Straightforward answers to common questions about working together, insurance, telehealth, and what to expect.
It depends on your insurance. For clients on Medi-Cal through Partnership Health Plan, the cost is almost always nothing — in my experience, I've never had a Medi-Cal client face a copay, though exceptions can exist depending on your specific plan.
For other insurances I accept (Kaiser Permanente, Aetna, Cigna), your cost will depend on your plan's copay or coinsurance for outpatient mental health. The best way to find out is to call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask what your copay is for outpatient therapy.
If I'm not in your insurance network, you may still be able to work with me through out-of-network benefits. Many plans cover a significant portion of the cost — you pay me directly, and I provide you with a superbill, which is an itemized receipt that meets your insurance company's requirements for reimbursement. You submit it to your insurance and they reimburse you directly, up to whatever your plan allows. I'm happy to walk you through that process.
Yes. I accept Kaiser Permanente, Aetna, Cigna, and Medi-Cal through Partnership Health Plan. The platform I work through depends on which insurance you have — reach out and I'll help you figure out the details.
You may still be able to work with me. Many insurance plans have out-of-network benefits — meaning even if I'm not in your network, you can still see me, pay out of pocket, and then submit what's called a superbill to your insurance for reimbursement of a significant portion of the cost. How much you get back depends on your specific plan, but it's often more than people expect.
It's simpler than most people expect. Before your appointment I'll send a link to your email or by text — you click it, enter your name when prompted, and wait for me to join. No downloads, no accounts needed. Before your first session I'll also send documents to complete online at your own pace.
For clients on Medi-Cal Partnership Health Plan, telephone-only sessions are also available if video isn't accessible — which can be especially helpful in rural areas or for anyone without reliable technology.
We pick up from where we left off in the consultation — expanding on what you shared, exploring new things too. I'll ask questions, may use brief assessment tools to get a clearer picture, and I actively invite your questions too. My goal is to get to know you and understand what you need — we can arrive there together.
I offer sessions most days of the week, with an emphasis on early morning starts. Email or text to ask about current availability — I aim to respond the same day.
It depends on what you're working on. Some people find meaningful shift in a few months. Others work longer. We evaluate as we go — there's no set endpoint, and no pressure to stay past when it's useful.
Then I want to hear about it. If something isn't landing, let's talk — we can adjust the approach, try a different direction, or explore what else might serve you better. That includes a referral if that's what feels right. I think it's really important for my clients to feel like they're in the right place, and I want to help you arrive there.
Rarely, and only through Medi-Cal Partnership Health Plan. Insurance requirements allow for one in-person visit per year — we can meet at my office or, in some cases, at the client's home. All other sessions are telehealth.
Yes. Substance use doesn't disqualify you from therapy — it's often part of a larger picture we can explore together. At some point it will be worth talking about, and if specialized support makes sense, I can help connect you to local resources.
Humboldt County has a range of options — outpatient programs, residential and detox facilities, peer support groups, tribal health services, and both 12-step and non-12-step alternatives. View the full substance use & recovery resource list →
I've put together a fairly comprehensive list of mental health, crisis, food, housing, and community services in Humboldt County — including Southern Humboldt. It includes crisis lines, county behavioral health, outpatient therapy, AOD treatment, youth services, food resources, and a quick-reference numbers table. When in doubt, calling 2-1-1 connects you to a live navigator who can help you find exactly what you need, 24/7.
"The first conversation is free, informal, and entirely on your terms."