About the sessions: 

All sessions are conducted virtually using a HIPAA compliant version of the Zoom platform. All routine sessions will occur with both of our cameras on, in a space that is safe, private, and uninterrupted for the duration of the scheduled session. No recordings will be made, and all notes that are taken are for therapeutic purposes only, and are kept in a secure, offline location. 

For couples' sessions, both partners must be in the same location in order to facilitate connection and healing.

Duration of treatment:

There are many things that go into seeking therapy, and as such, there is no specific expectation for how long a course of treatment will go. Some folks come in with a single specific goal for healing (e.g. "I want to feel less depressed"), and after that objective has been met, they are ready to terminate the therapeutic relationship. Some folks come in with one set of goals, and find themselves moving into additional realms of healing work that they wish to pursue "as things come up". Therapy also does not need to be goal-oriented, but can be a space for personal growth and exploration, held with a compassionate professional. A short-term course of therapy could be as little as 5 sessions. Long term therapy may last for a year or much longer. Periodically we will check in to discuss if the work we are doing together feels in line with your "goals".

*A note on routine services: Teletherapy/ Virtual Mental Health Therapy cannot adequately support the level of intervention or resources necessary to provide emergency services, and individual therapy alone is not able to meet the needs of folks with complex issues while they are severely incapacitated in their basic functioning. Teletherapy is not an appropriate setting for people who are in acute crisis (e.g. experiencing psychosis, delusions, at immediate risk for self harm or harm to others etc) or who are facing chronic and complex medical and mental health distress that makes them profoundly functionally impaired. 

For these reasons, I do not offer virtual therapy for folks who present with severe persistent mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders), personality disorders, bipolar disorder that is in a current active manic episode, or folks whose trauma or mood disorders are so profoundly affecting their functionality that they unable to care for themselves (e.g. bathe, feed themselves adequately, or perform other tasks of daily living including attending routine appointments). These symptoms require higher levels of in-person care, with a team of professionals to support you.

If you are experiencing an acute mental health crisis or are having suicidal or homicidal thoughts that you may act on, please stop, call 911 and request crisis mental health support, or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate in-person assistance. Please note, however, that many police departments are inadequately trained to support acute mental health crises. For this reason please also contact loved ones, family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors in the event of a crisis, to have your community available to support you and assist emergency services in accessing care on your behalf, as able. 

For urgent, non-emergency mental health and emotional support, you can also use the following resources: 

• https://www.thehotline.org/ (Intimate partner/ Domestic violence resources)

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call (800) 273-8255 (Call or text) - https://988lifeline.org/  

• https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/ 24/7 suicide support for LGBTQIA+ youth

• Fireside Project Psychedelic Support Line 623-473-7433 -Open everyday from 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. PT. Call or text.

• Postpartum Support International: Call 1-800-944-4773 or Text: 800-944-4773