Client portal (760) 278-1585

FAQ

Where is the office located?
My office is conveniently situated east of the 5 freeway in Del Mar on High Bluff Drive between Del Mar Heights Road and El Camino Real. There is ample parking, and the office is disability-accessible.
Do you do home visits or out-of-office sessions?
As an anxiety and OCD specialist, I want to promote the generalization of the therapy gains into your life. That means confronting the triggers where they occur, which may sometimes mean getting out of the office into the real world.
Is your office disability-accessible?
Yes, my office is on the first floor and has convenient access to disability parking.
How long is a typical session?

Sessions generally last 45 to 90 minutes, depending on your need.

How often are therapy sessions?

I usually start with twice weekly so clients can experience positive changes more quickly. We then reduce session frequency as we progress toward treatment goals.

What is the hourly fee?
My standard rate is $225 for 45 minutes and $250 for 60 minutes, prorated for longer sessions.
What if I can't afford therapy?
Insurance is often available to cover a significant portion of this cost, and a sliding scale may be an option. If my rates are challenging to afford, please call me anyway, and we can see what we can do. I am in this field because I genuinely care about people’s well-being. I wish I didn’t have to charge anything (maybe someday I can), but at a minimum, I can often meet people where they are financially.
How do I pay?
I accept credit/debit cards through online payment services or checks.
Do you accept insurance?
I’m in-network with Aetna and provide superbills for potential reimbursement from other insurers.
Can you help me file my insurance?
I will handle the claim filing if I am in-network with your insurance. If you seek insurance reimbursement for out-of-network coverage, I subscribe to a service that facilitates out-of-network (OON) reimbursements to make it as simple as possible.
How do I make an appointment?
Call me, email me, or book an initial consultation here.
What is a free initial phone consultation?
This consultation provides a chance for you to ask me whatever you would like to know to determine if you would like to work with me on the challenges you are coming to therapy to work on and for me to ensure that I have the expertise to help you get there. If I don’t, I will provide guidance and resources to help you find the person who is the best fit for what you are looking for.
What age range do you work with?
I work with older adolescents, teenagers, adults, and seniors, as well as parents seeking help for their children’s anxiety and compulsive behaviors.
What is therapy like with you?

It is a mix of empathy and compassion where you are at, combined with concrete and structured methods and strategies for getting you through those challenges and on to the life you want.

I’m a good listener, and I care about my clients. I think this comes through in my work. And I know that my role is more than you can get from a good friend, and you are coming to me for specific expertise. I have that expertise and will show you the path to overcoming anxiety, obsessive thoughts, and compulsions.

What is unique about your practice?

Beyond being a seasoned professional with more than 20 years of experience, I have specific training and expertise in helping individuals with anxiety, obsessions, and compulsive behaviors, including body-focused repetitive behaviors and OCD.

I am a TEAM CBT Level 3 certified therapist seeking to provide effective rapid change for my clients. I have been fortunate to receive training through some of the leading institutions, including the International OCD Foundation’s Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), the Trichotillomania Learning Center (TLC), and the SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) program. I am also an early adopter of Inference-Based CBT for OCD and received training from the leading iCBT trainers in the country.

Beyond these professional qualifications, I am just a down-to-earth and relatable human. I’m a mom of four kids who understands the challenges of life. All the degrees, credentials, and knowledge don’t matter unless I can connect with you, meet you where you are, and help you get where you want to be. In the end, that’s all that matters to you and me.

Do you have any special training, certifications, or credentials?

Training – International OCD Foundation’s Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), OCD Training School Inference-Based CBT for OCD, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)

Certifications – TEAM CBT Level 3 Certified Therapist

Credentials – Past coordinator of the Trauma Day Treatment program at the Loma Linda VA Medical Center, Postdoctoral fellowship in geropsychology at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, San Diego

How long will I be in therapy?

That is an excellent question, and while I would love to be able to give a more precise answer, the best I can say is, “That depends.” Everyone has a different history, goals for therapy, and a different amount of time and energy they devote to the necessary practice between sessions. My goal is always to resolve symptoms as quickly as possible. Ultimately, how successful the therapy is and how quickly we achieve our goals is within your control.

