“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

~Saint Francis of Assisi

Frequently Asked Questions

 
  • I am currently accepting new clients. If what you’ve seen here resonates with you, and you’re willing and able to engage in the rewarding work of self-exploration and practice, contact me.

    In the event that my schedule is full, you may opt to be placed on a waitlist until a spot becomes available. We can discuss interim work or appropriate referrals. As spots are limited, your flexibility regarding scheduling will be important.

  • We’ll have an initial 20-minute complimentary conversation to explore whether our goals and values align and if there is a good fit between us.

    Once we decide to proceed, I’ll send you a link to the SimplePractice Client Portal, a HIPAA-compliant secure client records system. You’ll complete the Informed Consent and Practice Policies form and an intake questionnaire, along with other necessary forms.

  • Together, we'll build a safe and trusting relationship in which we'll address the concerns you bring to therapy and resolve problems in your life. Most importantly, the relationship between us promotes healing and growth. Being deeply heard and understood has a profound effect on shifting your relationship with yourself.

    As Human Beings, we are shaped by our significant relationships over our lifespan. Interactions with our family of origin and important attachment figures impact us for better… and for worse.

    When developmental tasks are incomplete due to childhood emotional neglect or complex trauma, psychotherapy helps to repair and recover from the attachment wounds you experienced.

    In the process of psychotherapy, we explore the patterns and dynamics that become internalized and result in difficult life challenges. From a whole-person approach, we look at your present issues through the lens of your past experiences to address the root causes of your concerns. We’ll explore both your conscious and unconscious motivations that give rise to how you show up in the world. With greater awareness and insight, you can reconnect with your authentic self, uncover the strengths you already possess, and find solutions to the problems you face.

  • A Marriage and Family Therapist is licensed by the state of California to provide psychotherapy services. We treat all manner of psychological concerns within the context of relationships. LMFTs, LPCCs, LCSWs, and Psychologists are trained and licensed to treat any mental health condition or disorder as well as use appropriate assessment instruments, as needed.

  • Coaching has become a popular way of addressing the concerns that people face. Generally, it helps people to achieve specific personal and professional goals. It is more often a short-term, focused process where the coach takes a very active stance to help you to achieve your goals.

  • It’s preferable to meet at least once a week to establish momentum on treatment. However, we will decide together what’s best for your situation, whether it’s more or less frequent.

  • I currently work exclusively by Telehealth. While telehealth has been shown to be effective and beneficial, be aware that there are limitations to telehealth. Although SimplePractice is a HIPAA-compliant secure platform, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed over the internet. The technology may also be unreliable due to internet or computer issues.

    Ensuring you have a safe, private, and confidential space and good working equipment on your end is critical to creating the right environment for psychotherapy. In addition, the ability to see and hear all verbal and non-verbal communication may be reduced or interrupted.

    Responses to crisis situations and serious psychiatric conditions are limited. Ultimately, it may not be appropriate for individuals experiencing these concerns to engage in Telehealth.

  • Generally, what we say in our sessions is kept confidential. With your prior written permission, I may speak with another healthcare provider or family member. However, if there is a reasonable suspicion that a child or dependent adult has been harmed, I am required to report that to the appropriate child or adult protective services. If you are a danger to yourself or others, there may also be a need to break confidentiality and to share that information with appropriate others. Please let me know if you have any questions about this policy.

  • My current rate for a 60-minute psychotherapy session is $200. Rates are subject to change periodically. You will be informed in advance of any adjustments to your rate.

    If you are a Pre-Licensed Psychotherapist, there may be limited reduced fee spots may available.

  • I accept payment by credit or debit card at the time of service via SimplePractice. Other arrangements could be made to take payment by bank transfer (such as IvyPay or Zelle).

  • While I am not contracted with any insurance panels or managed care plans, I can provide you with a superbill to submit for reimbursement of fees already paid out of pocket. Be aware that this requires a formal DSM diagnosis of a mental health condition. Your insurance company has sole discretion on whether and how much they agree to reimburse. Check with your insurance provider to determine your benefits. You are responsible for payment of fees at the time of service.

  • Currently, I offer appointments as available on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 AM through 7 PM. This schedule is subject to change, and you will be informed in advance of any changes.

  • If you need to cancel, you are responsible for giving notice 24 hours prior to your appointment, so that you won’t incur a late cancellation fee. The late cancellation fee is your full fee for service. I hold your appointment time for you alone and do not fill it with other clients when you can’t make it. Therefore, you will be allowed 6 uncharged absences in a calendar year and absences after that will be charged at the full fee. If we are able to reschedule within the same week, your fee will apply to that appointment.

  • If you elect to communicate with me by email or text, I’m willing to respond briefly, but please be aware that email and other electronic media are not completely confidential.

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

Thank you for visiting this psychotherapy website. By using this website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms of this disclaimer. If you do not agree with any part of this disclaimer, please refrain from using this website or accessing its content.

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

I do not provide crisis or emergency psychotherapy services. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis or emergency in their mental health, call 911, and/or your personal medical provider or go to your nearest emergency room.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The contents of this website, including blog posts, stories, articles, social media links, downloadable resources, and links to other sites are for information and educational purposes only. The content is not, nor intended to replace professional services, including but not limited to, any medical, psychological, or legal services. Any reliance you place on such content is strictly at your own risk.

Engagement with this website and its members does NOT constitute services, advice, or consultation and therefore is not in any way considered a professional therapeutic relationship. 

Please consult with a mental health or medical practitioner for individual counseling or consultation regarding the personal health and well-being of yourself or your family members.

NO LIABILITY

Despite the care for the content of this site and its information, we cannot guarantee that the available psychotherapy and mental health information is complete, correct, or up to date. 

We accept no liability for any direct or indirect damage or loss, of any nature, that results from or has a connection with the usage of this website, the (un)accessibility of the site, or the software, no matter whether or not the user was or is aware of the possibility of (possible) damage or loss.

NO GUARANTEE OF RESULTS

Psychotherapy is a complex process, and individual results will vary. The effectiveness of psychotherapy depends on various factors and individual circumstances. While we strive to provide clients with the proper support, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes or results from using the information or services on this website, and we cannot be held liable for any dissatisfaction or lack of improvement.

NOTICE TO CLIENTS: The Board of Behavioral Sciences receives and responds to complaints regarding services provided within the scope of practice of marriage and family therapists. You may contact the board online at www.bbs.ca.gov, or by calling (916) 574-7830.

Contact Catherine

 

Reaching out is a courageous step in your healing journey. I invite you to explore working together with a 20-minute complimentary consultation.

Healing IS possible.