Frequently Asked Questions
I know starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions. Here are answers to some common ones.
HomeFAQ
Getting Started
If you're asking this question, therapy might be worth exploring. You don't need to be in crisis or have a specific diagnosis. Therapy can help with life transitions, relationship challenges, personal growth, or simply wanting someone to talk to. A free consultation can help you decide.
The first session is about getting to know each other. I'll ask about what brings you to therapy, your background, and what you hope to get from our work together. You can ask me questions too. There's no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with.
Session frequency is adjusted to your individual needs. Most clients start with weekly sessions, and we may move to bi-weekly or as-needed as you progress. We'll figure out what works best for you together.
Individual sessions are typically 45–50 minutes. Group therapy sessions are 50 minutes.
It varies depending on your individual goals and what you're working on. Some people find a few months helpful, others benefit from longer-term work. We'll check in regularly about how things are going and adjust as needed.
Fees & Payment
Individual sessions are $130 and family sessions are $130/hr. I offer a sliding scale for those who need it — please don't let cost be a barrier to reaching out. See the Insurance section below for details on insurance coverage vs. private pay.
Yes. I believe therapy should be accessible. If my standard fees don't work for you, please let me know and we can discuss options.
I accept cash, Venmo, and Zelle. Payment is due at the time of service.
Insurance
Yes, I do take insurance. I am in-network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Blue Shield, Oscar Health, Oxford, and UnitedHealthcare. Private pay is also available. Please contact me to verify your specific plan coverage.
If your insurance is not one I'm in-network with, I can provide superbills that you can submit for potential out-of-network reimbursement. We can also discuss private pay options and sliding scale availability.
Call the member services number on your insurance card and ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits. Ask about your deductible, reimbursement rate, and any session limits.
Telehealth & Location
My office is at 225 Rockaway Beach Avenue, Suite 1A, in Pacifica, California. It's a caring, private space near the ocean.
Yes, I offer video sessions throughout California. Many clients appreciate the flexibility of meeting from home. Telehealth can be just as effective as in-person therapy for most concerns.
You'll need a private space where you won't be interrupted, a stable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone. I'll send you a secure link before our session.
Policies
I ask for at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and no-shows may be charged the full session fee. I understand emergencies happen and will work with you.
Yes, with a few legal exceptions. I'm required to break confidentiality if there's risk of harm to yourself or others, or in cases of suspected abuse or neglect. I'll explain these limits fully before we begin.
AMFT stands for Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I am an associate licensed professional who has completed my education (Master's in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University) and am currently accruing clinical hours under the supervision of Raquel Buchanan, LMFT (License #118976). This is a standard part of becoming a fully licensed therapist in California.
Crisis Support
If you're in immediate danger, call 911. For crisis support, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). For local support, you can also contact Rape Trauma Services at (650) 692-7273, available 24/7. These services are free and confidential.
You can reach out for scheduling matters or brief questions. For ongoing support between sessions, we can discuss what resources might be helpful. I'm not able to provide crisis services outside of our sessions.
Ready to get started?
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit.
Book a Free Consultation