Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

An informal discussion to become acquainted with one another and the gathering of information to complete a comprehensive psychosocial assessment, which is then used to develop specific, measurable treatment goals specific to attaining therapeutic outcomes you are seeking. This session is significantly enhanced by your completion of the intake paperwork, depression screening, and anxiety screening tools, before we meet. It is important for you to have a reliable internet connection and to have a place where you can meet alone. Sessions may not be recorded, and should not include someone else in the room with you, unless I am made aware and do not feel it will disrupt your treatment. We cannot meet if you are not in the State of California during our sessions, as my license does not cover seeing people in other states, even if just you on a visit or vacation.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strengths are my extensive skills given my lengthy professional practice. I was an oral examiner for 15 years for the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners when licensing still involved an oral examination. I am flexible having delivered services in the office, in people's homes, in FEMA shelters following disasters, and with homeless individuals. I am very empathetic. I am familiar with systems and programs, thus can assist you to understand and negotiate them, never accepting no when a yes is possible. We will work to overcome any systemic barriers denying needed treatment for which you are eligible. My breadth of experience is such that I am comfortable addressing almost any issue, and will not judge you. My greatest cultural competence is listening to the norms and expectations you have lived with. I am willing to work with people of any gender identity, sexual orientation, religious background, ethnic background, racial background, socioeconomic circumstances, older adolescents to the very elderly. I am monolingual in English, so proficiency in English is essential for a productive dialogue. Though I have worked with people of all backgrounds, I give everyone a new look. I do not review prior records before meeting with you, doing a psychosocial history, and formulating my impressions. I have seen errors and biases passed on from one clinician to another. I rely upon you to help me understand your identity and how it impacts you and how you relate to the world, making no assumptions based on stereotypes. I believe very strongly in providing the least restrictive intervention possible to keep you safe. I have not initiated an involuntary hospitalization in over 20 years. I do not see acute psychiatric hospitals as therapeutic- rather a place to ensure safety when no less restrictive plan can be arranged. Should I ever consider you have reached this point, I will work to encourage you to be evaluated in an ER, where they will determine if that level of care is appropriate. Often they can administer emergency medications that enable return home in less than 24 hours. (A 5150 In California, refers to Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5150, which permits the involuntary detention of an individual for up to 72-hours for a psychiatric evaluation. A therapist completes an application for you to be evaluated for an admission, but the hospital designee assesses whether you meet criteria. This only happens when there is belief a person, due to a mental health disorder, poses a danger to themselves or others, or is gravely disabled. Its primary purpose is to provide immediate assessment and crisis intervention, It is not a legal process for longer stays).

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Post traumatic stress disorder, victims of domestic violence, adults molested as children, serious and persistent mental illnesses (Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders), end of life issues, interpersonal conflict, and level 1 autism spectrum disorders. I do not do couples therapy, family therapy, or groups. It is important to me that you have a serious commitment to therapy, which includes, consistent attendance, prompt attendance, a minimum of 24 hours for cancellations, and timely completion of anxiety, depression, and quality of life scales being filled out before each session. This is good practice, but also a requirement for those with Kaiser insurance. They will not provide continued authorization without regular submission of these documents, which can be completed very rapidly and online. For those members with Kaiser, they do not permit no show fees, but two no-shows in 3 months will usually lead to closure of your case. Last minute cancellations, except in case of emergencies, are considered a no show for this purpose. I will not accept abusive language, threats, vulgar speech, or refusal to follow up on referrals, such as for an outpatient psychiatric stabilization program or medication evaluations, when indicated. You can expect that I will treat you with respect, concern, and consistency. You cannot be required to take recommended medications. There are instances where you may need additional support to remain safe, without which I cannot continue to see you safely. This may be assurance there is someone available in your home to be with you, a referral to an intensive outpatient program, a medication evaluation, 23-hour crisis evaluation, or in extraordinary rare cases, recommendation for acute psychiatric hospitalization. Your personal safety is always my number 1 concern. If you are using drugs or alcohol and I find that you usage is preventing therapeutic progress, I will refer you to a drug or alcohol program for concurrent treatment or in some instances not see you until you have attended a program and become clean/sober. I am not a drug and alcohol treatment specialist. If at any time you feel we are not a good match, I would prefer we discuss it first. I do not take such take any offense if this happens. Not every therapist is right for every person. I am committed to helping you find another therapist if you desire. If I believe we are not making progress and you would do better with a different therapist, I will discuss this with you. You will not be dropped without discussion, and I am committed to ensure continuity of care. A therapist cannot "abandon" clients. This has only come up 1x in 2.5 years. I am also available to schedule additional appointments with you during times of crisis. I normally see people 1 hour per week and always at the same time. I keep my own schedule. If you desire a different time, I will offer you available times as people complete their treatment and openings arise.

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