🦁 You may find some answers on these pages:

🦁 You’re unsure about therapy.

Some clients get pushed to start therapy by partners, family, coworkers. Maybe you’ve never considered it for yourself, as something real men don’t do, a sign of weakness, or a waste of time and money. Showing your vulnerable side — especially to another guy — can feel scary in the beginning. But honestly, asking for help through connection is an act of bravery, a sign of inner strength, and a smart move. In my 10 years of experience, so many clients thought therapy wasn’t for them, until they gave it a shot and realized it could change their lives. I’ve benefited from therapy myself, and I know you can too. You’ll make progress toward goals you didn’t think possible, and your life will start to change. I’m happy to explore your anxiety about therapy in our sessions. (If therapy sounds like too much, think about a few coaching sessions to dip your toe in.)

🦁 Do I see clients online or in person?

Currently I see clients only by online video (or phone). I have years of experience meeting in person, and I will offer in-person services in the West Hollywood area soon.

🦁 Does it matter where clients are located?

We can legally meet for therapy online if you are located in my licensed states of CA or NY during sessions. For coaching I can meet you in any state or country. Please be in a private, quiet space (indoors, outdoors, a parked car) with good internet and good lighting, out of earshot of anyone else.

🦁 Do I offer consultation before scheduling an intake? 

Yes, we can schedule a free 15-minute phone call to see if we are a good fit.

🦁 What kind of clients do I not see?

• Couples. Families. Children under 16.

• Active psychosis. Unmedicated psychotic or bipolar disorders

• Clients at frequent risk of harm to self or others.

• Clients only seeking medication. I am not a psychiatrist and cannot prescribe.

• Substance abuse requiring immediate detox or rehab. Meth use without desire to abstain. Daily cannabis use without desire to reduce.

🦁 Do I take insurance?

For therapy I take Aetna, and I am applying to add more insurance providers. Before your intake, I will verify your benefits and provide an estimate of what your insurance will cover. After you hit deductible, you’ll pay a copay that is less than a third of the full fee. If I am out-of-network, I can send a monthly superbill for you to submit to your insurance company.  I also offer therapy to those willing to pay the full fee out-of-pocket. Coaching is not covered by insurance.

🦁 Does your insurance plan cover my therapy services?

Call the number on the back of your insurance card, and ask:

• Does my plan include mental health insurance benefits?

• How many mental health sessions per year does my plan cover?

• Does my plan require prior approval or a referral for mental health services?

• How much will my insurance cover per session for an out-of-network provider?

• What is my deductible, and has it been met?

• What information must I provide to seek reimbursement (i.e., diagnosis code, service code, provider tax identification)?

🦁 What is a Good Faith Estimate?

You can download information about it here.

🦁 Do I take sliding-scale fees?

Both therapy and coaching are $200 per session. Some clients cannot afford the full fee if I am out-of-network, or if you have not hit deductible, or if you lose or change your insurance plan. If so, tell me your profession and annual income, and we can negotiate. I am committed to balancing my livelihood with making mental healthcare accessible for you.

🦁 Do I charge no-show or late-cancel fees?

If you no-show or you cancel a session less than 24 hours beforehand, I will contact you to reschedule within the same week. If that is not possible, I will charge a fee from $100 to $200 considering your financial situation. I waive this fee only for health emergencies. It is not covered by insurance. Because I am paid by the session and I am not salaried, for the hour we had scheduled this week I will not get paid and will not earn my projected income to support myself as a small business owner. I explain this policy in our intake session, and I hope you understand. 

🦁 What can you expect in the intake session?

I’ll go over policies and procedures for ~10 minutes, then I’ll warmly interview you about your presenting problems, life history, and behavioral health. I may already suggest a little homework, and we will schedule our sessions. If it’s your first time or you’re nervous, I’ll do my best to answer your questions and make you comfortable, so we can build trust and start doing the work.

🦁 How often and how long can we meet for? 

We can meet at the same time every 1 or 2 weeks, twice a week, or at a floating time convenient for us both. After enough of meeting weekly, once we feel ready, we can meet biweekly. I do not meet monthly. nor keep open cases without our next session scheduled. We can meet as briefly as 10 sessions, 2-3 months — or long-term for a multiyear therapeutic/coaching relationship. I want to help you out for as long (or as short) as you find it useful!

🦁 What else can I expect about our work?

• If you have severely disordered eating, insomnia, panic attacks, or unwanted nicotine addiction, I will encourage you to find a behavioral specialist adjunct to our therapy. 

• If much of or therapy focuses on your partner or relationship problems, I will encourage you to start couple’s therapy.

• After exhausting “talk therapy” options, if psychiatric medication is clearly indicated, I will encourage you a psychiatric consultation.

• If you have cannabis or other substance abuse or addiction, I will encourage you to take action toward moderating or quitting, as necessary to treating mental health problems.

• I encourage frequent exercise as an integral part of mental health and holistic wellness. Our treatment plan will probably including an exercise routine if you do not have one already.

• Treatment will also include book suggestions, journaling prompts, and self-care habits like brief meditation practice, sleep hygiene, healthy eating, sexual health habits, other mindfulness practices, any spiritual practices you have benefitted from, hobbies, and frequent social time with friends old or new. 

🦁 Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP)

You can download a copy here. ‍ ‍

🦁 Notice to Consumers

In California, the Department of Consumer Affair’s Board of Psychology receives & responds to questions & complaints regarding the practice of psychology. You will find the most recent contact information at www.psychology.ca.gov. (California B&PC Section 2936)

In New York, to file a complaint against a professional licensed by the NYS Education Department, complete and submit a Discipline Complaint Form to the regional office closest to where the alleged incidents(s) of misconduct occurred. Complaints must be submitted in writing and cannot be filed by phone. See instructions for information on filing a complaint form. You may also obtain online information regarding Professional Discipline Cases decided by the Board of Regents.