What is individual, couples or family counseling?

- It is an interpersonal relationship in which you will work with a trained therapist in a safe non-judgmental environment. Counseling can be a turning point where you explore yourself, reflect and create goals so you achieve a more satisfying life. Counseling may take the form of individual therapy (1 person and the therapist), couples therapy (2 people)/ marriage therapy and family therapy (several people and the therapist) session.

Do you take insurance?

- I do not take insurance and that increases your privacy and allows us to work together without restrictions imposed by insurance companies. However, you can get a receipt you may submit to your insurance company for any reimbursement (PPO Out of Network)  for your counseling and therapy session. Insurance companies require that I give you a diagnosis of a mental disorder which will be part of your record on file. Some insurance plans will also dictate your therapeutic journey by limiting the amount of therapy to certain amount of sessions.

What is your fee?

The fee per 45-50 minute session is $225 (Individual) $240 (Couple/Conjoint/Family), however, many of my clients schedule longer sessions depending on their needs. If you decide to do a double session, 90 minute session etc - then the fee is prorated.

How do I pay for sessions?

What is the cancellation policy?

Payment is due at the time of session. Cash, Check, Debit or Credit cards are accepted forms of payment.

I have a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you are unable make your scheduled appointment please cancel at least 24 hours in advance to avoid paying for the missed appointment.

I reserve your appointment time exclusively for you. If you cancel or fail to show up, I have to charge you for the time that was set aside for you and cannot provide it to another client. Please remember to cancel or reschedule 24 hours in advance of your scheduled time. You will be responsible for the entire fee if the appointment is not kept or cancellation is less than 24 hours. (If session is at 2pm, cancel by the day prior at 2pm. If session is at 7pm, cancel the day prior at 7pm).  If other appointment times are available within the week and you have cancelled less the 24 hour period, I may be able to offer you to make up the session but this cannot be guaranteed and the fee will be charged for the new session. 

Cancellations must be acknowledged by the therapist.

It's like booking a hotel room. You can use the room for the duration you paid. You can be out and about. You can check in late. If you forget to cancel, you still need to pay for the room you reserved.

How long will I be in Therapy?

- The therapy process and duration of sessions vary depending on a variety of factors such as your unique issue as well as your desired outcome.  Some will remain in individual therapy or couples and family therapy for a few months and others will continue longer. Throughout your counseling experience and therapy sessions, you and the therapist may adjust and change the frequency of the psychotherapy.

What can I expect from therapy - how to do therapy?

- Individual, couples and family therapy works best when you are open and willing to the process. Counseling may include self exploration, emotional relief and making changes may be some of the things you will get out of therapy. Seeking counseling from a professional therapist does not mean there is anything "wrong" with you or your family. It is an opportunity to grow.

How long is a session?

- A counseling session is typically 50 minutes. If you wish to extend your individual, couples, partner or family session - options are available to extend length of the counseling session. Some clients find it easier to schedule appointments that are longer than 50 minutes.

How do I make a counseling appointment?

- To schedule a counseling appointment you may contact me by calling (949) 287 3415 or use the contact form. Please let me know if I may leave you a message. As a therapist I respect the privacy of my clients, even if it is individual counseling.

What is your specialty?

- My specialty is family building and I have a special interest in providing help for the non-biological lesbian mother / non-biological gay fathers and the non gestational parent (NGP). Furthermore, I have an interest in helping people going through a devastating divorce or break up. I am multilingual and speak Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, German and English.

Do you see clients with other issues than LGBTQ?

- Yes, I do see clients with a variety of issues ranging from career issues, conflict resolution, diversity, infertility, infidelity, parenting, relationship issues, self-esteem and more. Please contact me if you have questions in regards to scheduling a therapy session.

is telehealth available outside of ca?

No Surprises Act - Good faith estimate

- No, I am licensed in the state of California and as such, it allows me to see clients who reside in California. If you are a California resident and traveling out of state, I am unable to provide services in other countries or states. Board regulations are state dependent.

You are entitled to receive “Good Faith Estimate” of what the charges could be for psychotherapy services provided to you. While it is not possible for a psychotherapist to know, in advance, how many psychotherapy sessions may be necessary or appropriate for a given person, this form provides an estimate of the cost of services provided. Your total cost of services will depend upon the number of psychotherapy sessions you attend, your individual circumstances, and the type and amount of services that are provided to you. This estimate is not a contract and does not obligate you to obtain any services from the provider. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t 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. The therapist will provide this upon request. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.