FAQ

What are your fees?

$275  1st session, Initial evaluation, 60 minutes

$225 INDIVIDUAL session, 45-55 mINUTES

$300  EXTENDED SESSION, 75 minutes

$250 FAMILY SESSION, 55 MINUTES

How often do I come to therapy appointments?

Typically we will meet once weekly for 50 minutes; sometimes, people come more frequently in times of crisis.

Especially at the beginning of treatment, a regular, weekly commitment is essential.

How long should I attend therapy?

Longer-term therapy helps to loosen long-term maladaptive patterns of behavior and perception. Long-term therapy helps to resolve and loosen where we have become fixated, defining what we call our personality. Our reactions, behavioral patterns, emotional capacity, tolerance for distress or “hard things,” ability to emotionally regulate, tolerance for intimacy, attachment style, trust, and our beliefs about the world, ourselves, & others are included here.

Brief, supportive counseling can often be helpful in adjusting to change in circumstance, moving through a life transition, learning to meditate, or skill building. The length of therapy depends on you and your goals.

Research has shown that most people are 75% better in symptom relief within 26 sessions. Others stay in psychotherapy more long term, and still, others complete therapy within only 8-12 sessions. On average, most people should plan on 12 sessions. We will find what is right together and mindfully re-evaluate progress.

What to expect at the 1st session

The purpose of the first therapy session is for you to tell your story- tell me why you are seeking therapy AND what you hope to get out of therapy- what you want to achieve (goals). What specific outcomes do you desire? "What do you want out of therapy? How will you know it is working?", "What would be different in your life when our therapy succeeds?" My job is to attune to your inner world, listen mindfully, discern symptomology and come up with a working diagnosis and a treatment plan (including measures of progress) we both buy into. Additionally, I listen for your strengths, working resources, and innate wisdom. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), a mindfulness-based therapy modality, calls this the Wise Mind part of you, which everyone has.

Additionally, the first session allows you to get to know me a little, ask me any questions, and notice how you feel in the room or online with me. It is essential that you feel comfortable with me. If we both feel comfortable with one another, we will further conceptualize plans and set up a second appointment. I look forward to connecting with you soon.

Insurance?

Should I use my health insurance for mental health care?

In general, it is not a great idea. In some cases, for brief supportive counseling and skill building, maybe.

At this time, we do not directly accept insurance. Dr. Regina is an out-of-network* provider. We can provide you with a "super-bill" as an out-of-network provider at your request. In general, insurance companies may process your submitted super-bill and provide some reimbursement directly to you. However, please verify your benefits with your insurance company before engaging in care if this is something you plan to include.

Please note that if you decide to include your insurance company in your healthcare, we cannot guarantee what happens to your protected health information once it leaves our office. We opted out of most insurance* because managed care/insurance companies determine the number of sessions you are allowed, sometimes regardless of your individual need. They require a psychiatric diagnosis which becomes part of your permanent health record. Most disturbingly, in recent years, insurance companies increasingly began mandating in-network providers to submit entire client files, including progress notes from individual sessions, for quality assurance. Their increasing demand for personal, private information compromises your privacy and confidentiality. Please be aware that this is happening and consider whether or not to use your health insurance for psychotherapy.

*We remain an in-network provider with MHN

What should I know when selecting a therapist?

Making a decision to see a therapist can take a lot of courage, and finding the right one can take time. Finding someone you believe has the qualifications, life experience, and track record of success in helping people just like you is essential. The interaction between you and the psychologist should also feel authentic and natural. 

Track Record of Success

I have been seeing clients for 20 years. More than likely, I have walked another through the feelings and worries you are facing right now. I am confident I can help you navigate these places successfully, and it is my honor to do so.

I believe that everyone has to capacity to love life.

I’m a Licensed Psychologist by the California Board of Psychology, License #25050. Learn more about my education, specialties, and qualifications.

"There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living" 

~ Nelson Mandela