I will listen carefully to get a good understanding of what you are saying and how you are feeling about it. At times, I might ask you to clarify something and/or provide feedback for you. While therapy might look like a conversation from the outside, there are important distinctions between the two. The therapeutic relationship has very clear boundaries, is goal directed, focused, and purposeful.
Please also go to How Does Therapy Work? for more information.
How much will I have to pay?
The fee for a 5o-minute session is $150,-.
I also offer a sliding scale when there is a financial need or can make referrals to very low fee agencies.
Do you take insurance?
Yes, I am a provider for Aetna, Cigna, HealthNet/MHN, and UCB SHIP.
In addition to that many PPO plans also reimburse at least partially for therapy from out-of-network therapists and I am happy to prepare weekly or monthly statements for you to submit to your insurance company.
How long will I be in therapy?
Each case is unique and people have many different goals that affect the length of therapy. Some clients are happy with their progress after a few months and decide to leave whereas others stay on for several years to work through more complex issues.
How often should I come to therapy?
Generally I see clients once a week, however there are times when more frequent sessions are useful and/or needed.
What does "MFT" mean?
"MFT" stands for "Marriage and Family Therapist". The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) describes Marriage and Family Therapists as
Frequently Asked Questions
2041 Bancroft Way, Suite 310 Berkeley, CA 94704 Tel.: (510) 375 4575
"relationship specialists who treat persons involved in interpersonal relationships. MFTs are trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals, couples, families and groups to achieve a more adequate, satisfying and productive life. The psychotherapeutic practice also includes premarital counseling, child counseling, divorce or separation counseling and other relational types of counseling. Marriage and Family Therapists are psychotherapists licensed by the State of California. Requirements for licensure include a doctorate or a two-year master’s degree, the passage of a comprehensive written examination, and the completion of 3000 hours of supervised experience. "
I have not been to counseling/therapy before. What does a session with you look like?
From the outside, a session might look like any other focused and important conversation between two people in a quiet and comfortable environment. We will sit across from each other and explore the issue that brought you into therapy.Please note: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic I currently offer only video sessions through the HIPAA compliant version of Zoom.
