What are your rates and hours for therapy?
My fee is $170 per 50-minute therapy session. Payments are due on the morning of your session, and I accept all major debit/credit cards including HSA/FSA. I offer appointments on weekday mornings, afternoons, and evenings.
Where is Stillness Therapy located?
Stillness Therapy is based in Los Angeles, California, and offers therapy services throughout California including Los Angeles and Long Beach, as well as throughout Colorado and Texas. Additionally, I provide offer immigration psychological evaluations in California, Colorado, and Texas. Please reach out for more details.
Why don’t you take insurance?
Every therapist has their own reasons for opting out of insurance. Personally, my priority is to provide high-quality services while preventing burnout. I’ve experienced the challenges firsthand, and it’s neither productive nor fair to my clients. Insurance companies often offer low reimbursement rates and delay payments, which can necessitate therapists seeing 30+ clients per week to earn a living wage. This volume can affect a therapist’s presence, alertness, and effectiveness in sessions.
To make therapy accessible, I offer a limited number of sliding scale/reduced-fee slots for clients facing financial hardship. If you’re interested in learning more about why some therapists choose not to take insurance, you can read this helpful article: Ten Reasons Why Your Mental Health Provider Stopped (or Never Started) Taking Your Health Insurance.
What is a superbill and do you provide one?
A superbill is a detailed invoice that you can submit to your PPO insurance for partial reimbursement under your out-of-network coverage. Reimbursement amounts vary depending on your specific PPO plan. If you're interested, I can provide a guide to help you determine your eligibility for reimbursement and understand what your insurance may cover.
Will our sessions be in person or virtual?
My practice is exclusively virtual. Sessions are conducted via the fully encrypted and confidential online platform TherapyNotes. If you prefer a telephone session, it can be arranged with the mutual understanding that I cannot guarantee the security of your telephone line.
How do I get started?
Please reach out via email or phone to schedule a complimentary 20-minute introductory call. During our conversation, we will discuss your needs and my practice, and determine if we are a good fit for one another. This is an opportunity for you to share what you hope to achieve in therapy, what you are seeking in a therapist, and to ask any questions about me or the therapeutic process.
What happens after the introductory call?
If we determine that we’re a good fit to work together, we’ll schedule an intake session to complete an assessment (a.k.a. evaluation). Think of the first session as a structured interview where I'll get to know you and understand the challenges that brought you into therapy. During this intake session, we'll review your current and past concerns, mental health history, and other relevant topics. Together, we'll create therapy goals and objectives. Following the intake, we'll meet for weekly or biweekly 50-minute therapy sessions.
What are the benefits of therapy?
Participating in psychotherapy offers numerous benefits. Therapists provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, self-esteem issues, and feelings of stagnation. Many individuals also find therapists to be invaluable in managing personal growth, improving interpersonal relationships, addressing family concerns, and navigating daily life challenges. Therapists can offer a fresh perspective on difficult problems and guide you toward effective solutions.
The benefits of therapy depend largely on your active engagement in the process and your willingness to apply what you learn. Some potential benefits include:
Gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, your goals, and your values
Developing skills to enhance your relationships
Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that prompted you to seek therapy
Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
Managing emotions such as anger, grief, and depression more effectively
Improving communication and listening skills
Breaking old behavior patterns and developing healthier ones
Boosting self-esteem and self-confidence
What’s your approach to therapy?
My therapeutic approach is straightforward and centered on you. It's collaborative, exploratory, goal-oriented, socially justice-oriented, structured, and trauma-informed. If you'd like to understand more about what this entails or looks like, please feel free to ask me during our introductory call or learn more about it here.
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
If you're wondering if I'm the right therapist for you, take your time exploring my website. If you feel I might be a good fit, please email me. During our introductory call, feel free to ask about how I've supported individuals similar to yourself, what a typical session looks like with me, or any other questions specific to your needs. I consider the initial sessions as a trial period where you can experience working with me and gauge your comfort and fit. I value your feedback throughout our time together to encourage open discussion of any concerns you might have regarding our professional relationship or the therapeutic process.
Does what we talk about in therapy stay private?
You may have concerns about whether what we discuss in therapy remains private, and if your friends, family, or coworkers could find out. I want to assure you that unless there is imminent danger to yourself or someone else, everything we discuss in our sessions remains strictly confidential between you and I. Your privacy is highly respected and your trust is valued. If you have any further questions about how confidentiality works or its limitations, please feel free to ask me during our introductory call or at any time during our sessions together.
How long does therapy last?
Therapy begins with the understanding that it will eventually come to an end, so we regularly review your therapy goals and progress. You might wonder about the duration because you're seeking relief quickly or have other considerations. Therapy can last for months or years, depending on your specific needs and the changes you're aiming to achieve. Some clients find that six months addresses initial challenges adequately, while others benefit from longer-term therapy. Generally, new clients often experience relief and hope within the first month as they start addressing their challenges and discovering healing possibilities. However, personal growth and progress take time, and there is no fixed timeframe. The duration varies from client to client.
I’m nervous about starting therapy. Is this normal?
It's completely normal to feel nervous about starting therapy. It can be a vulnerable and unfamiliar experience, and it's natural to feel scared, awkward, or uncomfortable about opening up to someone new. The fear surrounding therapy can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, seeking help is a courageous step. It takes bravery to recognize that you may need support in facing your challenges.
The fact that you are here, exploring therapy options, and reading this is a significant first step in itself. Therapy is a space where you can be yourself, including feeling nervous. I am dedicated to addressing your nervousness and ensuring that our sessions are as comfortable and supportive as possible. If you'd like to discuss your concerns further, please feel free to bring them up during our introductory call or in subsequent sessions.
What if I don’t want to talk about something?
If there's something you don't feel ready to talk about, that's okay. It's normal for certain topics to feel overwhelming or even frightening. In our sessions, I won’t pressure you to discuss anything that feels too painful. My role is to help you build trust and provide a space where you can gradually begin to address difficult topics at your own pace.
You have the freedom to share what you feel comfortable sharing, when you feel ready. If you're nervous about opening up about something, we can discuss those feelings as well. Whenever you're experiencing strong emotions about a topic, you're welcome to bring it up in your sessions for us to explore together.
I’m scared that if I open up, you will think I’m a bad person.
I understand your fear of being judged if you open up to me. However, I want to assure you that I will not think you are a bad person; in fact, I will see you as someone who is incredibly courageous. Many of my clients have similar fears, and through my work, I've come to understand that the challenges you're facing are common and human. My role is not to judge you but to provide a compassionate space where you can feel heard, supported, and respected, regardless of what you're going through.