Below are some of the most frequently asked questions I receive. If you have others not listed here, please let me know.
The relationship between us is a personal one. Finding a good fit, a positive connection, where you feel able to show up fully and honestly, is essential. While I have substantial experience and have taught other therapists how to do this work, it is important that whomever you see have the expertise you need and the style/personality that offers you a safe place to do this personal work.
Licensed psychologists spend four + years, after college, studying and completing a two year internship. Masters level therapists complete a two year program + internship. Psychologists have broad, extensive education and supervision. Because of that expanded training, I taught Masters’ level students how to do the work and can call myself at expert at couples’ work, sex therapy, helping with anxiety, depression, stress and life transitions. The most important part, though, of choosing with whom you work is if there is a good fit and you have comfort and confidence that the person you are with has the depth and breadth of knowledge and experience to help you move along your path. Call me.
My office is in Redwood City (between Palo Alto and San Jose). I see people each day. I do not have office hours on Friday evening or during the weekend.
On some weekends, I do offer workshops. Please sign up for my mailing list if you wish to be informed of upcoming workshops in your areas of interest. I look forward to seeing you there.
On some weekends, I do offer workshops. Please sign up for my mailing list if you wish to be informed of upcoming workshops in your areas of interest. I look forward to seeing you there.
What is your training and experience?
In 1972, after receiving my Master’s degree, I began seeing clients on a part time basis while working on and completing my doctoral degree in 1977. At that time, I began full time practice and have been seeing people ever since. I have been fortunate to teach other therapists, too, in the graduate program at Santa Clara University and in the Ph.D. program at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. I have offered many Continuing Education courses to other licensed clinicians, too.
I do not participate in any managed care plans nor do I bill any insurance company directly. However, since I am a licensed psychologist, many plans will pay for services to the people they insure for what is called an “out of network” rate. The law also requires insurance carriers to pay at a higher rate if you have what is called a “parity” diagnosis, that is, if your mental health diagnosis is on par with a medical condition. Sometimes this is a benefit for you.
Some managed care plans say they will pay for approved visits but they will not approve visits. Therefore, they pay zero for visits not approved. However, if there is an out of network benefit, you may receive services at the out of network rate, to the maximum they pay, for as long as you and I feel that the services are necessary. Feel free to ask any questions if this is unclear to you.
Please note, I am not a Medicare provider.
At your request, I am happy to provide you with any receipts you need to file claims for insurance reimbursement, for health saving plans reimbursement, for tax purposes, or for any other reason. For insurance reimbursement, a diagnosis will be required. I am glad to discuss the implications of receiving a mental health diagnosis.
My Ed.D. degree is a doctorate in counseling. When I went to graduate school, there was a choice of seeking a Ph.D. or an Ed.D. degree. Many psychologists who were planning to work in a medical setting, typically a hospital, chose the Ph.D. route. Psychologists who were planning to work in the community chose the Ed.D. degree.
When I moved to California and applied for licensing, the Board of Psychology evaluated my course work and internships. They determined that I was eligible to apply for a license as a psychologist which I received in January, 1980. (The other option would have been applying for a license as an educational psychologist.) Since my course work was in counseling, not education, I sought and received licensure as a Psychologist which includes counseling and clinical psychology.
I know this can be confusing. Do not hesitate to ask any questions.
My fees are dependent on the services provided. I am happy to discuss them with you.
I make every effort to honor all time commitments I make to you and request that same courtesy to me, notifying me of a cancellation, AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE, Monday through Friday. As is customary, my policy is to charge for late cancellations and non-appearance regardless of the reason. As a courtesy to you, I do attempt to fill the slot with or without full advance notice. If I can fill it, there will be no charge.
Please call or email me with any questions. To schedule an appointment, please contact me at 650-941-9000.
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate: explaining how much your medical care will cost. 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 bill for medical items and services.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.