Frequently Asked Questions
How do you work?
My psychotherapy practice is a general practice where I see individual adults. I have experience working with people who have diverse ethnic and social backgrounds. I welcome all people.
My intention is to work collaboratively. That means that I am an active participant during therapy meetings and periodically ask for feedback about your experience.
Working together is important so that we can understand the nature of your difficulties, the goals of the treatment, where to focus the work, and the best way to do it.
What can I expect in the first session?
Making a decision to begin therapy is significant. Committing to a particular therapist during a phone call, email correspondence, or at a first session can add additional stress. In order to lessen your pressure and anxiety, I suggest meeting for a couple of sessions so you can experience what it is like to work with me. Then you can decide whether I have something for you to take away that would be helpful and useful.
At the beginning of the therapy we will settle on an agreement for fee, frequency of meeting (usually once a week), and time. The consistency of appointments and our mutual commitment to the therapy process are important ingredients in a successful outcome.
What are your fees?
Many of the people I work with do not choose to use insurance. I am on a limited number of insurance panels.
For those who do wish to use insurance, I accept all PPO and POS insurances that allow for out-of-network providers. It may be helpful for you to check with your insurance company to verify coverage for out-of-network providers and for reimbursement rates.
I also accept Medicare with secondary insurance or Medicare with private pay.
Regardless of the method of payment, statements are given at the end of each month unless otherwise agreed upon. As my fee is occasionally adjusted, please call to discuss my current fee. Payment is preferred at the time of service.
When can I get an appointment?
For someone in crisis, as soon as possible. Usually it is possible to
get an appointment within a day or two of your call. Appointments are
currently available.
How do I get to your office?
The office is located in the historic Flood Building in downtown San Francisco.
The Flood Building is located at the corner of Market Street and Powell
Street. It is accessible by BART and bus, and parking is available in
the Ellis/O'Farrell Garage.
(see contact page for a map and directions).
What are your office hours?
Monday through Friday with appointments available in the morning, afternoon,
and evening.
What should I do in an emergency?
Dial 911 or go to your nearest Hospital Emergency Room.
What areas do you serve?
San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, Sausalito.
Marin County, Alameda County, San Mateo County.
Are my psychotherapy sessions
confidential?
Yes, with some exceptions. It is important to consider that any communication
between us once you have begun therapy is private and confidential. I
am bound by the law and the code of ethics of The American Psychological
Association to do so.
Information about your therapy can be released to a third party after
you have given written consent. However, there are certain requirements
that mandate divulging otherwise confidential information.
| • | If I have reasonable cause to believe that the patient is in such mental or emotional condition as to be in danger of harming him or her self, I will work to find a way to ensure safety without breaking confidentiality. I will work to keep the patient as much in control of the process as possible. I may be obliged to take protective action, including seeking hospitalization or contacting family members or others who can help provide protection. |
| • | If I have knowledge of a child under 18 or I reasonably suspect that child under 18 that I have observed has been the victim of child abuse or neglect, the law requires that I file a report with the proper authorities. |
| • | If a patient communicates a threat of physical violence against an identifiable victim, I must take protective actions, including notifying the potential victim and contacting the police. I will work to keep both the victim and patient safe. |
| • | A judge can subpoena records in a court case. |
These situations are unusual in my practice. But if they arise I will make every effort to fully discuss it with you before taking any action and I will limit my disclosure to what is necessary. While this summary of exceptions to confidentiality should prove helpful in informing you about potential situations, you may also wish further information and may contact the California Board of Psychology. It is important for us to discuss any question or concern that you may have now or in the future.
Can therapy help?
Yes, in most cases.
Therapy helps basically healthy people who experience the difficulties
of a major life event such as the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job
or home, the end of a relationship or news of serious illness. Working
through these difficulties can return a person to functioning more fully
and with greater peace of mind.
Therapy also helps people who experience serious depression, bipolar illness
and character difficulties to learn how to maintain greater stability
and manage their lives more effectively.
When you need to talk to someone, an experienced, licensed psychologist
can help you get through the struggles and sufferings attached to what
is overwhelming, so that you can move to a place in your life that has
less suffering and more opportunity for vitality.