FAQ
Common questions
If something is not answered here, please reach out directly. I am happy to talk through whatever is on your mind before you decide to book.
Getting started
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
If you are asking the question, it probably is. People come to therapy for many reasons: a specific problem they want to work through, a pattern they keep repeating, a sense that something is off without knowing exactly what. You do not need to be in crisis. Curiosity about yourself is enough.
What happens in the first session?
The first few sessions are for us to get to know each other and figure out whether we are a good fit. I will ask about what brings you in, your history, and what you are hoping for. You will get a sense of how I work. We both get to decide whether we want to proceed together.
How long does therapy take?
It depends on what you are working on and what kind of change you are looking for. Some people work on a specific issue and feel done in a few months. Others find value in longer-term ongoing work. I do not have a fixed timeline. We check in regularly about how the work is going and what makes sense.
How often do we meet?
Most clients meet weekly. Depending on the work and the approach, twice weekly can be useful for more intensive psychoanalytic work. We discuss what makes sense given your goals, schedule, and resources.
Fees and insurance
Do you accept insurance?
For insurance purposes, I am considered an out-of-network provider. I do not bill insurance directly, but I provide a monthly invoice you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. It is worth determining the details of your policy ahead of time, including what out-of-network mental health benefits are available. Many plans cover a meaningful portion of fees once your deductible is met.
Could therapy end up being more affordable than I expect?
It can. Clients who engage in more intensive treatment, such as two sessions per week, sometimes find that they exceed their out-of-pocket maximum for the year. Once that threshold is met, insurance typically covers costs at 100% for the remainder of the plan year. This does not happen for everyone, and I cannot make any guarantees about your specific plan, but it is worth asking your insurer about your deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and out-of-network reimbursement rate before assuming therapy is out of reach.
How do I pay for sessions?
Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check, or credit card. Payment is expected at the beginning of each session. Arrangements can be made for those who prefer to pay on a monthly basis. We will discuss the current fee structure during our initial consultation before therapy begins.
What are your fees?
My fee is $300 per session. We will discuss this during our initial consultation. If cost is a concern, please bring it up and we can talk about what is workable.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
I have a limited number of reduced-fee spots available for clients who would not otherwise be able to access care. Please bring this up when we speak.
The work itself
What is psychodynamic therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy focuses on understanding the unconscious patterns and relational dynamics that shape your emotional life and behavior. It draws on psychoanalytic theory and tends to be more open-ended and exploratory than structured skill-based approaches. The goal is not just symptom reduction but genuine self-understanding that creates lasting change.
What if I am not sure what I want to work on?
That is fine. You do not need to arrive with an agenda. Sometimes the most important work starts with exploring what feels unclear. We follow what comes up.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes. I see clients both in person in San Francisco and via telehealth throughout California, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Missouri, and Utah. Many clients find telehealth just as effective for ongoing work, and it removes the barrier of scheduling around commuting.