Fees & FAQs

How much does a session cost?

My standard fee for a fifty minute session for individuals is $150. I accept checks, and all major credit cards.  All fees are due at the time of service.

Do you accept insurance

I do not provide direct insurance billing. However, I can provide a standardized super bill that most insurance companies accept for reimbursement. If you plan on submitting a super bill to your insurance company, please be aware that each individual’s coverage is different, and it is advisable to check with your insurance company prior to seeking reimbursement.

Also, each insurance company provides different degrees of coverage. Please be aware that most managed care organizations employ a case manager to control the cost to the organization. Although the literature provided by the insurance company may imply you are entitled to a specific number of mental health treatment sessions, it is up to the individual case manager to decide whether or not the reason you are seeking treatment is justifiable. If you are approved for treatment, you will be given a limited number of sessions that will specify the type of treatment that case manager feels you should have. Often, a case manager will have little, if any, professional training in the field of psychology. This unfortunately dictates the type of treatment, the duration of treatment, the manner in which the treatment will be implemented, as well as the desired outcome. This treatment plan may not necessarily coincide with the wishes and the judgment of the mental-health professional or patient.

Another issue regarding insurance reimbursement for mental health services, concerns the issue of confidentiality. The State of California has rightfully enacted stringent rules governing the privacy of any individual who seeks treatment from a licensed mental-health professional. Any information shared with a therapist MUST be kept strictly confidential. In fact, a therapist is not even allowed to disclose they have ever met the patient, unless the patient provides written permission for the therapist to do so. However, insurance companies demand that this privacy be broached in order for them to provide reimbursement. Managed-care organizations require detailed information regarding the reasons the client has sought treatment, the diagnosis, treatment planning and the progress of the patient throughout treatment. Therefore, the patient is forced to sign a release ordering the clinician to share detail information regarding the treatment to the insurance company. This information is then the logged and maintained in The Medical Insurance Database. Although this information has received some additional level of protection (thanks to the new HIPPA regulations), this information is permanently recorded and can follow you if any individual or entity has legal reasons to assess your medical records. Some organizations (such as life insurance companies) may require you to give them permission entitling them to review your medical records before they will do business with you.

Location and Virtual Sessions

I do offer video/virtual sessions for your convenience. I also offer in person office visits as well. Often, clients participate in a mixture of both depending upon their schedule.

My office is located in Mission Viejo(Orange County) just off of the 5 freeway and Oso/Pacific Park. I am also conveniently located off of the toll roads (73 & 241). My address is 26938 Marbella, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.

There are so many counselors in Orange County. How do I pick one?

I believe this is one of the most important questions a potential client/patient asks me. Research confirms my belief that the most important agent for change in therapy is when one has a good rapport with his/her therapist. Therefore, it is important to find a therapist who you believe can help you and one you can trust. Simply put too – one you like! I usually recommend people read my website and if it sounds appealing and helpful to call me. A brief telephone conversation can also give you a clue as to whether you are comfortable. Go with your instinct. If you still feel after a brief conversation comfortable, make a first appointment. If you aren’t comfortable at any time, seek another therapist, or I can provide you with a referral.

What are the different types of therapists in Orange County?

There are 4 mental health licenses in the state of California: MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist), licensed psychologist, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), and psychiatrist (MD). All four licenses can provide therapy. It is usually best to find a licensed mental health professional when looking for a therapist/counselor.

What are the qualifications for a licensed marriage and family therapist in Orange County?

A marriage and family therapist has a minimum of a master’s degree, although I hold a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, and has passed the California’s licensure exams. I have passed a written and an oral exam, as well as have thousands of clinical training hours both pre and post licensure.

What are the different types of therapy?

There are many types of therapy. There are different theoretical orientations (schools of psychological thought) and different types of therapy to represent the populations we work with (individuals, couples, group therapy).

What is the difference between a counselor and a therapist?

In the state of California, most clinicians and the public use the words interchangeably. Some people prefer the word therapist, others psychotherapist, and others counselor. I am comfortable using all three words to describe my clinical work.

What are the usual and customary fees and cancellation policies of therapists in Orange County?

Most therapists in Orange County have a fee of $120-$250 per 50 minute sessions. My fees are $150 for individuals. Some people prefer to book longer sessions for an additional fee.

Most therapists in Orange County have a 24 to 48 hour cancellation/rescheduling policy. I have a 24 cancellation/rescheduling policy, which means that unless you give me 24 hours advanced notice that you won’t be able to attend a mutually agreed upon scheduled appointment for any reason, you are then responsible for the fee for that session. This can seem punishing; however, that is not most therapist’s intent. Rather the reason is wee reserve large blocks of time for clients (and don’t overlap like many other mental health professionals).