Question 1

What does AMFT mean?

Accepted Answer

AMFT stands for Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. This means I’ve completed my master’s degree in clinical psychology and am working toward full licensure (LMFT) under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker. I’m fully trained and qualified to provide therapy. I just haven’t yet completed the 3,000+ hours of supervised experience required for independent licensure in California.

Question 2

Who supervises your work?

Accepted Answer

My clinical supervisor is Emily Mayot, LCSW #95109. Supervision means I regularly consult with an experienced, licensed therapist about my cases to ensure I’m providing the best possible care. Many clients find this reassuring because it means you get the benefit of both my fresh training and my supervisor’s years of experience.

Question 3

Do you offer in-person or virtual sessions?

Accepted Answer

Both. I offer in‑person sessions at my office in Costa Mesa, California, as well as secure video sessions for clients located anywhere in California. Many clients appreciate the flexibility of choosing between the two depending on their schedule or preferences.

Question 4

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

I’m a private pay practice, which means I don’t bill insurance directly. This allows me to provide more personalized care without insurance companies dictating treatment. However, I provide superbills that you can submit to your insurance for potential out‑of‑network reimbursement.

Question 5

What’s a superbill?

Accepted Answer

A superbill is a detailed receipt I provide after each session. It includes all the information your insurance company needs to potentially reimburse you for out‑of‑network therapy. You simply submit it to your insurance, and depending on your plan, you may get back 50–80% of the session fee.

Question 6

Why private pay instead of insurance?

Accepted Answer

Private pay offers several benefits: complete privacy (no diagnosis required on your medical record), full control over your treatment (no session limits or pre‑authorizations), no paperwork hassles, and flexibility to meet as often as needed. Many clients find the quality of care and peace of mind is worth the investment.

Question 7

What are your rates?

Accepted Answer

Individual therapy is $150 per 50‑minute session. Couples and family therapy is $180 per 50‑minute session. I also offer a free 15‑minute consultation so we can make sure we’re a good fit before you commit.

Question 8

How long does therapy typically last?

Accepted Answer

There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all answer. Some clients come for a specific issue and feel ready to end after a few months. Others work with me for a year or more, going deeper into longstanding patterns. We’ll regularly check in about your progress and goals, and you’re always in control of how long we work together.

Question 9

How often will we meet?

Accepted Answer

Most clients start with weekly sessions, which helps build momentum and a strong therapeutic relationship. As you progress, we might shift to every other week or monthly. The frequency is always flexible based on your needs and goals.

Question 10

Do I have to commit long-term?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. You’re never locked in. While I do recommend giving therapy a fair try (a few sessions at least), you can end our work together whenever you feel ready. I’d just ask for a final session to wrap up thoughtfully.

Question 11

What happens in the first session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is about getting to know each other. I’ll ask about what brings you to therapy, your history, and what you hope to get from our work. It’s also your chance to ask questions and see if you feel comfortable with me. There’s no pressure. It’s a two‑way conversation.

Question 12

Is therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with very few exceptions required by law. What we discuss stays between us unless: (1) you give me permission to share with someone, (2) there’s a risk of harm to yourself or others, (3) there’s suspected abuse of a child, elder, or dependent adult, or (4) a court orders me to release records. I’ll explain all of this in detail when we begin.

Question 13

What if I’m in crisis?

Accepted Answer

I don’t provide emergency or crisis services. If you’re experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), go to your nearest emergency room, or call 911. For non‑emergency concerns between sessions, you can reach me through the client portal.

Question 14

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Start with a free 15‑minute consultation by clicking the ‘Book Consultation’ button on this site. This takes you to my secure scheduling portal where you can choose a time that works for you. We’ll have a brief phone call to see if we’re a good fit before scheduling your first full session.

Question 15

What’s the difference between a consultation and a first session?

Accepted Answer

The free consultation is a 15‑minute phone call to discuss what you’re looking for and see if we’re a good match. If we decide to work together, your first full session (50 minutes) is where we dive deeper into your history and begin the actual therapy work.

Frequently asked.