Frequently Asked Questions

About Me/ How I work

  • I believe that there is no one right way to approach therapy. I am trained in a variety of techniques that I use depending on the needs of each client and will often integrate multiple techniques to best serve the client.

    For more information about the therapeutic modalities that I use, click here.

  • Unfortunately, I do not. There are licensing laws that regulate where therapists can practice, even through telehealth.

    Currently, I am only licensed in California and Virginia. All clients must be physically located in the state of California or Virginia at the time of our session. If you will be traveling, we may need to cancel or reschedule our session.

  • Sliding scale therapy adjusts the cost of therapy sessions based on a client's income or financial situation. It aims to make mental health services more accessible by offering lower fees to clients with lower incomes and higher fees to those with higher incomes.

    I am committed to serving clients who cannot afford to pay the standard rate of psychotherapy. To increase access, I reserve 30% of my therapy slots for reduced rates. My sliding scale policy is inspired by the Green Bottle Method.

    To determine your rate, you will need to complete an application that asks some questions about your financial situation. Your eligibility for a sliding scale rate is based on your self report. I do not require you to verify your income with any documentation, but I do ask that you answer truly and accurately to ensure that those who are truly in need of this service have access to it.

    Once you submit the application, you will be offered a final rate per session. This rate may not be commensurate with the rate you requested. Please note that the rate you are offered is subject to review on an annual basis and may change according to your income and the cost of services.

    If you would like to sponsor low cost therapy for a BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ client, click here.

  • Out-of-network (OON) services for mental healthcare refer to services provided by healthcare professionals or facilities that do not have a contract with a person's health insurance plan. Generally, HMO plans do not cover out OON, but PPO plans often do. The patient must pay out of pocket directly to the provider and later get reimbursed by the insurance company. While this option offers greater choice and access to specialized care, insurance coverage varies significantly between plans, with some offering better out-of-network benefits. The amount of reimbursement is specific to the insurance plan and is not determined by the healthcare professional. Usually, the insurance plan will cover a maximum amount or a percentage of the fee you pay your provider.

    Steps to Manage Out-of-Network Mental Healthcare Costs

    1. Check Insurance Benefits: Understand your insurance plan's out-of-network benefits, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

    2. File Claims Promptly: Submit claims for out-of-network services promptly to ensure reimbursement.

    3. Keep Detailed Records: Maintain records of all communications, bills, and payments related to out-of-network care.

    4. Seek Pre-Authorization: For planned treatments, seek pre-authorization from your insurance company to understand what costs may be covered.

    I work with Mentaya, a service that provides supports with submitting claims to your insurance company for a nominal fee. Click here for more information.

  • Yes, I accept funding programs that assist with therapy costs. I am happy to provide any appropriate documentation or information to the program, if needed. Please inquire about application processes and eligibility requirements directly with the programs. Here is a list of programs that I am aware of.

  • Yes, on a case by case basis. If you are interested in both in-person and online therapy, please mention this in your consultation so that we can determine if this is possible.

  • I have a limited cancellation policy for several reasons:

    1. Financial Stability: Therapists rely on scheduled appointments for their income. Last-minute cancellations or no-shows can significantly impact their earnings.

    2. Time Management: Therapists allocate specific times for their clients, and a last-minute cancellation means they cannot fill that time slot with another client.

    3. Client Commitment: A cancellation policy encourages clients to commit to their therapy process and prioritize their appointments.

    4. Administrative Costs: Managing cancellations and rescheduling can be time-consuming and costly for therapists, driving up the rates for therapy.

    5. Professional Boundaries: A strict policy helps maintain professional boundaries and ensure that therapists prioritize making space for clients and clients respect the therapist's time and effort.

    Generally, these policies help maintain the therapeutic process's efficiency and effectiveness.

  • No, I do not offer evaluations for emotional support animals. I do not have the specialized training that is necessary to provide an adequate evaluation of this service. I am happy to offer appropriate referrals if clinically indicated.


  • No, I do not have the required training to supervise pre-licensed individuals or graduate interns at the moment. However, I do provide peer clinical consultation on my areas of expertise. Click here for more information.

Terms & Definitions

  • BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The term BIPOC gained prominence around 2019. Usage of the term seeks to center the voices of Black and Indigenous individuals within broader discussions about race and racism. Although its exact origins are unclear, its use has become more widespread in social justice movements and discussions on racial equity in recent years. The aim is to foster solidarity and address systemic racism, recognizing that different communities face distinct forms of discrimination and oppression.

    I enjoy this article about the term, BIPOC, entitled, "Why the term “BIPOC” is so complicated, explained by linguists".

  • Racial trauma, also known as race-based traumatic stress (RBTS), refers to the psychological and emotional harm caused by experiences of racism, discrimination, and systemic oppression. It can result from direct experiences, such as verbal or physical assaults, or indirect experiences, such as witnessing racial violence, systemic inequities, and microaggressions. Understanding and addressing racial trauma requires acknowledging the pervasive and systemic nature of racism and its profound effects on individuals and communities. This recognition is crucial for healing and promoting social justice.

