FAQs — GentleHeart Connections

Question 1

How do I know if we're the right fit?

Accepted Answer

Choosing a therapist is an important decision, and it's okay to take your time. Therapy is a deeply personal and vulnerable process, so feeling safe, understood, and connected with your therapist matters.

I encourage people to speak with a few therapists before deciding who feels like the best fit. Many therapists offer complimentary consultation calls, giving you the opportunity to ask questions, learn about their approach, and notice how you feel in the conversation.

Whether you choose to work with me or another therapist, my hope is that you find a space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported. A strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important foundations for meaningful healing.

Question 2

What happens in the first session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin exploring what has brought you to therapy. We'll talk about your current concerns, the experiences that have shaped you, and what you're hoping to gain from our work together.

There is no expectation that you have everything figured out or know exactly where to begin. We'll move at a pace that feels safe and comfortable, and I'll gently guide the conversation with curiosity, compassion, and respect for your unique story.

You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions about my approach and what therapy may look like moving forward. Together, we'll begin identifying your goals and creating a shared understanding of what feels most important to focus on as we begin our work.

Question 3

Do you offer a complimentary consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I offer a complimentary 15-minute phone or video consultation before we begin therapy. This is an opportunity for us to briefly connect, discuss what brings you to therapy, answer any questions you may have, and explore whether my approach feels like the right fit for your needs.

There is no pressure or obligation. Whether you choose to work with me or another therapist, my hope is that you find a space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported. Finding the right therapeutic relationship is one of the most important foundations for meaningful healing.

Question 4

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Accepted Answer

You don't have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many people seek therapy because they're feeling overwhelmed, navigating a life transition, experiencing relationship challenges, carrying grief, or simply wanting to better understand themselves.

Therapy offers a space to slow down, make sense of your experiences, and explore what has been quietly carried with compassion and curiosity. Whether you're working through something happening today or trying to understand patterns rooted in your past, therapy can support you in reconnecting with yourself and moving forward with greater clarity, self-compassion, and resilience.

You don't need to have everything figured out before you begin. If you're wondering whether therapy might be helpful, that curiosity alone can be a meaningful place to start.

Question 5

How long are therapy sessions?

Accepted Answer

Individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes and provide dedicated time to slow down, reflect, and focus on what feels most important. Many clients begin with weekly sessions, as consistency helps create the safety and continuity that allow therapy to deepen over time. As you grow and your needs change, we'll regularly revisit your goals and decide together what schedule best supports your ongoing wellbeing.

Question 6

How long will I be in therapy?

Accepted Answer

The length of therapy is different for everyone. It depends on your goals, the concerns you'd like to address, and the pace that feels right for you.

Some people come to therapy for support during a specific life transition or challenge, while others choose to engage in longer-term work to explore deeper patterns, strengthen relationships, and foster lasting personal growth.

Throughout our work together, we'll regularly reflect on your progress, revisit your goals, and decide collaboratively what feels most supportive for you. My goal is not to keep you in therapy longer than you need, but to support you in creating meaningful and lasting change. Together, we'll continue to evaluate what best supports your growth and wellbeing.

Question 7

How does therapy work between sessions?

Accepted Answer

Our work together takes place during regularly scheduled therapy sessions, providing a consistent space for reflection, healing, and growth over time. We'll move at a pace that feels safe, supportive, and responsive to your needs.

As an outpatient therapy practice, I am not able to provide crisis or emergency services outside of scheduled appointments. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or need immediate support, please call 911, visit your nearest emergency department, or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Question 8

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

My fee is $200 for a 50-minute individual therapy session.

I understand that financial circumstances can vary, and I believe access to therapy is important. For that reason, I reserve a limited number of sliding scale appointments based on financial need and availability. If cost is a concern, I encourage you to mention it during your complimentary consultation so we can explore available options together.

Question 9

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

I am an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly. However, many insurance plans offer out-of-network benefits that may reimburse a portion of your therapy costs.

After each session, I provide a superbill (an itemized receipt) that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. I encourage you to contact your insurance provider before we begin to learn more about your out-of-network mental health benefits.

Question 10

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

Accepted Answer

If you choose not to use insurance or do not have insurance, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining the expected cost of your therapy services under the No Surprises Act.

When scheduling your first appointment, we'll discuss whether you plan to use insurance benefits or pay privately so we can provide the appropriate paperwork. If you're paying privately or choosing not to use your insurance benefits, you'll receive a Good Faith Estimate before beginning therapy. If your treatment needs change over time, we'll review and update your estimate as appropriate.

If you have any questions about the Good Faith Estimate or the No Surprises Act, I'm happy to discuss them with you.

Question 11

Do you offer telehealth therapy?

Accepted Answer

Telehealth allows us to meet from the comfort and privacy of your own space while still creating a meaningful therapeutic connection. Sessions are held through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, and you'll receive a link before each appointment.

All you'll need is a private, comfortable space, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone. Many clients find that telehealth offers the same depth and effectiveness as in-person therapy, with the added flexibility and convenience of meeting from home or another confidential location.

I provide telehealth therapy to individuals located anywhere in California.

Question 12

Is telehealth confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your privacy is very important to me. I use a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform designed specifically for healthcare providers to help protect the confidentiality of our sessions.

To support your privacy, I also encourage you to choose a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable speaking openly and won't be interrupted. Together, we'll create a space where you can feel safe, supported, and free to share your experiences.

Questions About Starting Therapy

Getting Started

The Therapy Process

Fees & Insurance

Telehealth

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