FAQ

The first step is a free 15-minute consultation, just a conversation to see if we're a good fit. Get my contact info here to reach out. There's no commitment, no paperwork, and no pressure.

It's informal. I'll ask a little about what's been going on and what you're hoping to get from therapy. You can ask me anything about my approach, my background, what sessions look like. By the end, we'll both have a sense of whether it feels like a good match. If it doesn't, I'm happy to point you toward someone who might be a better fit.

That's completely okay, a lot of my clients are first-timers. There's no "right" way to do therapy, and I won't expect you to know what you're doing. We'll go at your pace. My job is to make it feel as accessible as possible.

Yes. As a California-registered AMFT, I can only provide therapy to clients who are physically located in California at the time of the session. This applies even if you're only temporarily out of state; if you're not in California during our session time, we'd need to reschedule.

After booking, you'll get access to my SimplePractice portal where you'll complete intake paperwork. For each session, you'll receive a secure, HIPAA-compliant video link. Sessions are 50 minutes. You can join from your phone, tablet, or computer from wherever you feel comfortable and have a semi-private space.

Research consistently shows that telehealth therapy produces outcomes comparable to in-person therapy for most concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more. For many people, virtual therapy is actually more accessible, more convenient, and easier to show up consistently for. If it's not working for a specific client, we'll talk about it directly.

A device (phone, tablet, or computer), a stable internet connection, and a reasonably private space where you can speak openly. That's it. We'll figure out what works for you.

Most clients start with weekly 50-minute sessions. This is what I recommend for building momentum and continuity. Some clients eventually move to biweekly as they make progress. We'll figure out what's right for you together.

Sessions are $140 for 50 minutes. I currently accept Aetna, with Medi-Cal coming soon. A limited number of sliding scale spots are also available for clients who need reduced fees. See the Rates page for more detail.

I currently accept Aetna. Medi-Cal coming soon. For all other insurance, I am a private pay practice. I can provide a monthly superbill with the billing codes your insurance company needs, which you may submit for potential out-of-network reimbursement. I recommend calling your insurance ahead of time to ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits.

Yes. I have a limited number of reduced-fee spots for clients who need financial flexibility. If cost is a concern, please bring it up when we talk.

An Associate MFT (AMFT) has completed a graduate-level clinical training program and is accruing supervised hours toward full licensure as an LMFT. I am registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) as AMFT #153972. My work is supervised by Grace Casson, LMFT #52464.

It means that as part of my path to licensure, a senior licensed clinician reviews my clinical work on a regular basis. This is a standard part of how associate therapists in California operate, and it provides an additional layer of clinical oversight. Your information is handled with the same confidentiality as with any therapist. My supervisor is bound by the same confidentiality obligations I am.

Yes, and I believe that matters. I'm a biracial Asian American man who's navigated identity questions, cultural pressure, and the expectation to just handle things. I bring both professional training and real lived experience to my work.

Yes. Confidentiality is a foundational part of therapy. What you share with me stays between us, with a few specific legal exceptions: if there is credible risk of harm to yourself or another person, if there is reason to believe a child or vulnerable adult is being abused, or if I am ordered by a court. I'll explain these limits clearly at the start of our work together so there are no surprises.

Yes. All sessions are conducted through SimplePractice's video platform, which is HIPAA-compliant and encrypted. Your session content is not stored or recorded without your explicit consent.

This is really common. Forcing therapy rarely works and can actually make things worse. If you're open to it, I'm happy to talk with you first to figure out the best way to approach it with your teen. Sometimes just knowing what therapy actually looks like removes a lot of resistance. A free consultation is a low-stakes way to explore it.

Confidentiality is especially important with teens. If a teenager doesn't feel safe being honest in session, therapy doesn't work. That's why I take it seriously.

Who signs consent matters. If a parent signs consent for their teen's treatment, they may have legal access to records. If the teen signs their own consent, they have full confidentiality. We'll clarify this at the start so everyone knows what applies.

In practice, I only share what is pertinent or necessary. I won't relay the content of sessions to parents unless there's a safety concern that requires it. What your teen works through in session stays in session.

ADHD therapy isn't just about organizing your calendar. We work on understanding your specific ADHD presentation, building strategies that fit how your brain actually works, and untangling the shame and self-criticism that builds up over years of struggling.

The World Health Organization recognized "Gaming Disorder" in the ICD-11 in 2018, and Internet Gaming Disorder is listed as a condition for further study in the DSM-5. Whether or not you meet a clinical threshold, if gaming is getting in the way of your sleep, relationships, school, or work, that's worth looking at. I'm not here to take gaming away from you. I'm here to understand what it's doing for you. Learn more about gaming addiction therapy.

Anyone who feels like a good fit is welcome. My practice has a particular focus on bicultural and multiracial individuals because that's where I have lived experience and specialized training, but I work with people from all backgrounds. The common thread is usually feeling like you've struggled to find a therapist who actually gets your world.

There's no standard answer. It depends entirely on what you're working on and what you're hoping to get from therapy. Some clients come in with a specific goal and feel they've reached it in 10-16 sessions. Others work with me for a year or more as they navigate ongoing challenges or deeper personal growth. We'll check in regularly on your goals and progress, and you're always free to take breaks or conclude when it feels right.

That's important to talk about directly, and I encourage it. Therapy doesn't always feel productive from week to week, but if you've been feeling stuck for several sessions, that's information. I'd rather we name it and adjust our approach than have you quietly disengage. If I'm genuinely not the right fit for you, I'll be honest about that and help connect you with someone who might serve you better.