first step is reaching out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation phone or Zoom call. A brief, no-pressure conversation where we can talk about what you're looking for and see if we feel like a good fit. From there, I'll send you a link to the SimplePractice client portal where you'll complete intake paperwork and consent forms. Once that's done, we'll schedule your first session.
-
Most clients meet weekly at the start. This regular cadence helps build momentum and strengthens our therapeutic relationship early on. I ask that anyone planning to meet biweekly begin with weekly sessions for at least four to six weeks so we can establish a strong foundation together first.
As things progress, challenges might feel lighter and you may notice there's less urgency in each session. That's sometimes when we transition to biweekly meetings to test the waters with more space between appointments.
There are also times when meeting more than once a week makes sense. During a major crisis or significant period of active distress, increased frequency can provide necessary support. This typically stays short-term and shifts back to weekly once things stabilize. We'll check in regularly about pacing so it aligns with your needs and goals.
Getting Started
-
My private pay fee is $250 for a 50-minute session. This applies to both individual sessions and couples/family sessions of the same length. Payment is processed securely through the SimplePractice client portal after each session. If cost is a barrier for you, please read further under sliding-scale options below.
-
I generally choose not to work directly with most insurance companies because I believe your therapy should remain as private and protected as possible. When insurance is involved, companies often require access to sensitive personal information, including a formal diagnosis, session notes, and treatment details, in order to approve or continue coverage. This can place limits on your confidentiality and influence the direction of care.
By remaining independent of most insurance plans, I can:
Prioritize your privacy.
Protect your autonomy. You and I, not an insurance company, decide the focus and length of your therapy.
Provide flexibility in tailoring treatment to your needs rather than insurance requirements.
Kaiser Permanente (Northern California): My independent practice is not directly credentialed with Kaiser. However, I am an affiliated provider with One Life Counseling, a nonprofit organization, which makes it possible for Kaiser members to use their benefits to work with me. If you're interested in using your Kaiser coverage, please schedule a consultation and we can walk through what that process looks like together.
Out-of-network benefits: For other PPO insurance plans, I can provide a superbill (a detailed statement you submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement). Please note that receiving reimbursement via a superbill still requires a diagnosis, which does create some limits on confidentiality.
My priority is to offer care that is centered on you, not on insurance company policies.
-
Most PPO insurance plans offer some level of out-of-network coverage for mental health services. Since I'm an independent provider who doesn't contract directly with insurance companies, I operate as an out-of-network provider. After each session, I'll issue a superbill (a detailed statement) that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Keep in mind that to process reimbursement through your insurance, a diagnosis must be attached to the claim, which creates a slight limit on confidentiality.
-
Questions I'd recommend asking your insurance company to get more info on possible reimbursement for out-of-network therapy coverage:
What are my mental health insurance benefits?
Do you cover services for out-of-network providers?
If I see an out-of-network provider, do I have a deductible and how much is it?
Are there a number of sessions per year that are covered by insurance?
What is the amount per therapy session that you will cover for an out-of-network provider?
What is the process for submitting claims for reimbursement?
Are any diagnoses excluded from coverage? Which diagnoses?
How long will it take for me to receive reimbursement once I submit a claim?
-
Payment is processed securely through the SimplePractice client portal. When you sign in, you can add a credit card, debit card, or sometimes FSA/HSA cards (check with your insurance plan). Your payment information is stored securely and isn't visible to me. It's only used to process payments for sessions or applicable cancellation fees. You can update or change your payment method anytime through the portal.
-
reserve two sliding-scale spaces for clients who cannot afford my full fee. These spaces are currently full, but I maintain a waitlist for when an opening becomes available.
I know limited availability can feel discouraging, and I want to acknowledge the reality that many people seeking therapy face financial barriers. Offering a few lower-fee spots is one way I work within my capacity to extend access, even though it can't meet all needs.
If you're looking for more affordable options right now, here are some resources that may be a good fit:
-
Therapy sessions are a specially dedicated hour for your healing, and it's important that you make each session. Should you need to cancel or adjust an appointment, please provide me with 24 hours' notice. This is time set aside for you that I'm unable to fill at short notice. Cancellations within 24 hours of the scheduled time will be charged the full session fee ($250). I understand emergencies happen, so if something unexpected comes up, please reach out and we'll communicate openly about it.
Fees & Insurance
-
In our first session, we'll review your intake form and get to know each other. Future sessions are your space to bring whatever's on your mind, whether that's a tough week, a memory, or a small moment that stayed with you. I may invite you to pause and notice your body as you share, which helps build mind-body connection and keeps us moving at a pace that feels safe. Each session ends with space for reflection, questions, or feedback.
-
Whether you're comfortable with video calls or brand new to them, our sessions take place on a HIPAA-compliant platform called SimplePractice. You'll receive a link before our first session that you'll use to join each time. If online platforms feel unfamiliar, I'd encourage you to do a quick test run beforehand so we can start on time and things run smoothly.
-
Just bring yourself and find a private space where you won't be disturbed for that hour. Some people set up their environment in ways that feel comforting and supportive. Think cozy seating, a soft blanket, pillows for back support, a box of tissues, tea or water nearby. A journal, favorite crystal, snack, or even your pet curled up in your lap. The possibilities are endless. Take time to think about how you can make your space the most supportive for you. You might try one tiny adjustment and notice how it impacts your experience.
Note: For safety reasons, I cannot have sessions while you're actively driving. You'd need to park for the duration of the session.
What to Expect from Virtual Sessions
-
Yes. Confidentiality is foundational to therapy. Everything shared between us stays private, with a few legally required exceptions:
If there's immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else
Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult
If records are subpoenaed by a court
Outside of these rare circumstances, your information won't leave our session without your written consent. Additionally, if you request a superbill for insurance reimbursement, a diagnosis will be submitted along with billing codes, something I always make clear upfront so you're aware of this potential limit.
-
Not every therapeutic relationship clicks right away, and that's completely normal. Because therapy is a relationship, if you ever feel uneasy, unheard, or like something isn't matching up, I'd appreciate honest feedback so we can talk about it. Sometimes adjustments help. Other times it might mean referring you to a colleague whose style fits better. I want you to find the right therapist for YOU, even if that therapist is not me.