fees
Fees & insurance
My practice isn't open yet, so I don't have fees to publish — but I believe in being transparent about money from day one. Here's how paying for therapy usually works, and what you can expect from me.
What I can promise now
- My session fee will be published on this page — a real number, not "contact me for rates."
- A free 15-minute consult before you commit to anything, so we can both see if it's a fit.
- No surprise charges. You'll know what a session costs before you book it.
01
Private pay
Many therapists in California work on a private-pay basis, meaning you pay the session fee directly rather than going through insurance. It's the simplest arrangement, it keeps your records fully private between you and your therapist, and it doesn't require a diagnosis on file with an insurance company.
02
Out-of-network benefits and superbills
If a therapist isn't in your insurance network, many plans — especially PPO plans — will still reimburse part of the cost of therapy. The therapist gives you a superbill (an itemized receipt with the service codes insurers need), you submit it to your insurance, and they reimburse you directly according to your plan. HMO plans usually don't include out-of-network benefits. The reimbursement amount varies a lot from plan to plan, so it's worth one phone call to the number on the back of your insurance card.
03
Questions to ask your insurance
If you want to check your own coverage, ask: Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health? Is there a deductible I need to meet first? What percentage of the fee do you reimburse for routine psychotherapy? Is there a limit on sessions per year? Five minutes on the phone gets you real answers instead of guesses.
04
Sliding scale
A sliding scale means a therapist reserves a set number of spots at a reduced fee for clients whose finances need it. Whether I'll offer sliding-scale spots — and how many — is a decision I'll make when my practice opens, and whatever I decide will be published honestly on this page.
This page is general information about how therapy is commonly paid for in California — it isn't financial or insurance advice, and every insurance plan is different. Exact fees, insurance participation, and sliding-scale details will be published here when my practice opens.
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