Observe and Adapt

+ Do I need therapy?

Do I need therapy? Take this quiz to think it through and see if you're ready. Get the truth about common misconceptions about psychotherapy in this Huffington Post article.

+ What can I expect in our first session?

The first session is about getting to know you, defining goals, and gathering information about family history and attempts at change. I'll offer you practical tools to use as first-aid for your current struggles. Ask questions anytime.

+ What about confidentiality?

Your health information will be held in confidence. Details and exceptions will be discussed at the start of your first session. For more information about your health records, see https://www.healthit.gov/topic/patient-access-information-individuals-get-it-check-it-use-it

+ How much will it cost?

First, ask if you can afford not to get therapy. How much do you spend on material things, alcohol or drugs to "self medicate"? What would it mean for you to function at your best, or to keep communication open? All that considered, full fee is $150 per session (50 minutes). The cost reflects time, expertise and skill, compassion is free. I also encourage clients to complete homework and prepare between sessions in order to get the most out of our time together. You can also check out alternatives in the area (see Referrals). Read also Payments and Insurance.

+ How long will it take?

You might be surprised you experience progress more quickly than you expect. Together, we'll discuss the benefits of brief therapy and continuing therapy. You're welcome to do therapy long-term with me, but you might prefer to work together as a tune-up. Sessions are 50 minutes, usually once per week. On average, clients attend 8-12 sessions across all models of therapy. [5] Read more.

+ What are the different approaches to psychotherapy?

Here is a helpful article about some of the approaches that I draw from.

+ What if I need to reschedule or cancel?

I require 48 hours notice to avoid a fine for the reserved time. If you are ill or stuck at home, we can arrange a phone or video session so you don't have to miss your appointment. Family emergencies or illnesses may come up, but if at all possible let me know at the first sign that you'll not be able to make it. That lets me know what time is available for others.

+ Is every session outside?

No, it’s totally flexible. The Downtown Ventura Office is always available in case of weather. Maybe you need a good cry inside four walls. You may prefer indoors for therapy. Or a bathroom!

+ Why nature?

Nature enriches talk therapy with grounding experiences of naturally induced mindfulness, immersing ourselves in nature’s brainwave regulating energy. Walking gives us a happy chemical bath with an increased heart rate and deepened breaths. Each step, left and right, stimulates the full brain to come online. We spend emotion physically as we unload what we are holding inside.

It’s wonderful to see the way nature does the work for us. Nature facilitates the session, providing natural transitions without my having to explain the changing tasks of therapy. I don’t have to teach mindfulness or deep breathing, it’s inherent in the experience. Mind body connection is obvious. Nature soothes the mind and surprises us with new old ideas.

+ What’s hike therapy like?

Therapy hikes are typically out and back, beginning with venting, processing experiences as we walk at a pace as brisk as is comfortable to the client. Our breathing, heart rates, and pace align as we tune into what’s going on for the client. Around halfway through the session, we pause until the client is finished, and draw our attention to whatever speaks to us in nature.

Then we turn, retracing our way to the trailhead. The path outward focused inward on getting in touch with emotions; the pause centered our focus and widened our view to the living world; the return path focuses on how to engage with relationships around us.

+ This is something I could do myself.

Yes! Beyond therapy sessions, I resource clients and therapists to create their own therapeutic nature hiking practices. I encourage parents to walk with their teens, creating a no pressure space where it’s okay to talk without prying. Couples make space for quality time to process life experiences and decisions. There’s something important happening when we move through our emotions together without the pressure of interruptions and task lists.

+ What is the full fee for a session?

The full fee for one 50-minute individual or couples sessions is $150. Payment is due at the time of your session. We do require a card on file.

No Surprise Billing. On January 1, 2022, The "No Surprises Act" was passed with the intention of protecting patients from receiving unexpected medical bills. This act promotes transparency and fairness in the healthcare system, and provides patients with greater financial security, regardless of their insurance status.

If you are a new or continuing patient that is uninsured or doesn't plan to submit claims to insurance, you have the right to receive a "good faith estimate." This estimate will help you understand your financial responsibility and make an informed decision about your therapy. If you have questions about projected expenses, please reach out to our office and we’ll happily answer all of your questions.

+ Do you take insurance?

I am in-network with some insurance companies. My services are covered under most insurance policies that include out-of-network psychotherapy.

+ How does billing for out-of-network insurance work?

I do not bill out-of-network insurance companies directly. After each session, you will pay the full rate. Each month, I can provide you with a super bill that you can submit to your insurance provider for your reimbursement. A superbill is a detailed invoice outlining the services a client received along with information recognized by insurance companies to process reimbursement.

+ What are my out-of-network benefits rates?

If you would like to check your out-of-network benefits, we suggest that you call your insurance provider and ask the following questions to be aware of your terms and reimbursement rates.

• What are my out-of-network mental health insurance benefits?

• What is my out-of-network deductible? Has it been met?

• How many sessions per year does my out-of-network insurance cover?

• What is the out-of-network coverage amount per therapy sessions? Applicable therapy procedure codes include:

  • 90791 (Initial Intake Session),

  • 90837 (Individual Therapy Session)

  • 90847 (Couples or Family Therapy Session)

• Is preauthorization required from my insurance company or primary care physician?

• Within what time period must claims be submitted to my insurance company?

• Does my insurance policy re-start every January, or does my policy re-start annually in a different month? When does my annual deductible(s) renew?

+ What is telehealth?

Telehealth allows us to meet through audio and video over the internet.

+ How does telehealth work?

You’ll be sent a link for the video appointment. Click on it when our appointment is scheduled to start, or open it through the Telehealth by SimplePractice app.

+ Why should I try telehealth?

We are very excited about this new option because it means no waiting and travel time, and you won’t have to take time off work or other priorities. Plus, it’s 100% HIPAA compliant and secure.

+ What kind of device can I use?

You can use any PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet with a high-quality integrated camera, microphone, and speakers. You’ll need to download the app for iOS or Samsung smartphones. See Google Store or iTunes. If you need to free up room your device, see instructions for Android or iPhone.

+ What kind of internet do I need?

Test your internet connection speed. For optimal results, a reliable, high-speed internet connection with a bandwidth of at least 10 mbps will minimize connection issues and provide the best quality.

1. Search Google: internet speed test. Click Run Speed Test. If either of your upload or download speeds are less than 2 mbps, your internet connection will not be as reliable enough.

2. Close other applications or windows to optimize your connection.

3. Consider using a headset for increased privacy.

+ How should I prepare my space?

1. Identify a suitable room that is quiet, private, and free of distractions. This is time set aside for you in the convenience of where you are, just give yourself a little time to arrive and relax. Grab yourself a cup of tea of whatever you’ll need to be comfortable.

2. Keep background noise to a minimum; close any doors and windows.

3. Make sure your light source is in front of your face, not behind you.

4. Place your device on a stable surface and test whether your face and torso are visible.

+ How do I initiate the video call?

Allow at least 10 minutes to set up the video call for the first time. Login as existing client to SimplePractice on your device and click the video icon on your appointment. Or if you’ve received a link by SMS text, just click that. Follow instructions and wait for me to join you in the video office. Text (or call) with any tech problems 805-633-0625 or updates if clinician is late.