Frequently Asked Questions

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Do you take insurance?

I do not accept insurance directly but work as an out-of-network provider. You will pay for sessions upfront, and I’ll provide an invoice to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement.

I recommend checking with your insurance company, especially if you have a PPO plan or a Health Savings Account (HSA). They often reimburse 40%- 80% of out-of-network fees. I can provide a monthly “superbill” for this purpose.

Spiral Process Therapy provides this tool to help you check your out-of-network insurance coverage.

Working on an out-of-network basis allows me to maintain confidentiality and autonomy in our therapeutic relationship, enabling personalized care tailored to your needs. If you have any questions about insurance or reimbursement, please ask.

What are your rates?

I offer the following session rates:

Individual 50-minute sessions: $200
Couple’s 50-minute sessions: $225
Group therapy 90-minute sessions: $150
KAP rates will vary depending on the length of the session

Everyone should have access to therapy, so I offer a limited number of scholarship spots and a discount for educators. Please visit my resources page for information on low-fee clinics in the Bay Area.

If you have significant financial resources, such as generational wealth, investments, a high-paying job, or another form of financial stability, I kindly request that you pay my standard fee.

Do you have any specific forms or paperwork I must complete before our first session?

Yes, several forms need to be completed before our first session. These include informed consent, notice of privacy practices, history/intake forms, and a good faith estimate form. I will provide these before our initial intake session, allowing you time to review and complete them before our first meeting.

How do you approach inclusivity and cultural humility in your practice?

I strive to create a safe, inclusive space for all individuals, regardless of background or experience. I recognize that my perspective is shaped by my identity as a white cisgender female (she/her) of predominantly Irish lineage, and I am committed to using my privilege to uplift and amplify marginalized voices. My work is guided by empathy, ongoing learning, and a dedication to cultural humility.

How does therapy work?

Therapy is a collaborative process that helps you better understand yourself, your relationships, and the world around you. My approach is rooted in the belief that more awareness brings more choice. Together, we will explore your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and sensations and the contexts in which you experience them—such as your culture, community, family, and partnership. This exploration can increase freedom and choice in how you engage with life.

I recommend weekly ongoing sessions to create a consistent space for reflection, growth, and transformation. Please note that therapy clients must live within the state of California. If you reside outside of California, please visit my coaching website to see if we would be a good fit for working together.

What’s the difference between therapy and coaching?

Therapy and coaching are both valuable forms of support, but they differ in several key ways:

Focus and Goals:
- Therapy: Focuses on healing and personal growth by addressing emotional issues, mental health challenges, and past experiences. Goals often include increased self-awareness, improved coping strategies, and resolving inner conflicts.
- Coaching: Focuses on goal-setting, personal development, and achieving specific outcomes. Goals often relate to career advancement, improving relationships, or enhancing performance in specific areas.
Approach:
- Therapy: Typically follows a structured approach based on established psychological theories and practices. Therapists are trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders.
- Coaching: Often takes a more flexible and client-centered approach, focusing on the present and future rather than delving deeply into past experiences. Coaches help clients identify and achieve their goals through motivation, accountability, and skill-building.
Client Needs:
- Therapy: Suited for individuals dealing with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship problems. It provides a safe space for exploring emotions and addressing deep-seated issues.
- Coaching: Suited for individuals who are generally functioning well but seek guidance, motivation, and support in achieving specific goals or making important life changes.
Legal and Ethical Considerations:
- Therapy: Regulated by state licensing boards and requires therapists to adhere to strict ethical guidelines. Therapists are bound by confidentiality laws and must protect clients' privacy.
- Coaching: Generally, not regulated in the same way as therapy, although there are professional coaching organizations that set ethical standards. Coaches focus more on goal achievement and personal development rather than clinical issues.
Duration and Frequency:
- Therapy: Often long-term, with sessions scheduled weekly or biweekly. The focus may shift over time as therapy progresses and new issues arise.
- Coaching: Typically shorter-term and more goal-oriented, with sessions scheduled according to the client's needs and the nature of their goals.

It's important to note that while therapy and coaching have distinct differences, there can be overlap in some areas. For example, some therapists may incorporate coaching techniques into their practice, and some coaches may address emotional issues that arise during coaching sessions. Ultimately, the choice between therapy and coaching depends on the individual's needs, goals, and preferences.

If you think coaching is a better fit for you, please see my coaching website for additional information, or feel free to reach out to set up a 15-minute video or phone consultation to discuss.