Services & fees
Through my practice, I offer the following services: psychotherapy, clinical supervision, and community education/training. I am uniquely positioned in my provision of these services, for a number of specific reasons. In addition to my rigorous and extensive doctoral training in psychology, my lens as a psychologist is also deeply influenced by my experiences in the fields of public policy/advocacy, social work, and international development, and my life experiences as a queer woman of color. As of 2021, according to a American Psychological Association workforce data report, individuals who identify as Black/Indigenous/People of Color (BIPOC) comprised only 19% of all psychologists in the U.S. (https://www.apa.org/workforce/data-tools/demographics). My life and work experiences, in combination with my rigorous training, enable me to bring an integrated, holistic, nuanced perspective as well as a high level of skill to my work as a psychologist.
Psychotherapy
Session length: I offer 50 minute and 80 minute sessions for adult clients (age 18 and above). I offer an initial 30 minute complimentary consultation. I am currently providing telemental health services only.
Individual Psychotherapy: For individual psychotherapy, we will most likely utilize a 50 minute session. We can discuss extending session length if necessary.
Couples/Partners Psychotherapy: To give all individuals sufficient time in session, an 80 minute session is beneficial; however, 50 min sessions are also workable and commonly used.
Groups: I periodically offer psychotherapy and support groups aimed at addressing a multitude of issues (trauma, mood, depression, anxiety) for diverse client groups. I am currently not offering any groups in my private practice. This page will be updated to list group offerings should this change.
Session Fees: My fees are set in accordance with my credentials, training specializations, and community standards for doctoral level clinicians. In addition, these this fee structure enables me to to not only cover the significant cost associated with running a small business but to reserve some of my session slots for clients who cannot afford my rates. See more information about my sliding scale slots below. Full fee is as follows:
50 minute session: $275
I am happy to discuss strategies to fit your budget/resource availability for psychotherapy. For example, some clients choose to meet for a limited number of sessions [e.g. 10-15]. We discuss this budget and realistic therapy goals in advance and construct a psychotherapy plan designed to achieve as much progress toward one’s goals as possible during this time period.
I accept payments via Zelle or credit card.
Sliding Scale Information: I am committed to social justice and accessibility; therefore, as I mentioned above, I reserve a limited number of slots for individuals who need a sliding scale fee. Maintaining a balance between full pay and sliding scale clients enables me to both serve as many clients as possible while also supporting my family and myself. I do not ask for proof of income from anyone requesting a sliding scale fee—I operate on an honor system. I do ask that each potential client consider “sacrifice vs hardship” when determining capacity to pay fees.
“someone shared with me the idea of sacrifice versus hardship when examining access. If paying for a class, product, or service would be difficult, but not detrimental, it qualifies as a sacrifice. You might have to cut back on other spending in your life (such as going out to dinner, buying coffee, or a new outfit), but this will not have a long term harmful impact on your life. It is a sacred sacrifice in order to pursue something you are called to do. If, however, paying for a class, product, or service would lead to a harmful impact on your life, such as not being able to put food on the table, pay rent, or pay for your transportation to get to work, then you are dealing with hardship. Folks coming from a space of hardship typically qualify for the lower end of the sliding scale.“*
The lower end of the sliding scale is reserved primarily for Black/Indigenous/People of Color who face significant barriers to accessing culturally responsive, justice informed mental health care, and have lower income and little to no out-of-network mental health services coverage in their health insurance plans (if they have health insurance at all). Bear in mind that if you are able to pay more (or get reimbursed by your health insurance plan), you are enabling others who cannot afford to do so to access psychotherapy with me. If finances are a barrier for you, please contact me to discuss current sliding scale availability. You can also find information regarding lower cost psychotherapy services on the ‘Resources’ page.
Distance Psychotherapy/Telehealth: I offer video teleconferencing sessions using a HIPAA compliant encrypted platform or Skype for individual and couples/partners therapy (billed at the rates listed above). If based in the U.S., clients must be California residents.
Health Insurance Information: I am not currently empaneled with any health insurance companies; however, I am an out-of network provider for PPO health insurance plans. If your health insurance provider covers out-of-network mental health services, I can provide a superbill for reimbursement of cost after you have paid the session fee. See ‘Resources’ page for guidance about working effectively with your health insurance provider to get services reimbursed.
In addition, my fees can be paid for using a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
* Taken from: https://www.ridefreefearlessmoney.com/blog/2016/05/sliding-scale-1/ and https://www.wortsandcunning.com/blog/sliding-scale
Clinical Supervision/Consultation
I offer clinical supervision and consultation to selected postdoctoral psychology graduates registered as a psychology assistant (registered psychological associate) and Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) associates. Supervisees may see clients under my supervision to acquire their postgraduate supervised clinical hours required for licensure. I also provide clinical training in this process. If you are interested in this, please contact me to discuss.
I am currently providing supervision for Ravreet (Ruby) Cheema, PsyD, registered psychological associate. If you are interested in learning more about her approach and/or working with her, take a look at this page: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/ravreet-ruby-cheema-simi-valley-ca/1198550
Educational/Community Services
I am periodically available to provide lectures and/or facilitate workshops/trainings for:
Mental health providers: lectures/workshops/trainings focus on culturally responsive, justice informed mental health services
Activist/nonprofit organizations: lectures/workshops/trainings focus on the psychological impact of oppression and activism and the role of healing and self-care in sustaining advocacy efforts
Community groups: lectures/workshops/trainings focus on a variety of different topics (e.g. trauma education and skills to manage related emotional impact, mindfulness).
Private companies: lectures/workshops/trainings focus on emotional wellness tools
Fees for each of these services vary. If you and/or your organization is interested in any of these services, please contact me to discuss.