Frequently Asked Questions

Many people seek therapy for many reasons and while therapy is not a quick fix for problems, the right format and techniques can empower you to cope, build resilience, and improve your overall mental well-being. You may need therapy if, you find yourself struggling to cope with distress or daily life, experiencing symptoms like sleep/appetite changes, constant worry, or a lack of interest in activities, and when these issues interfere with your work, school, or relationships.

Each therapy session takes about 45-50+ minutes, while intake sessions can take up to 60+minutes.

Therapy sessions typically happen weekly, especially at the beginning, to build a strong therapeutic relationship. However, the frequency is flexible and can change based on your needs, the severity of the issue, and progress in therapy. After initial progress, sessions may be spaced out to every other week, monthly, or scheduled on an as-needed basis as you develop coping mechanisms and feel more stable.

What makes therapy so effective is its personalized approach, which moves beyond a one-size-fits-all model to address distinct circumstances. Therefore, the length of the therapeutic process varies significantly depending on your needs, goals, and the issues being addressed. Some people see improvement in a few sessions, while others may need therapy for several months or years.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it's normal to have questions about what the first session, or "intake," will be like. My primary goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space where you feel heard and respected from the very beginning. You can expect for me to review practice policies and confidentiality with you, along with explore what brings you to therapy, your current symptoms, and potential goals for therapy. We will also cover your personal history, family background, and how you cope with challenges, which helps me understand your unique situation and collaborate with you to create a path toward feeling better.

While my perspective is rooted in Catholic values, I work with patients from all backgrounds and beliefs. Faith can be incorporated into therapy if you choose, but it’s never assumed or imposed. You have the right to ask about any therapist’s approach and can seek a different therapist if you feel the relationship is not a good fit or if your values are not being respected. At Puerta Del Corazón Counseling, my goal is to create a safe, respectful space where you can explore what matters most to you.

You are required to provide at least 24 hours' notice to cancel an appointment. If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice or do not show up for your appointment, you will be charged the full session fee.

• Individual 50 min session $120

• Couples 50min session $140

Cash, check, and major credit card payments are accepted.

To help with the cost of care, I accept a few insurance plans such as Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of CA, and Cigna.

I believe that quality mental health care should be accessible. For this reason, I offer a limited number of sliding scale slots based on financial need. If the standard fee is a barrier for you, please contact me. We can discuss your situation and whether reduced-fee slots are currently available.

A good faith estimate (GFE) in counseling is an estimate of the potential costs of mental health services provided by a therapist. It is required by the No Surprises Act, a federal law that aims to protect patients from unexpected medical bills. For more detailed information, please click here.