    For more information, check out this article at Mental Health America.

  • An abolitionist is someone who advocates for the complete elimination of systems or practices that are deemed unjust or oppressive. Historically, the term is most commonly associated with individuals who campaigned for the abolition of slavery. In contemporary contexts, however, abolitionism is often linked to the movement to dismantle the prison-industrial complex and the broader carceral system.

    Abolitionists in this context seek to end the use of prisons, jails, and other forms of incarceration, arguing that these systems are inherently oppressive, trauma inducing, disproportionately target marginalized communities, and fail to address the root causes of harm and social issues. Instead of reforming the existing system, abolitionists advocate for transformative justice approaches that focus on addressing harm through community-based solutions, restorative justice practices, and systemic changes that promote social equity, healing, and the well-being of all individuals.

    For more information on abolition, check out the NAASW's Abolition 101 guide.

  • The race, gender, and sexual orientation of your therapist can significantly impact your therapeutic experience by influencing how well they understand and empathize with your cultural background and identity. This can sometimes allow for a "shorthand" with your therapist, so that you don't have to function as an educator to your therapist. A therapist who shares similar identity factors may provide a safer and more affirming environment, promoting trust and openness in therapy sessions. This alignment can enhance the therapeutic relationship and improve the effectiveness of therapy in addressing your unique needs and experiences.

    It is possible to have a strong connection and quality therapy services with a clinician of a different background. But, I recognize that the therapeutic space has often been unsafe, exclusionary, and even harmful to those with marginalized and oppressed identities. Many clinicians with marginalized identities, including myself, have worked tirelessly to make therapy safer, more accessible, and reparative for our communities.

    I enjoy this article entitled, "Why Having a Black Therapist Improved My Therapy Success".

  • A "throuple" refers to a romantic relationship involving three people. Unlike traditional couples, where there are two individuals involved, a throuple consists of three individuals who are all romantically and/or sexually involved with each other. This relationship dynamic can take various forms, including all three individuals being equally involved with each other, or one person being romantically involved with two others who may or may not be romantically involved with each other.

    A "polycule," on the other hand, refers to a network of interconnected relationships involving multiple people. It typically includes individuals who are in polyamorous relationships, where each person may be involved romantically or sexually with several others within the polycule. The term "polycule" is often used to visually represent these complex relationship networks, showing how individuals are connected through their romantic and/or sexual relationships.

    Both throuples and polycules are examples of non-traditional relationship structures that challenge the conventional idea of monogamous relationships between two people. These dynamics emphasize openness, communication, and often require a high level of trust and emotional maturity among all parties involved to navigate complexities and ensure the well-being of everyone within the relationship network.

  • Diet culture is a societal framework that prioritizes thinness and weight loss over health and well-being, often equating slimness with moral virtue and attractiveness. It promotes restrictive eating, calorie counting, and other potentially harmful behaviors while perpetuating myths about food and body image. This culture is fueled by commercial interests, capitalizing on insecurities to sell weight loss products and programs. The emphasis on achieving an ideal body type can lead to disordered eating, body dissatisfaction, and a negative relationship with food and exercise, ultimately neglecting the importance of overall wellness.

  • The Vegan Society’s formal definition is: "Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals." 

    By this definition, veganism is not about diet-culture, trends & fads, or reserved only for the white and wealthy. Ethical vegans may also connect their choices to broader social justice issues, including food security and the fair treatment of workers in the agricultural sector.

    I practice and promote Afro-Veganism, which is a specific call to the cultural identity that exists with being vegan and Black, and the intersectionality this identity presents.  It is about re-examining my roots and adopting practices that align with my ethics.

    Many of my vegan and non-vegan clients use therapy to explore their relationship with food, animals, and the environment. I can offer support with starting or maintaining a vegan lifestyle, navigating relationships as a vegan, and managing triggers for disordered eating, which can sometimes happen in the transition to veganism.

  • Eco-anxiety, or Ecological Anxiety, refers to the chronic fear of environmental doom, driven by concerns about climate change and environmental degradation. It is characterized by feelings of helplessness, worry, and distress about the future of the planet. This type of anxiety can manifest in various ways, including physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. Emotionally, it can lead to feelings of sadness, anger, and hopelessness. Behaviorally, it might result in avoiding certain activities or engaging in excessive research on environmental issues.

    Eco-anxiety can affect people of all ages, but is particularly prevalent among young people who are increasingly aware of and concerned about the state of the environment, especially those living a vegan lifestyle. The constant exposure to alarming news about climate change and environmental crises can exacerbate these feelings. Social media and news outlets often highlight the urgency and scale of these issues, contributing to a sense of overwhelm and powerlessness.

    Addressing eco-anxiety often involves focusing on actionable steps to contribute to environmental sustainability. This can include reducing personal carbon footprints, participating in community clean-ups, going vegan or reducing your consumption of animals and animal products, or advocating for environmental policies. Seeking support from like-minded communities, whether through local environmental groups or online forums, can also be beneficial. Additionally, professional mental health support can help individuals manage their anxiety and develop coping strategies.