Question 1

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

Initial Phone Consultation (20-25 min):
Free
 
Talk Therapy Session (virtual):
50 minute session - $260

Standard Exposure Therapy Session (virtual or in-person):
50 minute session - $260

Extended Exposure Therapy Sessions (virtual or in-person)
75 minute session - $390
90 minute session - $468

Billing for longer exposure therapy sessions, such as a half-day (4-hour) or full-day (8-hour), is pro-rated based on my standard rate.  I also charge a fee for travel time and parking/tolls when applicable.  If we are meeting at my Oakland office there is no charge for travel time.

Examples of extended exposure therapy sessions:
- 75  or 90 minute session to practice riding BART, the bus, or the ferry 
- 75  or 90 minute session to practice driving on freeways and bridges 
- Half day session to practice going to the airport, checking in, going through security etc. 
- Full day session completing a round trip flight to nearby destination (e.g. LAX, RNO)

Notes:
- Session fees are reviewed annually.  Existing private-pay clients receive small increases each January.
- Rates for clients using Lyra EAP are determined by the EAP contract and may differ from standard private-pay fees.
- A limited number of sliding scale slots are available each year.

Question 2

What is your availability?

Accepted Answer

Monday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday 11:00am to 7:30pm
Wednesday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday 9:00am - 5:00pm
 
I have additional availability for extended exposure sessions (flying, driving etc.) on Fridays and weekends with enough notice.

Question 3

What clients do you treat?

Accepted Answer

I work with individual adults (18+).  I welcome clients from all backgrounds.
 
Sessions may also include partners or family members, if desired, so that I can provide education to help them better support you in reaching your treatment goals.

Question 4

What types of therapy do you offer?

Accepted Answer

There are two parts to my practice: Talk Therapy and Exposure Therapy.  You may benefit from only one or a combination. 
 
In Talk Therapy, I incorporate interventions from two main evidenced-based therapeutic approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.   I also encourage Mindful Self-Compassion and self-acceptance.  This integrative approach allows me the flexibility to combine styles to meet each client's individual needs.
 
Exposure Therapy is an evidenced-based treatment for anxiety.  It involves us working together to help you confront feared objects, situations, and/or activities that you currently avoid.  Exposure therapy is a gradual and collaborative process to help you overcome fear.

Question 5

Do you see clients in-person or virtually?

Accepted Answer

For talk therapy I am currently offering virtual sessions only.
 
For exposure therapy I offer both virtual and in-person sessions.

Question 6

How often will we meet and for how long?

Accepted Answer

I meet with all clients once per week (at minimum) for the majority of our work together.  I have found that this is the best way for me to gain an understanding of your needs and implement an effective treatment plan.
 
When we are nearing the end of therapy, we may choose to reduce to every-other-week for a limited time depending on treatment progress, therapy goals, and schedule availability.

Question 7

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

I have a 48 hour cancellation policy.  If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice you are responsible for the full fee for the missed session.

Question 8

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

I accept Lyra Health but my Lyra spots are currently full.  
 
For all other insurance companies, I am considered an "out-of-network" provider.  If you have coverage for out-of-network therapy, I can provide you a monthly statement, called a Superbill, with the necessary information to seek reimbursement from your insurance company.  Many private plans do provide significant out-of-network benefits, which may reimburse you 50-100% of the cost of therapy.  Please note that you will be responsible for paying for each session directly and the reimbursement will be sent to you at a later point by your insurance.  If your insurance doesn’t cover, reimburse, or fully reimburse out -of-network mental health, you may be able to use funds from a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or health reimbursement account (HRA).

Generalized Anxiety Treatment in Oakland (Bay Area)