(360) 209-3249

FAQ

Where is your office located?
3305 Main Street, Suite 014 Vancouver, WA 98663

How long is a typical session?

Typically, about 55 minutes for couples and adult individuals.

Initial child sessions are 80 minutes.

What do I do to get started?
Call me now or fill out a contact form, and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
What is the hourly fee?

I charge $260 for an initial intake session and $220 an hour for treatment, testing, and preparation of psychological assessment reports.

How do I pay?
You can pay by cash, debit, or credit.
Do you accept insurance?

I am currently paneled with Aetna and First Choice Health Network. For all other providers, I take payment at the end of each session and provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

Can I cancel an appointment? Do you have a cancellation policy?
You can cancel an appointment up to 24 hours before without being charged. Cancellations made the day of the appointment will be charged the full fee for the appointment.
What is a free initial phone consultation?
A phone consultation lasting about 15-20 minutes is a good way to find out whether you and I might work well together. In that phone call, I’ll learn a bit about what you’re seeking help with and what your goals are. Then I’ll describe how we might work together and go over some of the details on how to get started.
What can I expect in the first session?

During our first session, I’ll get to know you and your specific reason for coming to therapy.

If it’s your child who needs help, the first session will be with you and your parenting partner.

We’ll work to identify your specific goals and figure out how working together will move you toward them.

What is therapy like with you?

Being a psychologist may give me some expertise on human behavior, but I’m not yet an expert on you or your family. I’m eager to learn about you and how you have made your life what it is.

And I’m even more curious about where you want it to go and why.

How long will I be in therapy?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but I can give you a rough idea.

For children having difficulty with challenging behavior, results in 6-8 sessions are common, provided both parents are unified and willing to work together to rethink their parenting strategies.

Children who struggle with serious developmental deficits or exist in families with high conflict often need more support. Treatment can take longer.

For adults and couples, it varies widely. Research has consistently shown most people show lasting improvement after six months. That said, there are a great many people who benefit greatly from just a few sessions.

Does anyone cry in front of you?

Yes, but it’s not a requirement. Just as often, people laugh, joke, and get excited about possibilities.

Therapy gives you the space you need to explore the full range of your emotions.

Do I have to tell you everything?
No. To benefit from therapy, you need only to say what needs to be said. Whatever that may be is up to you.
Who benefits from therapy?

It’s better to ask who would not benefit from therapy.

If your relationships are wonderful. If your emotions always make sense to you. If you are completely confident in your parenting style. If you never struggle to maintain your confidence.

If you’re perfectly okay with all the decisions you’ve made. If you’ve truly made peace with your past. If your childhood memories don’t bother you at all.

If you’re totally satisfied with your sex life. If your life shines with meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. If you’ve found your place in this crazy, maddening, unnerving time of struggle, strive, and complexity.

If you wake up every day looking forward to the next amazing challenge, ready to meet death with a smile because you’ve had such a fantastic journey.

If ALL these things are true, then you won’t benefit from therapy.

Is there anyone you won’t see?

I’m not set up to handle people with serious mental health issues such as psychosis, dementia, or active suicidal behaviors.

However, I welcome people with a history of such things – so long as they are relatively stable and ready to commit to ongoing therapy.

What kind of groups do you have in your practice?
I offer a variety of groups for high conflict families, including groups for men, parents, and teens struggling to establish healthy family relationships.
Is our work confidential?
Absolutely. Unless you express clear intent to harm yourself or another person, I’ll do everything I can to protect your privacy. It is against the law and my code of ethics to even disclose you’re a client of mine to anyone without your express permission.
Who is the perfect client?
My perfect client is ready to commit to understanding their full potential as a parent, spouse, and human being.
What age range do you work with?
I work with kids age 4-18 and adults age 19-80. Issues common to late adulthood are not my specialty, however.
Are you LGBTQIA friendly?
Absolutely. I welcome work with all genders and sexual orientations.
Do you work with people from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions?
Yes. I speak fluent Spanish, and I actively pursue learning how cultural issues can affect therapy.

Questions About Me

What do you enjoy about being a therapist?
I truly value getting to know you as an individual and understanding how you see the world. It’s an honor for me to be invited into your private life and offer help where I can.
Have you been in therapy yourself?
Yes. Personal therapy has been an essential part of my personal and professional growth. Participating in my therapy helps me appreciate each person’s humanity and establish an equal partnership with my clients.
Do you prescribe medications?
No. My licensing does not permit me to prescribe medications. However, I am willing to share my observations with your prescribers if you would like.
Are you licensed?
Yes. I am licensed in the State of Washington as a clinical psychologist.
Am I allowed to ask you personal questions?

Yes. I’ll answer personal questions as honestly as I can so long as they relate to the work we’re doing. If you ask me a personal question, I’ll usually ask how my answer might be important to you.

But ultimately, I’ll answer your question so long as it’s relevant to you and your issues. I strive to be as authentic and transparent as I can.