Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Have a question? Below are some answers to common questions. Have a look. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact me.

Where are you located?

My office is located in Rockridge near the California College of the Arts campus and 2.2 miles from the University of California. It’s a 10 minute walk from the Rockridge BART station and along the 51A bus line.

Mail may be sent to:
5297 College Ave.
Ste 103
Oakland, CA 94618

Do you take insurance?

Yes, I take Anthem Blue Cross and Medicare (not medicaid or Medi-cal). I can also see you if you have a PPO with out-of-network mental health coverage. At your request I can provide you with a billing statement for reimbursement that you may submit to your insurance company.

Some or all your fees may be covered by your health insurance, if you have outpatient mental health coverage. However, insurance companies do not reimburse all conditions that may be the focus of psychotherapy. It is your responsibility to verify the specifics of your coverage. Please remember that my services are provided and charged to you, not your insurance company, so you are responsible for payment. Fees you pay for therapy services that are not reimbursed by insurance may be deductible as medical expenses if you itemize deductions on your tax return.

What should I expect for my first session?

Prior to your first session, we will have a brief phone conversation where we will discuss your reasons for seeking therapy. I will explain my policies over the phone and we will find a mutually agreeable time to meet.

When you arrive at my office for the first time there will be a clipboard waiting for you with paperwork to complete. I recommend you arrive 15 minutes early so that you can fill it out.

Since I do not have a receptionist, you will also be asked to press a call light button when you arrive to let me know that you are in the waiting room.

For your first appointment we will meet for 45 minutes. We will more fully discuss  your current difficulties, hopes for the therapy, any previous therapies, and your past. You will have an opportunity to ask questions. We will end our meeting by discussing if it makes sense to begin therapy. If it becomes clear to me that I cannot provide you the best services, I will refer you to someone better suited to your needs.

What paperwork do I need to complete?

Below are the forms I ask you to complete. These are provided for your reference and so that you may complete them prior to our first meeting.

Instructions:

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me.

Please also review my Social media policy

Feedback

If you have worked with me in the past and have received a feedback letter from me, I would like to hear from you. In the letter you received you will have been given a password. Please enter it here. If you are a current patient of mine and you would like to give me feedback, please do so in our sessions. I very much welcome any comments, thoughts, or concerns you might have.

 

Make an Appointment

Schedule a time to speak.Have more questions? Want to set up an appointment? Send me a message.