Frequently Asked Questions

What is the intake process?
Once a session day and time has been determined, you will receive an email of required paperwork for your completion, including a credit card authorization form. Your session is not confirmed until the authorization has been returned.
For all new clients, you will be required to complete all required forms prior to your initial session. I reserve the right to refer your inquiry based on your current concerns, appointment availability, and current practice resources.
For returning clients, if you have not been seen in 6 months or more, you will be required to complete a new Informed Consent and Credit Card authorization form. Additional forms may be needed from you. 
How do I know whether I need parent coaching for myself, or therapy for my child?
Therapy is a therapeutic relationship between the therapist and client. The goal is to address psychological conditions, create a treatment plan, and reach specific therapeutic goals. Parent coaching involves receiving education and support specific to parenting a child of any age. Therapy can be done in the office or online as long as the client lives in the state of California.
Parent coaching can be completed in the office (on a limited basis), or online.

What ages are appropriate for parent coaching support?
I can assist parents who have kids of all ages, from babies to teenagers. Support with potty training, tantrums, sleep, anxiety, ADHD, sibling rivalry, school concerns, feeding issues, parent-child issues, are all reasons to seek coaching. If you have another concern, just ask...I might be able to help with that too!

I cannot make my scheduled session, what do I do?
Please kindly allow 24 hours prior to cancelling your session. No shows without prior cancellation will incur the full session charge. If you’re running late, your session will be held for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes it will be considered a no show and applicable session fees will be charged.
I really want my teen to start therapy but they have no interest. Should I force them?
In general, forcing your teen to do anything they don't have interest in will probably not end well. My best suggestion is to ask them to just meet with me once. If afterwards they still don't feel like it could be helpful, as least they tried! Forced therapy is rarely beneficial.
I am divorced and have joint custody, what do you need from me?
I would need a copy of the divorce decree stating that you are legally authorized to seek out and consent to treatment (therapy) for your child. Based on the decree, I may need to contact the other parent and receive authorization for services.
What diagnoses or family situations do you not treat?
I do not treat individuals with substance/alcohol use or abuse disorders, eating disorders, chronically suicidal, bipolar disorder, parents who want an instant fix, unmotivated parents, high conflict families, or forensic evaluations. If you are seeking out a psychologist who can make a determination about custody or placement, please seek out a forensic psychologist. We do not provide that service.
I need someone to manage my child’s medication, can you do that?
It sounds like you need a psychiatrist or pediatrician. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D.) who prescribes and manages medication. A psychologist is a doctor of philosophy (PhD) or doctor of psychology (PsyD) who provides therapy. I cannot prescribe or manage your child’s medication.