Question 1

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

If you’re interested in receiving services, please schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation. During our conversation we will assess needs, goals, and therapeutic fit. I look forward to hearing from you and discussing next steps.

Question 2

What happens during our first session?

Accepted Answer

Our initial session is simply a conversation – nothing more, nothing less. Together, we’ll explore your clinical history, current needs, and therapeutic goals. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about my therapeutic approach. I want you to feel comfortable, confident and well-informed during our work together.

Question 3

Do you offer in-person and virtual sessions?

Accepted Answer

I know and understand that my clients have demanding schedules. Due to the fast-paced nature of life, I currently offer in-home, in-office, and telehealth appointments. My office is located at One Harbor Drive, Suite 300, Sausalito, CA 94965.

Question 4

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

My practice is out-of-network, which supports a direct and personalized care model. Upon request, I can provide a superbill for insurance reimbursement. Please note that many PPO’s offer partial coverage for out-of-network providers.

Question 5

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

My standard fee is $300 per hour. However, in order to maintain accessibility and fairness, I have a limited number of sliding-scale spots available.

Question 6

How long are sessions and how often do they occur?

Accepted Answer

My standard session is 50 minutes. Depending on one’s personal preference, treatment goals, and clinical need, sessions can take place weekly, biweekly, or even monthly.

Question 7

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

I understand that life happens, plans change, and cancellations are sometimes necessary. Keeping this in mind, I’ve established a 24-hour cancellation policy. Late cancellations and missed sessions will be billed at the full session rate.

Question 8

Is my information kept confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your psychotherapy information is protected under federal law (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or HIPAA), California state law (especially the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act), and professional ethics and licensing standards. Confidentiality, protected under HIPAA and California state law (especially the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act), can be broken in limited situations, including 1) when there is a risk of serious harm to self or others, 2) when there is suspected abuse or neglect, 3) when there is a valid court order or subpoena, and 4) when deemed necessary for billing or supervision purposes. Note: In these cases, only the minimum necessary information is shared.

Question 9

What is psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy is a standardized, evidence-based treatment that uses conversation to help individuals identify, understand, and address unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The therapeutic process can reduce and/or eliminate distressing symptoms, improve coping skills, strengthen relationships, and change harmful patterns.

Question 10

What are your specialties?

Accepted Answer

My specialties include anxiety, depression, panic disorder, trauma-related disorders, occupational and relationship stress, and life transitions. In addition, I provide support for chemical dependence, substance abuse, and recovery.

Question 11

How does the therapeutic process work?

Accepted Answer

The therapeutic process is structured, deliberate, and based on trust, collaboration, and meaningful change. Within this process, there are five stages: intake and assessment, construction of rapport, exploration and processing, skill building and action, and termination of care.

Question 12

What are evidence-based interventions?

Accepted Answer

Evidence-based interventions are clinical treatments (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy) that have undergone peer-reviewed, scientific research. Most of these treatments or interventions have been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and other symptoms.

Question 13

How can individual psychotherapy help?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy can help by offering a structured environment to explore, process, and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In addition, it can greatly reduce and/or eliminate anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and other symptoms.

Question 14

What is addiction?

Accepted Answer

Addiction is a behaviorally acquired disease – yes, a disease! – with long-lasting and far-reaching consequences. Addiction can (and will) change the brain’s structure, chemistry, and functionality. In addition, it can have a significant impact on physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and academic or occupational performance.

Question 15

What are some risk factors?

Accepted Answer

Risk factors include (but are not limited to) genetic predisposition, mental health conditions, social pressures, and environmental influences.

Question 16

Are treatment and recovery possible?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Addiction is treatable and remission is possible through psychotherapy, medical support, and adjunctive care (e.g., 12-step and peer support programs). Psychotherapeutic interventions include motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and group-based therapy.

Question 17

What is relapse?

Accepted Answer

Relapse is a normal part of recovery and occurs when individuals experience psychological distress and minimize past use. Though relapse can be viewed as a failure or setback, it’s more accurately a data point. We can review triggers and other influences – thus making changes to their treatment and recovery plans.

Question 18

Do you work with families?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Addiction can cause significant tension, conflict, and psychological distress within the family system. As such, it often requires a comprehensive, family-centered approach. My practice offers parent coaching and family therapy to improve communication, establish healthy boundaries, and strengthen relationships. Remember: We’re in this together.

Question 19

What are your qualifications?

Accepted Answer

I’m a United States Marine Corps combat veteran and licensed psychotherapist who has extensive training in the treatment of trauma-related conditions (e.g., PTSD), co-occurring substance abuse, and the challenges associated with military separation, retirement, and reintegration.

Question 20

Do you work with active-duty service members?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I work with both active-duty service members and veterans. Please note that I’m an out-of-network provider and do not accept TRICARE East, West, or Overseas.

Question 21

What is post-traumatic stress disorder?

Accepted Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after witnessing and/or experiencing a life-threatening or shocking event. Standard treatments include psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions.

Question 22

What is a moral injury?

Accepted Answer

Moral injury is the emotional, behavioral, and spiritual damage caused by witnessing, perpetrating, or failing to prevent acts that deeply violate one’s moral code. If you are experiencing moral injury and would like to address it, trauma-focused psychotherapies may help.

Question 23

What is an adjustment disorder?

Accepted Answer

Adjustment disorder is a short-term, stress-related mental health condition triggered by significant life changes (e.g., identity and role changes). Symptoms can include anxiety, agitation, depression, and behavioral disturbances. Standard treatments include psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions.

Question 24

What is self-medication and why does it happen?

Accepted Answer

Self-medication is the use of substances or non-prescribed medications to alleviate physical and/or psychological symptoms. However, this can sometimes exacerbate symptoms and lead to a cycle of ongoing distress and increased substance use. Among active-duty service members and veterans, self-medication is common due to a prevailing stigma, fear of judgement, and occupational concerns.

Question 25

Life Coaching vs. Psychotherapy

Accepted Answer

Life coaching and psychotherapy share similarities; however, they differ in approach, purpose, and scope. Life coaching emphasizes goal setting, personal development, and future-oriented change, while psychotherapy focuses on addressing mental health conditions (e.g., generalized anxiety and major depression) and emotional, behavioral, and psychological challenges.

Question 26

How long does coaching typically last?

Accepted Answer

Personal and professional coaching is goal-specific; however, most individuals will participate for 6-12 months. This allows sufficient time to set goals, develop strategies, establish accountability, and evaluate overall progress.

Question 27

Can coaching transition into psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Coaching and psychotherapy are two different services. Within my practice, an individual is either a coaching client or psychotherapy client, not both. If, during the course of coaching, an individual requires psychotherapy, I will help them identify a licensed therapist and discontinue the coaching engagement.

Question 28

Can coaching help with career development?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Professional coaching can help with goal setting, leadership development, navigating work-place challenges, and career advancement.

Question 29

Who is in your referral network?

Accepted Answer

I take referrals seriously and will only refer clients and their family members to trusted colleagues in my professional network, including respected physicians, clinical specialists, and other licensed healthcare professionals: Internal Medicine; Addiction Medicine; Psychiatry & Behavioral Health; Neuropsychology & Cognitive Health.

Question 30

Does a referral mean you will no longer be my therapist?

Accepted Answer

No. Referrals are made for a variety of reasons, including medical treatment, psychiatric care, and diagnostic clarification. Often, a referral is intended to complement—not replace—our therapeutic work together.

Common Questions

Getting Started

Questions?