Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule or reschedule an appointment?

What if I would like to spend more time in a session?

What if I just want to move forward in my career?

Do you offer assessment & testing services?

Are our discussions confidential?

Are your services covered by insurance?

Many people do. Everyone faces life challenges at several points through out their lives. They may relate to social or family relationships, school or career issues, finances, life transitions and other things. For many, they can be very challenging or powerful times.

Life stress can turn into feelings of anxiety, depression or some version of unhappiness or angst. It is those uncomfortable times that often bring people into therapy. When people are dealing with a difficult issue, or are unproductive in their lives, feel stuck, or chronically unhappy, seeing a psychologist can help.

Talking to a trained professional can help you wade through difficult or unexpected situations in your life. Today, people of all ages, educational and ethnic backgrounds, find it useful to see a psychologist.

Here are some examples:

·Relationship conflicts in family, social, or work settings

·Loss or death of a loved one

·A change in your marital status or family structure

·Health problems

·Financial stress

HOW LONG DOES THERAPY TAKE?

Everyone is different and the choice is yours as to how long to stay. Some people come for a session or two, so they can think through how to handle a one-time problem or situation. “Should I finally leave this job or relationship, or find a way to fix it?” Other people come in to deal with a major life change.

If you want to make better sense out of your life transitions, such as a divorce, career change, the desire for a deeper understanding – or closure regarding a life event, you may benefit from one to several months of therapy. When people search to understand why or how something took place, in their childhood or current life, they can make the changes they really want to make, so they can move on with more balance, strength, purpose and direction.

For some people, life challenges may become quite strong or long term in nature. When they are intermittent or chronic, you may choose to go to therapy longer. Many people benefit from understanding the patterns in their lives, their loved ones or in their environment, that keep them from achieving the life goals that they really want to make.

I can make recommendations as to how long it may take to work on your goals, but in any case, the length of time you spend in therapy is really up to you

HOW DO I SCHEDULE OR RESCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?

The quickest way is to call my office at (858) 509-1330.

If you don’t get me directly, you can leave a confidential message on my voice mail and I will return you call as soon as possible. You can also go to the “Make an Appointment” icon and let me know when you are available to come in.

If we have not met, we can talk by phone about why you are considering coming in. You are welcome to ask any questions. After hearing a little about what you want to come in for, I can talk with you about how I might be able to help you address your personal, relationship or career goals.

HOW LONG ARE YOUR SESSIONS?

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY: Standard full sessions, consists of a 45-50 minute period. If you feel that you would benefit from longer sessions, I can provide 90-minute sessions, double sessions or more per visit, if they are requested in advance.

COUPLES AND FAMILY COUNSELING: The length of sessions will depend upon the type of family structure we will be working with and the nature of the issues involved. But the choice will always be yours. We will discuss the best format to approach your goals and you will have an opportunity to give input and choose the length of sessions that you think would work best for you. Typically, sessions last between 45 to 90 minutes. We can also do longer session if requested in advance. Some clients have chosen to bring in extended family members if it will serve their purpose for growth or conflict resolution.

WHAT IF I WOULD LIKE TO SPEND MORE TIME IN A SESSION?

If you feel that you would benefit from longer sessions, I can provide 1 1/2 sessions, double or triple sessions per visit if they are requested in advance. Some of my clients are short on time, frequently out of town or working on a deadline with an important issue. If this is your situation, I will be happy to accommodate your schedule with longer sessions or extended phone consultations if you are out of town. If you are using your insurance, it may not cover longer sessions.

DO YOU OFFER FAMILY SESSIONS?

Some adult clients have very productive sessions when they invite one of more family member in to address unresolved conflicts or old wounds. A parent who you don’t talk to any more, or perhaps a sibling who constantly causes you pain, or any relative who seems to create life stress or unhappiness, may be a good candidate to come in if you think that could be useful for you. Again, you can choose a standard 45-50-minute session or longer sessions - or a series of sessions over time if you like.

The family people grow up in can be filled with unfinished business, but talking things out, may not only create resolution, it may also create healing. Key family-of-origin members can come in from local communities, or virtually any part of the world. When doing this type of work, I make every effort to have your family member(s) that comes into your session feel welcome, comfortable and respected.

WHAT IF I JUST WANT TO MOVE FORWARD IN MY CAREER?

A full career session is 45-50 minutes in length. Services may range from working on resume and cover letter writing, to job hunting and interviewing skill development. I can also use the Strong Campbell career tests series to help you find a career that is most compatible with your personality, educational goals, lifestyle and financial needs.

DO YOU OFFER ASSESSMENT & TESTING SERVICES?

Personality and intelligence testing is also available upon request. They may be useful for a variety of reasons, particularly if you have life challenges or unhealthy habits that just don't go away. If you find that you can't let go of the unhealthy habits or patterns that you need to, testing may shed some light on what is going on. If you keep finding yourself in situations that are not good for you, testing may provide a new perspective that can both point to issues that cause you problems and it can also help you see how to move ahead in a stronger or healthier direction.

DO YOU PRESCRIBE MEDICATION?

Psychologists in the state of California do not prescribe medication. If you or I think you would benefit from medication, I can refer you to a medical doctor that can address any medication issues.

ARE OUR DISCUSSIONS CONFIDENTIAL?

Your time with me over the phone or in my office is confidential. The only exceptions legally, are if you tell me about identifiable child abuse, elderly abuse or if you know of someone who is seriously intending on killing another person. Under those circumstances, like all doctors, teachers, etc., licensed psychologists by law, are required to report the concern to the authorities.

ARE YOUR SERVICES COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Your insurance plan may cover your visits. You probably know that health care and insurance coverage is undergoing a vast period of change in America right now. If you choose to use your insurance, there are two ways to find out what benefits your insurance actually covers. Our office will be glad to help find out if your specific plan will pay for my services. I am on multiple insurance plans so we can work together to find out how your specific plan covers my services.

Some people do not have insurance coverage, or elect to not use their insurance and just pay their fee directly to me. Payments can be made by check or credit card. If you make that choice, my office will not generate billing statements to your insurance company. People who want to keep their sessions entirely confidential, often choose that option. You are welcome to make your own choice as to whether it makes the most sense to use your insurance or not.

Many people are not sure of all the coverage details, so my office can help you get the key information about your policy benefits.