services
I provide individual adult, child and family therapy at a convenient downtown Burlingame location by appointment only. I offer both in-person and telehealth (online) appointments. For homevisits and teletherapy, please call me at (650) 727-2917 for more information and for conditions that are required.
My fee is $140 per clinical hour (a 50-minute session). A sliding scale is available for less popular times provided that people show proof of a need for services at a reduced fee.
I accept Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover, Apple Pay, Paypal, Zelle, debit & FSA/HSA cards, checks and cash.
I am available for no-cost workshops for community groups on a variety of issues including the list under Philosophy / Approach. I am also available for consultation—clinical case consultation and consultation in the early childhood community.
Think You’re Ready to Find a Therapist?
There are some things to consider before you make that call to a therapist. You will need to understand your options, know your preferences and the answer to these questions. Here are some explanations to help you.
What is your insurance?
Check your insurance and understand your health plan. Call and speak to a customer service agent if you don’t understand your coverage, copays and deductibles. Your deductible must be met before your insurance begins to cover.
Is the therapist you’re calling in network?
You can still see a therapist out of network, but your copay won’t apply. You will be paying the therapist’s normal session rate. Sessions rates in the SF Bay Area can range from $100-$200. Some therapists have a sliding scale or discount (e.g. student rate, discounted fee for low income), but you will need to ask. If you are paying out-of-pocket (not using insurance), have a budget for how much you can afford. It is very frustrating to start working with a therapist, and be feeling like you’re making progress, only to stop therapy due to your budget running out.
Do you have an EAP?
An EAP or Employee Assistance Program allows you to have a limited number of visits to begin therapy, at no cost to you. EAP often allows people to find a therapist that they may decide to work with beyond the EAP. Your therapist must be a provider of that EAP company, but your insurance after the EAP may be a different company and you may need to pay out of network. To activate the authorization for services, contact your EAP.
What appointment times are of interest to you?
Map out when you can possibly meet with a therapist before you call. Make your appointment time convenient enough for you that you can commit to several months of appointments weekly or bi-monthly. There might be times when you leave work early or you’re already on the road driving home and your therapist’s office is on the way. Your therapist has limited flexibility to accommodate your schedule.
Afternoon and evening times are the most requested and harder to acquire. It may take longer to get an appointment if you need one during these times. Once those appointments open, they are quickly filled. Along with insurance, available appointments are a limiting factor to secure an appointment.
Do you have flexibility in your schedule during the day and how will that work?
Maybe you can squeeze in time during your lunch hour. Maybe you work at home and have lots of flexibility. Keep in mind that therapy is hard work and brings up emotions. Will you be able to put that aside to move on with your day and be able to focus? Are certain times of the day better for your emotional state or energy? The more flexible you can be with your schedule, the more likely you will be in getting an appointment.
When and how can you be reached? And what should you sat in your message?
Make sure to leave available times that you can be reached in your message, as well as a little information about what issues you want to address and your insurance. Same thing if you email a therapist.
How long does it take to find a therapist?
It can take several weeks to find a therapist who also has an appointment opening. Allowing for 3-4 weeks is advisable. Therapists may need time to return your call. Don’t be offended if your call isn’t returned that day or the next. When they are in the office, they are likely in session with clients. If they are busy and their schedule is full (may not be accepting new clients), they won’t have time to return your call. If you have already cycled through your list of therapists, circle back to those you really like and contact them again. Sometimes therapists have an opening 3-4 weeks later.
Many therapists don’t work on Fridays because they also need office days to do paperwork and administrative work. You will get few therapists who will pick up the phone on that day and many will call you back the following week. Some therapists work part-time. Working a lot of hours in a stressful job also causes burnt-out in therapists and many take Friday off to recharge and not burn out.
Have you looked at your therapist’s profile?
Insurance companies have brief profiles, but therapist often use other sites like Psychologytoday.com where you can find expanded information about your therapist.
What is difference between a therapist, a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
All three can provide psychotherapy and diagnose, but some professionals may choose to specialize in one area. For example, not all psychiatrists do therapy. If you just need psychotherapy, you can be seen by an MFT, LPCC, LCSW, PsyD and PhD (in Psychology) or a psychiatrist (MD). Psychiatrists are doctors who can prescribe medication for mental health issues. Psychologist can do psychological testing (assessments) and evaluations. If you begin with psychotherapy and it becomes apparent that you need more, your therapist will make the referral for adjunct services.
Do you want in-person sessions or telehealth?
One benefit from the Covid Pandemic was the increased accessibility for mental health services for people online or telehealth. Make sure you are comfortable with telehealth, that you have privacy and a strong enough internet connection. If not, make sure to request that you need an in-person or in-office appointment. In-person appointments may be less available than telehealth.
Do you prefer a certain kind of therapist?
Young or old, female, male or non-binary, language or ethnicity requirements, someone from the LGBTQI+ community, someone who works with young children, CBT, DBT, psychoanalyst...the more specialized your requirements, the longer it will take to find someone who is also available.
Have you had therapy in the past and what did you like or not like?
Know what kind of therapy works for you and characteristics that you want in a therapist this time. If something was dissatisfactory about therapy in the past, let your new therapist know. It’s wonderful that you are trying again. Be open and explicit with your potential new therapist. You may be surprised by their response.
What if you don’t feel a connection with the therapist?
Your connection with your therapist is important. Some studies suggest that your connection is related to your progress/success in therapy. If you don’t feel a connection, let the therapist know and quickly move on to find someone who fits your needs. Likewise, a therapist may refuse to take on your case due to lack of training or experience. Sometimes a therapist will be able to provide a better referral.
What if you can’t afford the sessions?
Therapy is about investing in yourself. Talk with your therapist regarding their fee. See if they have a sliding scale. Maybe your therapist will agree to meet a certain number of sessions and then re-evaluate with you whether it’s worthwhile to continue. Consider a side gig or cut your spending. Don’t cut corners, like ending treatment early or trying to meet less often to save money. When clients lessen their frequency of sessions, they sometimes also increase the amount of time it takes to reach their goals. Hang in there to do the work till you complete your goal or very close to it.
Are you happy with your insurance mental health coverage?
If you have a large deductible or copay or it is difficult to find providers, consider changing your insurance during Open Enrollment (usually Oct-Dec). You will be able to switch providers and your therapist in the New Year. If you plan to get therapy next year, consider signing up for an HSA or FSA account. Those cards work like any credit card to be used for your copays and out of pocket medical expenses.
For More Information
For more information contact me at:
(650) 727-2917
405 Primrose Road, Ste. 324
Burlingame, CA 94010