Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of a session?
My regular rate is $175 for a 50-minute session. I also have a limited number of sliding-scale slots available if this is not something you can manage on an ongoing basis.
Do you accept insurance?
As an “out-of-network” insurance provider, I do not take insurance directly. However, many PPO plans will reimburse a portion of my fee once the deductible has been met. I can provide you with a “superbill,” which you can then submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Most HMO insurance plans do not cover out-of-network providers.
As a general rule, call your insurance company prior to our first session in order to verify out-of-network reimbursement and coverage by asking the following:
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Does my plan include out-of-network, outpatient mental health coverage?
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If so, what percentage of the fee do you reimburse for therapy with a MFT Associate?
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Do I have an annual deductible and has it been met?
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Is there a limit to the number of sessions my plan covers per calendar year?
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How do I submit claims?
Some carriers have been authorizing Telehealth during the COVID pandemic but intend to eventually drop this coverage. Clients must contact their plan administrator to verify that their PPO plan covers outpatient mental health via telehealth with an out-of-network provider.
Do you offer video or phone sessions?
Yes! This is a convenient and secure option for therapy that is gaining popularity.
Teletherapy, also known as online therapy, e-therapy, or video therapy, is therapy delivered through a virtual platform via a computer, smartphone, or tablet. If you’ve ever used FaceTime or Zoom, it’s essentially the same thing – except on a private, bank-level encrypted platform that is easy to use.
While teletherapy has grown in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been around since the 1990s in the United States and is considered a highly effective method for therapy that is both convenient and flexible.
Therapy should be easily accessible and available to everyone and teletherapy removes unnecessary barriers to getting needed support and care.
Where is your office located?
My two offices are located at:
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2730 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 250, Santa Monica, CA 90403
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3323 West Washington Boulevard, Suite 309, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
I also offer teletherapy sessions via video or phone in response to the current restrictions in place for COVID-19.
What if I need to cancel an appointment?
I understand life can be unpredictable; text or email me at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment to cancel or reschedule. A credit card must be kept on file and will be charged the full fee for late cancellations and no-show appointments.
What is a Good Faith Estimate (GFE)?
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit: www.cms.gov/nosurprises.