FAQ

Where is your office located?

I work out of Fullerton and Long Beach. I mainly provide therapy through telehealth due to the high demand and the convenience clients say it provides to them.

I also offer in-person therapy at:

1950 E. Chapman Ave., Ste. 3 Fullerton, CA 92831

4401 Atlantic Ave., Ste. 230 Long Beach, CA 90807

What are your hours?

In-office appointments are on Monday (Long Beach) and Wednesday (Fullerton), 8 am – 2 pm.

Telehealth varies depending on the therapist’s and client’s availability.

Scheduling of ALL SESSIONS represents single standing appointments once per week. If you should choose to engage in biweekly sessions, they may vary depending on availability.

How long are the sessions?

Sessions are 45-50 minutes. At times, sessions may run 60 minutes if appropriate.

How do I set up an initial appointment?

Please call (714) 709-2379. Your call is important to me. If I’m unavailable to answer, please leave me a message, and I will call you back. You also can send me an email at info@abalancedlifeca.com. Please include a phone number to call and chat with you or use the contact form at the bottom of this page to email me.

Do you accept insurance?

At present, I have “opted out” of being listed as a provider for any insurance company. I do not participate in any “closed panel” managed care plans/HMO insurance. My services are “private pay” only.

If you choose to use Out-of-Network Benefits (i.e., you are free to choose your clinician, aka PPO), you will need to file these claims yourself. I can, however, provide a “superbill.” Because each plan varies, you will need to communicate with your insurance carrier and find out what information they require on the superbill. I can provide you questions to ask the insurance company to help with this process.

How do I pay?

I require payments in full at the beginning of each session. I can email you a statement after each session or at the end of the month. I have no preference either way, so it is up to you.

If you have special circumstances and wish to make other arrangements, please let me know. I can take payment by cash or credit card – either in my office or via Ivy Pay. The latter portal is secure, private, and HIPPA compliant. The credit card option is available when you initially submit your demographic information.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations require at least a 24-hour notice (week-day hours) before a scheduled appointment. I charge a full fee for sessions not canceled within this timeframe. Your appointment time is reserved for you, and you are responsible for payment of missed sessions.

If you cancel within the 24-hour window and I fill the timeslot with another client, I will not charge you for the time. However, if I cannot fill your slot with another client, you remain responsible for payment for the session. I do not “double bill” for my time. If you can reschedule within the same day, I will charge half the fee for that day.

With what age ranges do you work?

I work with adults who can make appointments for themselves. The age number is less important to me than the ability of a person to create and execute choices for themselves.

Do you work with women? Men? Couples?

Both men and women find working with me comfortable and focused on their concerns. Couples work involves sessions where the client invites the partner for support, clarification, and engagement in the client’s progress.

What do you do in sessions with clients?

We engage in a conversation where I mostly listen. I will make suggestions and guide the session when it seems appropriate, either with reflection or thought-provoking questions. Once we establish a relationship, our time together will feel like two people having a conversation.

Do your clients receive assignments to work on between sessions?

At times, I make suggestions that I believe will help address issues discussed in the session. Such homework bridges the gap between sessions, allowing the client to continue to work outside of therapy.

What is your professional training and experience?

I am a Marriage Family Therapist licensed through the state of California.

I have a Master’s Degree in Counseling/Psychotherapy, a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a minor in Ethnic and Asian American Studies, and I am certified in Grief and Loss Therapy and Brain Health Therapy related to mental health.

What else does a client need to know to make the most out of working with you?

Clients need to come as consistently as possible, be honest and open to suggestions, utilize those suggestions outside of therapy (to make the process more efficient) and have a willingness to share openly.

What makes you qualified to do this work?

I have worked in the mental health field for several decades. Before becoming a therapist 20 years ago, I worked as an informal counselor with the emotionally disturbed for just under 10 years. Working in the field has allowed me to learn and apply therapeutic skills and receive extensive training in mental health issues.