Frequently Asked Questions

And, of course, we can always meet from the comfort of your own home via secure video conference system. Just like Facetime, but more secure.

Here are my office locations:

It’s low-stress… just a conversation. That’s why I named my therapy practice, “Talk with Anna,” because a talk or conversation sounds so much more enjoyable and easier than “consult” or “therapy session.”

During the phone call, I want you to feel like we’re a great fit and be excited to start the process. The call is just for you. So, I want to understand what you’re concerns are, generally, so we can have a starting point when you come in person or we meet via computer.

After the call there’s a sense of relief – the reasons you’re seeking help with are “out in the open.” Plus, there’s a sense of excitement that you’ll have more support and accountability to work through things.

If for whatever reason you don’t feel we “click” or feel like you’re not sure you want to schedule a first appointment, that’s O.K. There’s no pressure to start before you are ready.

I’m here to help! Just like there’re different learning styles, there are different “styles” of therapy that work best for different people. I know many wonderful mental health professionals: including therapists, coaches; as we’ll as support groups, or other resources that you may be looking for. We’ll talk it through and find the best fit for you.

Usually, sessions are 50 minutes in length. I know it seems weird… why “50 minutes?” There is a reason. Think about it this way; therapy is a little bit like a “workout” for your thoughts and emotions. The 50-minute framework allows us to work through and address issues effectively, but not overwhelm you.

Also like a workout, the more consistent you are with attending therapy, the more you see results… which is why weekly sessions work best. I want you to see progress quickly toward the goals that brought you into therapy. Weekly sessions also help to feel like you have a consistent sense of support from me which helps us build trust, so you feel comfortable to share openly with me.

Occasionally, longer sessions or more frequent sessions are recommended. Especially with EMDR and other trauma-informed therapies, which may be between 60-90 minutes in length. If that is something you or I are considering, we’ll be sure to have a conversation about it and make sure it feels like a good fit for you.

So, you may not know but to get license das a therapist, which is a highly regulated “Board of Behavioral Sciences” in California, you must have the following: an undergraduate degree, graduate degree from an accredited university, AND complete 3000 supervised hours before you can get your license to be an “LMFT.” LMFT stands for licensed marriage and family therapist. I tell you this because I know there are a lot of people on the web who are “healers” or “coaches.” These rigorous state requirements ensure I am well trained, ethical, and current in my knowledge.

My work experience includes being a therapist at several well-known mental health centers with a variety of people, including adults, teens, couples. Some of the places I have worked include: Reconnect Treatment Center located Pacific Palisades, Deputy Director of Family Services at Phoenix House, and Evolve Treatment Centers.

Educational Background:

MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University 2012
BA in Communications from University of Southern California (USC) 2007
EMDR Institute (EMDR.com) training levels I, II 2015

I also worked speaking to large groups of college and high school students, such as UCLA and UC Berkeley, with an organization called Active Minds, a non-profit that promotes mental health and de-stigmatizes getting treatment for mental health issues.

Have you ever had a friend go to therapy and tell you that they can never get in touch with their therapist? They call or email them but don’t hear back. I hear this often, even in my own circle of friends and family.

And sometimes as a result of an experience like this, people don’t go to therapy anymore and tell others that it isn’t a great experience. Nine times out of ten this is because that therapist works directly with insurance, what’s often called “in-network,” and must see many clients to continue being in practice.

It’s super sad to me when I hear this, because therapy can be an amazing experience. As a result of a situation like the one I described, they may never go back.

I want to get you the best, most meaningful therapy possible that leaves you feeling great!

That’s why I am called an “out-of-network” therapist. This means I give you a receipt or “superbill,” and you submit it to your insurance for reimbursement. I make sure to take the time and explain further if you haven’t been through the process before. Most PPO insurances have out-of-network benefits.

I am available for you, answer calls and emails in a timely manner, have time to make sure you feel like you’re getting my focus and attention.

Other benefits of not working directly with insurance or being “in-network insurance” include:

• You don’t have to worry about getting diagnosis that stays on your permanent health record.
• We can meet more frequently or for longer sessions, if needed, without having to worry that insurance won’t “approve it,” or that all of sudden you “owe” the insurance company money.

Here’s another common way people use their benefits to attend therapy:

Many employers offer what’s called a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), which is a pre-tax account that you can use to pay for therapy sessions. Sometimes employers contribute an additional amount of money monthly to this account which again can assist with paying for therapy. If you have FSA or HSA benefits, just let me know. We can discuss how those funds can be used to pay for services.

One session at a time. That way there’s no pressure to feel like you need to make a long-term commitment. I want you to want to come each week.

Payment is due at the time of service. You can pay with credit card, Flexible Savings Account (FSA) card, cash or check.

For credit card payments, I use a confidential HIPPA compliant payment system called “IVY Pay.” Ivy Pay accepts all credit cards and FSA/HSA cards as well.

If a family member or someone else will be paying for you, that’s totally fine. Let me know, and I’ll explain a few easy steps to make that happen.

Individual therapy:
$210 per 50-minute session.

For EMDR, Family and Couples therapy sessions: Please call for rate.

I am happy to discuss my fees for services further with you and answer any questions. Please schedule a free 15-minute consultation call.

Yes, I am therapist, but I am also a regular person as well. When you come in for a session, the focus is mostly on you, so we can make sure to maximize our time together. But, just a little bit about me: outside of work I am a small dog lover. I also love theater and film. Some of my favorite movies include the indie film “Once” and “Jerry Maguire.” Yes, I am a sucker for romantic comedies.

I hope I answered most of your questions. Feel free to call or email if there’s something I didn’t answer.

It’s hard to touch on all your questions here. The benefits of therapy are best understood and felt once you’re in process. Even if you’re not 100% sure that therapy is right for you, I’d recommend giving it a try! People find it extremely helpful!

I have a Facebook page @talkwithanna