Standard session length is 50 minutes. Extended sessions are available depending on the intensity of treatment desired.

Initially, it is beneficial for us to meet on a weekly basis to establish the focus of work and facilitate consistent movement towards your goals. As progress is made, once every two to three weeks may be a better fit for your needs. If finances are a barrier, we will decide together what is realistic and comfortable for your situation.

The course of treatment will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the nature and severity of what concerns brought you to therapy, what treatment goals we agree on, and your motivation for and commitment to the therapy process. After an initial assessment period, I will be able to evaluate an approximate course of treatment and help you to make decisions regarding how you would like to proceed. This process is mutual and built on a foundation of consent, consideration, and respect. Our work together can be brief, addressing mild to moderate issues through skill-building and a solution-focused perspective on your current, most pressing struggles. In diving deeper into emotional and relational issues, longer term therapy may be needed to effectively address all areas of concern. We will periodically evaluate the progress of our work and decide together when you have reached your goals.

Our first session is an opportunity to address the concerns which are bringing you to therapy. It is also an opportunity to experience and assess what it will feel like for us to work together. We will review the therapy process and talk about confidentiality, fees, and scheduling. I will perform an initial assessment, which will include asking questions about your experiences, past and present. I will take a detailed history of your concerns, your personal relationships, and your family/upbringing, as these are important and formative aspects of life which have contributed to your reasons for seeking therapy. Before we end, I will make some initial treatment recommendations, respond to any questions you might have, and help you to decide on appropriate next steps, which may include the development of a treatment plan for our continued work together or referrals to other therapists in the community who may be more appropriate to serve your specific needs.

Finding the right therapist is an incredibly important step in your healing journey. To get to know you and for you to get to know me, I provide a free phone consultation before we agree to schedule your first appointment. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you might have about therapy, my process and experience, what our work together could look like, and to talk about what your needs and concerns are at this time. If you find that I’m not quite what you’re looking for, I will provide you with referrals to other clinicians in the community who may be a better fit. I do not give referrals to therapists who I would not trust to go to for treatment myself.

During the course of our work together, I encourage and value your feedback. I will periodically make explicit space during our sessions to discuss the course of therapy, address any concerns you may have about the process, and ensure that you are satisfied with your care. If you are not, we will make reasonable adjustments as needed. Ultimately, I take the role of a facilitator in service to you, and your healing and wellbeing are the priorities of our work together.

Our relationship is a professional one. It is limited to the confines of the therapy space we cultivate when in session together. It is respectful, accommodating, positive, and relaxed. It is never disrespectful, abusive, pressured, or coercive. It is never sexual or romantic. It is not social beyond the bounds of the professional relationship. It is not required to continue if an issue is raised and not resolved. It is open to termination without prejudice.

I encourage an egalitarian space where you are welcomed, comfortable, and accommodated. I recognize that the dynamic of the therapist-client relationship is weighted towards the therapist having authority and control. I try to actively counterbalance this by taking on the responsibility that your consent and boundaries are established, understood, and respected. I will encourage and be open to any questions from you, and I will answer them as clearly and neutrally as possible. I will try to be sensitive to your communications and appreciate that you may have difficulties in communicating explicitly. I may challenge you in times where it may be of therapeutic benefit to consider alternate perspectives, but I will adjust my manner and type of communication to meet you where you are at.

Fees are due at the date of service. Standard 50-minute sessions are $180. This fee reflects the costs of my formal education, state and licensing board fees, trainings, continuing education, and living expenses. As an associate, I am also subject to a fee split in order to maintain supervision which is necessary for licensure, thus I only receive a net portion of our agreed upon fee. Those who are able to afford my full fee also directly support those with limited financial security to access sliding scale spots. I strive to provide access to care and thus maintain a balance of full rate to sliding scale. Please inquire about my sliding scale availability. I will do my best to work with you in making our work together financially sustainable. If you are unsure where you land in terms of need, you might find the Green Bottle chart a useful tool in self-conceptualizing.

My group practice, Diaspora Therapy Group, accepts insurance payments through BlueCross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, Optum/United HealthCare, Carelon, Kaiser of Southern California HMO, Beacon HMO, Emblem Health HMO, Providence Plan, Unicare, and GHI Commercial. If your insurance is not listed above or I am unable to bill directly due to your particular coverage plan, I am happy to provide statements for insurance reimbursement (aka "super bills"). I recommend contacting your insurance provider and inquiring about your mental health coverage and out of network benefits to know your options.

There is a 24 hour cancellation policy. Canceling in less than 24 hours will incur the full fee for the appointment.

I am currently booking clients through my group practice, Diaspora Therapy Group. If you are interested in working with me, please contact me for a free 15-minute consultation. If you decide after this initial phone consultation that I am a good fit for you and your needs, we will arrange during that same phone call an appointment time for your first session and agree upon a fee for services.