Does anyone cry in front of you?
Sometimes. I have plenty of tissues for those who do cry.
Do I have to tell you everything?
The more I understand the areas where you need help, the more effective our work will be. However, like any personal or professional relationship, it takes time to disclose challenging issues or scary or embarrassing thoughts and experiences in therapy without feeling shameful. It’s perfectly okay to disclose what you feel comfortable sharing when you are ready and want to.
Who benefits from therapy?
Therapy benefits anyone who has decided to try a different approach to managing their anxiety, OCD, or BFRB. Nearly everyone who comes to therapy with an open mind and a willingness to step out of their comfort zones and put effort into trying new things will find tremendous benefit from treatment.
How do you work with clients?
My primary approach with clients is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Although I have training in psychodynamic and other theories, I have found that CBT effectively addresses my clients’ challenges in a meaningful and direct way, leading to rapid healing and enabling my clients to move forward with their lives. My approach combines warmth and compassion with goal-oriented encouragement. I am dedicated to helping you achieve your therapy goals and will do everything I can to support your success.
Is there anyone you won't see?

Some conditions and situations require specialized training and expertise – for example, clients with severe eating disorders or who are actively engaged in severe addiction. I am transparent about my areas of expertise and where I believe another provider would be more helpful.

Do you offer video or phone sessions?

I offer video sessions and may consider phone sessions as needed for specific circumstances. Because of the availability of telemedicine, I can provide therapy to anyone located in California and Florida.

What else can I try to help myself?

Therapy is a fantastic way to receive professional guidance and support, but it’s not the only method for enhancing our well-being. There are excellent self-help resources available, which I have listed on my website. Alternatively, you can contact me for personalized recommendations.

How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
The key to successful therapy is the strong, trusting relationship between the therapist and the client. However, expertise and effective methods are also crucial to meet therapy goals, particularly for anxiety, OCD, and BFRBs. Take your time to get to know your potential therapist. Ask any questions you would like about them, their background, and how working with them might benefit you.
What is your educational background?

I earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a second bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater before continuing my graduate studies and earning a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.

What is the best way to get in touch with you?
Call, text, or email are all great ways. You may also schedule a free consultation here.
Do you prescribe medications?

No, as a clinical psychologist, I do not prescribe medications; however, I do see the value of combining medications and therapy for some clients who are interested in this approach and can refer them to a medical doctor who can prescribe medications.

Are you licensed?
I’ve been licensed for 20 years and hold licenses in California and Florida.
Am I allowed to ask personal questions?
Yes, I’m transparent and believe that if a client asks a question, it’s meaningful for them in our work together. However, there may be times when I choose not to answer specific questions.
Do you have evening or weekend availability?
Yes, I have both.
Is what I say in therapy private?
Yes, privacy and confidentiality are vital to creating a safe and trusting relationship to make the positive changes you want. I am required to keep people safe, so there are situations where I would need to involve others to keep people safe, but these situations are limited. I will always discuss them with my client beforehand if I am able.
I'm looking at therapy for my child. Can I be involved?
Absolutely! You love your child enough to seek out ways to support them. A therapist’s role is temporary in a child’s life to get them on the path to managing their OCD or anxiety. Parents play a tremendous role in that and will be there to continue supporting their children after therapy has ended. Depending on the child’s age, needs, and preferences, we take a “team” approach and decide how each person can best support your child.
I am a teenager and don't want my parents to know what I say in therapy. Do they have to be involved?

Teen years bring with them thoughts, feelings, and experiences that we might feel ashamed, embarrassed, or scared for our parents to know about. Additionally, increasing maturity comes with increased parental independence, which is good and healthy.

Teens have a right to privacy in therapy, like adults. At the same time, parents are tremendous supporters of their teen’s recovery from anxiety, OCD, and BFRBs. Given these factors, we would talk together about who is on your “team” and what their positions will be, with you as the “team captain” and your therapist as the “coach.”

What is therapy?

Therapy is an opportunity to meet with a professional who understands human emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to improve an area of your life that isn’t working as well as you would like.

I’ve been an athlete for as long as I can remember, and I have always had coaches in my life. Those coaches, with their expertise, showed me ways to try things differently to get the results I wanted.

It’s similar in therapy. The CBT therapist has the expertise, experience, and objective perspective to see where you might make a few adjustments to get the results you are looking for in your life.