Frequently Asked Questions

  • Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. People oftentimes think that therapy is often sought when they feel like something is wrong with them. This is far from the truth. Anyone can benefit from therapy services. Many seek therapeutic services to address personal issues and better cope with strong feelings. Working with a therapist is different from talking to family and friends. When you enter therapy, you can express yourself freely without fear of judgment or disappointing others. Having a professional assist can help you gain insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Please contact me if you have additional questions or would like to schedule a free consultation.

  • No. Therapy is a powerful tool that extends far beyond providing support for those who have experienced trauma or mental health crises. It is a misconception to believe that therapy is only beneficial for these individuals. In fact, therapy can be a transformative experience for anyone seeking personal growth, self-discovery, or even just a space to process life's challenges.

    When you enter therapy with me, I offer a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your emotions, gain insights into your patterns of thinking and behavior, and develop strategies to enhance your overall well-being. Therapy can help you improve your relationships, manage stress, strengthen self-esteem, navigate life transitions, and cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and fulfillment.

    Regardless of whether an individual has experienced trauma or not, therapy can be a valuable resource for anyone striving to live a more meaningful and authentic life.

  • Online therapy, also known as Telehealth or distance counseling, is a practice of providing mental health services through electronic means such as video, telephone, or email. Unlike traditional therapy, Telehealth does not have time or location restrictions. It is appropriate for individuals who want the convenience and ability to join sessions anywhere, avoiding traffic hassles and commuting.

    Distance counseling is not appropriate for everyone. Individuals going through a severe crisis or has active contemplation of suicide would not be best served by a Telehealth therapist and should seek a therapist locally. If these concerns arise during the course of our work, we will have an emergency plan in place to connect you with local resources.

  • Yes! For residents of Orange County, Long Beach, and Los Angeles, I have limited in-person availability at my office located in the city of Los Alamitos. Currently, my availability for in-person therapy services is only on Tuesdays. Please contact me for more information.

  • I provide individual therapy to adults ages 18+. I welcome individuals from all walks of life. If you are seeking services for children, teens/youth, couples, or families, please contact me and I will be happy to provide you with a list of referrals.

  • ➷ First, we’ll chat

    It’s important to me that you feel comfortable with your therapist. I offer a 15-minute free consultation so you can decide if I am the right fit for you. If you decide to enter therapy with me, we’ll schedule our first appointment.

    ➷ Complete forms online

    Before your first session, you’ll be invited to a secure Client Portal with a request to complete intake forms. Please complete and sign the intake forms no later than 24-hours before your first appointment.

    ➷ The therapy experience

    We’ll meet in-person or virtually through a secure HIPAA-compliant platform weekly or biweekly depending on your needs. The first few sessions will focus on exploring the reasons you’re seeking therapy and what you hope to get out of therapy. Then, we’ll explore all the different facets of who you are, where you come from, your worth, and your purpose. My goal is that you leave every session feeling more confident about who you truly are so you can embrace your values and beliefs while showing compassion and respect towards the people you care about, make decisions that align with your core self, and set limits for others without the weight of shame/guilt.

  • Each therapy experience is highly individualized and is dependent on a number of factors including your schedule, therapist’s availability, ongoing life challenges, the specific nature of the presenting issue you’re bringing, and engagement in the therapeutic process between sessions. Research suggests that most clients who begin therapy will feel significant clinical improvement after 12 to 15 sessions. Some clients feel better enough that they end services with that time. Others find that they enjoy the process of therapy and want to continue. Either way, my goal is to have you meet your goals as soon as possible and leave therapy feeling confident in your own skills and abilities, not reliant on your therapist.

  • My fee is $205 for individuals per 50 minute sessions.

    Debit cards, major credit cards, flexible spending accounts (FSA), and health savings accounts (HSA) are all accepted forms of payment. A card is required on your file before you begin services.

  • It’s important to me that therapy is accessible and affordable. We can navigate ways that will meet both your personal and financial goals. Some options are:

    • I can provide invoices so you can use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)

    • I can provide Superbills so you can get possible reimbursement from your out-of-network benefits

    • I am partnered with Reimbursify to supplement support with possible reimbursement should you choose to use it

    • I have reserved a limited amount of slots for individuals paying reduced fees.

    Don’t let my rate discourage you from contacting me. More often than not, I am able to come up with an acceptable arrangement with most people. Even when this is not the case, I can refer you to other therapists who are able to accommodate your financial needs

  • I accept Cigna/Evernorth insurance. Please contact me to verify your benefits.

    For other insurances, I am considered an "out-of-network" provider.

    Many insurance companies reimburse for ‘out-of-network providers’ (typically PPO insurance plans). I would be happy to provide you with a SuperBill, which is an itemized receipt of services that you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. This means that you are responsible for the fees at the time of our appointment and, depending on your plan, a certain percentage of that may be paid to you by your insurance company.

    If you're unsure if you have out-of-network benefits, call your insurance company and ask about whether or not they offer reimbursement for behavioral health, at what percentage, and whether you need to hit a deductible first. It's worth asking the questions and advocating to get the best therapist fit for you. Please be sure to inform them that services will take place via telehealth/online therapy.

    Please note that I cannot guarantee nor take responsibility for your reimbursement. I encourage you to contact your insurance provider directly to understand your coverage and learn what options are available to you before starting services.

  • Yes! I am partnered with the Asian Mental Health Collective as a Lotus Therapy Fund Clinician.

    The Lotus Therapy Fund is a program that makes psychotherapy as available, accessible, and approachable as much as possible to the Asian community. Those who are selected to be a part of this program will receive financial support for 8 therapy sessions. To qualify for the program, you will need to sign up through the Asian Mental Health Collective’s website.

  • I do not provide services for the following:

    • Crisis intervention services

    • Disability evaluations

    • Workers comp evaluations

    • Court evaluations

    • Emotional support letters

    • Telehealth outside of California

    • Separation, divorce, and child custody evaluation and mediation

    • Medication management services

    I’m happy to help you connect with a professional that meets your needs. Please contact me for additional support.

  • Please cancel or reschedule your appointment 48 hours in advance. If you do not provide notice with at least 48 hours’ notice in advance, you are responsible for payment for the missed session. This is necessary because a time commitment is made to you and is held exclusively for you. If you are late to a session, you may lose some of that session time.

  • Non-urgent emails, calls, and texts will be returned within 48 business hours. In the event of a medical or psychiatric emergency or an emergency involving a threat to your safety or the safety of others, please call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

  • It is my legal and ethical obligation to maintain your privacy. Your records, along with what you say in therapy are kept confidential. In fact, confidentiality is the core component to making therapy effective. You have the right to have a safe and confidential therapeutic experience, however, the exceptions are:

    ➼ If you provide written consent to release your information

    ➼ If your records are subpoenaed for legal reasons

    ➼ If there is suspected child abuse, dependent or elder abuse

    ➼ If there is a serious threat to harm another person

    ➼ If there is intention to extremely harm oneself

  • Any and all questions are welcomed! I know how unnerving it might feel to participate in therapy. I’m happy to answer any and all questions you may have. Please contact me with your wonderings.

Ready to make yourself a priority?