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.

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. It is important to me that you have a serious commitment to therapy, which includes, consistent attendance, prompt attendance, 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. I will not accept abusive language, threats, vulgar speech, or refusal to follow up on referrals, such as for outpatient psychiatric stabilization program or medication evaluations, when indicated. There are instances where you may need additional support to remain safe, without which I cannot continue to see you safely. Your personal safety is always my number 1 concern.