Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
What about medication vs. psychotherapy and what if I'm suicidal or self-harm?
What is your fee, and do you take insurance?
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.
What is Therapy like?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).
It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.
What about medication vs. psychotherapy and what if I'm suicidal or self-harm?
It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.
I do not accept clients who are unstable, either experiencing unmanaged psychosis, or who are in a crisis or who are suicidal:
In my practice, I prioritize the safety and well-being of my clients. While I am committed to providing support, there are specific reasons why I do not accept clients who are in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts:
- Emergency Situations: My online therapy service is not equipped to handle immediate crises. If you are in crisis, I strongly recommend reaching out to emergency services or crisis hotlines provided below for immediate assistance.
- Specialized Care: Crisis management requires specialized expertise. I want to ensure that clients receive the best care possible. For urgent mental health needs, I strongly encourage seeking help from your local mental health professionals or crisis centers.
- Therapeutic Relationship: Building a therapeutic relationship takes time and trust. When clients are in crisis, it can be challenging to establish this foundation effectively. Referring clients to crisis-specific services ensures they receive appropriate care.
- Ethical Considerations: As a mental health professional, I adhere to ethical guidelines. Accepting clients in crisis without the necessary expertise or resources could potentially harm them. My commitment is to act in their best interest.
- Long-Term Support: While I may not provide crisis management, I am here for long-term support. Once clients are in a stable state, we can then work together to address underlying issues and promote overall well-being.
Remember you are not alone and seeking professional help during difficult times is essential. If you or someone you know is in crisis, or suicidal, please reach out to qualified professionals or crisis hotlines immediately. Here are some important hotlines available in California:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: DIAL 988 which is the new, three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Or you may Call 1-800-TALK (273-8255). TTY users can dial 1-800-799-4TTY (799-4889). This hotline operates 24/7 and provides support for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts.
- Veterans Crisis Line: You can connect with a caring and qualified Veterans Crisis Line responder 24/7: Call 988 and select option 1. Text 838255.
- California Youth Crisis Line: Reach out to the 1-800-843-5200 (THE 5200). This helpline is specifically for youth and offers assistance around the clock.
- Crisis Text Line (anywhere in the USA): Text “youth” to 741741 to connect with a trained counselor via text messaging.
- Call 911
What is your fee, and do you take insurance?
For Intake and Individual Psychotherapy my rate is $200 per 1-hour session.
My fee is $200 per individual therapy session. As an out-of-network provider, I have partnered with Mentaya to help my clients save money on therapy! Use this tool below to see if you qualify for reimbursement for my services.
Check here: Mentaya
I do also provide a fixed sliding scale to make therapy more accessible for individuals with no insurance or varying financial resources. To receive a reduced rate, I assess each client individually, considering their financial situation and unique needs. I reserve a few slots in my schedule for clients paying a reduced fee; therefore, availability is limited. We could talk about it.