Frequently Asked Questions

I accept Aetna and United Healthcare insurance plans. I am also an out-of-network provider, and in some cases, you may be eligible to use your out-of-network insurance benefit for reimbursement. Some clients receive partial reimbursement—up to 70% of session fees.

If needed, I can provide you with a Superbill, which you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask:

• Do I have out-of-network coverage for outpatient behavioral health services?
• What is my deductible and how much has been met?
• What is the allowable rate for a 90837 (60 minute therapy session)?
• What percentage will be reimbursed after my deductible is met?
• Do I need preauthorization?

In some cases, clients have successfully obtained reimbursement by demonstrating the medical necessity of trauma-informed therapy (e.g., EMDR) and submitting a continued care request form. If your plan requires additional documentation, I can provide supporting materials—so be sure to advocate for your needs!

Yes! Most Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) cover therapy sessions. You can submit a claim through your FSA or HSA portal to receive reimbursement. I provide Superbills that you can download from your patient portal and submit directly.

Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a body-oriented approach to healing trauma and chronic stress that restores healthy nervous system regulation and builds our internal resilience and strength. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, it is a psychobiological method that focuses on the body's innate capacity to heal by addressing the physiological effects of trauma stored in the nervous system. SE is effective for healing both shock trauma and early developmental attachment trauma.

Rather than solely focusing on thoughts and our cognitive understanding of our struggles and story, we become more interested in how the body is holding our stories, experiences, and trauma. By slowing down together in a safe, relational space, we can gently explore sensations, images, emotions, and movement. This helps us sense how our struggles live in the body, connect with inner and outer sources of support, and allow patterns to gradually soften, shift, and resolve.

You can learn more about this approach to trauma healing at Somatic Experiencing International and Dr. Peter Levine's Ergos Institute.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that helps process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact. It uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) while processing certain target memories or experiences, allowing your brain to process these memories more adaptively. EMDR does not require re-living past traumatic experiences and is not looking to overwhelm the present with the past. In contrast, we are allowing the brain to effectively integrate memories and experiences—visiting the past while still being in the present.

EMDR can be effective for trauma, anxiety, depression, and other conditions where past experiences continue to affect present-day functioning. EMDR and somatic approaches can be used together in session, or separately, depending on what works and feels best for you.

I currently offer telehealth services across California. I hope to offer in-person work in San Diego soon; if you are interested, please reach out to me.

The length of therapy varies greatly depending on your individual needs, goals, and circumstances. Some people find what they need in a few months, while others benefit from longer-term work. I love working with folks for shorter periods with specific goals and also love working with individuals who are looking to do longer-term, depth work.