FAQ

Laurie has 25 years of experience working with anxiety, depression, grief, addiction and eating issues, adolescent issues, life transitions, family dynamics, divorce and co-parenting, marital issues, and communication skill-building.

You will be asked to sign a “client-therapist agreement” and an intake form asking general information about you. In some cases, you may be asked to sign a release to authorize Laurie to discuss specific information about you with a third party, such as your prescribing physician, for example. These forms may all be downloaded from the “forms” tab under Resources. Click here to go directly to this section.

Your first session will be focused on clarifying what you would like to accomplish in therapy, what growth and change you are looking forward to, and what your roadblocks seem to be. You will have an opportunity to describe any prior therapy experience, whether you have been prescribed and/or are taking any medication, and offer some background information about yourself. You will also be invited to ask any questions that might be on your mind. The first session is mostly focused on identifying your needs and goals, and providing general information about your life. By the end of this session, you and Laurie will both have a good sense of how it feels to talk together and whether your partnership will be a “good fit.”

Trust and confidentiality are essential to effective psychotherapy, and California psychotherapists are required by law and ethical standards to keep all information about clients completely confidential. There are, however, several exceptions to this rule that are intended to keep people safe. In general, if you may be a danger to yourself or someone else, or if a child, elderly person, or dependent adult may be abused, therapists are required by law to break your confidentiality if necessary to maintain safety. Confidentiality and these exceptions will be reviewed with you in detail during your initial visit.

For many reasons, therapy is most effective when conducted face to face. Although you may use email and text for scheduling needs, all other therapeutic discussions will be undertaken in person or during a telehealth session.

A 50-minute session with Laurie is $200.

In most cases, sessions are 50 minutes long, although some people prefer to work in sessions of 75 or 100 minutes. In these cases, fees are adjusted accordingly.

You may simply leave a phone or text message 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment indicating a need to reschedule. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are subject to full charge.

You will be expected to pay for service at the end of each session, unless otherwise determined. Upon request, you will be provided with all the information needed to submit a statement to your insurance company for reimbursement. You may wish to call the toll-free telephone number listed on the reverse side of your health plan card to check your benefits for out-of-network outpatient psychotherapy services prior to your first appointment.

The answer will be different for every individual depending on their life situation, goals, and the pace that is comfortable for them. During the course of your therapy, you will have many opportunities to reflect on whether or not you are moving closer toward your goals. You are of course always free to end therapy at any time if you choose.

Most important of all, you should feel as if the therapist can understand what you are experiencing and describing, and you should trust that he or she is qualified and able to provide assistance. You should feel free to be open and honest with your therapist, comfortable in the knowledge that he or she will not criticize or judge you. If you feel misunderstood, not listened to or criticized by your therapist, it is very important to directly address your concerns. Your therapist should be eager to discuss these issues and make all possible adjustments, or refer you to someone else who may be a better fit.