Psychotherapy. Counseling. Talk therapy.
All different ways to describe the process where through talking and listening, real and meaningful changes occur. How does it work? When we learn something new, our brains change. When we do something new, our brains change. Our mind has a natural tendency to want to integrate these changes. When we learn something authentic and meaningful, and do new things that are positive, we grow healthier.
In my practice a typical appointment involves a directed conversation, by both of us. It’s a collaborative process where we both take turns talking and listening. I believe that the process of change starts with relevant insight and so making observations or providing knowledge in the form of some brief teaching is likely to occur. I also have a deliberate style where I don’t like the process to be mysterious. I’ll often share my thoughts and intentions. Therapy is also meant to be more than supportive, but transformative — so we’ll also focus on maintaining healthy motivation, problem solving barriers and hindrances, and implementing new strategies outside of sessions. Because that’s where it matters – changes in the real world.
The goals in this learning and healing process are consistent with our universal human needs – more autonomy, more belonging, more competency.
Seeing the Whole Picture, Not Just Getting the Right Diagnosis
Part of the initial evaluation is to get to know you well enough to be able to find the most accurate way to describe the challenges you are presently dealing with. Sometimes part of this description is consistent with a known Psychiatric condition, such as Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, or Schizophrenia. These diagnoses can be helpful to make sense of the changes in your mind, body, and behavior that have occurred, and they can guide us towards the most effective strategies to help resolve these symptoms as quickly and safely as possible. Sometimes, the difficulty is that these very same diagnoses are limits to getting the best help you need – misdiagnosis, stigma, or being seen as sick or disabled. These are all potential problems that prevent a person from accessing the full range of help and support that can really make a difference not just in feeling better, but actually becoming healthy. So my approach goes beyond diagnosis.
When I make an initial assessment, I try and get to know as much as I can about you – who you are, what’s your life like, what are your strengths, what’s been challenging, and why you are seeking help now? Even if there is a diagnosis that best explains some of the recent problems, my overall impression is shaped by looking through the lens of who you are as a person as well as the context of your life. This includes things that therapists as a field have been poor to recognize – racial/cultural identity, spiritual beliefs and practices, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Sometimes what happens is that the problems aren’t best described by a diagnosis at all, and are more a reflection of being on the unhealthy part of the spectrum of wellbeing. This can be due to internal or external factors, or a combination of both. In turn, the strategies we come up with are geared towards optimizing all aspects of your health and wellbeing, not just focused on the symptoms of a diagnosis.
How About Medication?
As a UCLA trained Psychiatrist, I am able to prescribe and monitor the use of medications. If medication use is helpful, and in some cases it will be essential, we may spend a portion of a session talking about medication choices, effects (both positive and negative), and changes that we can make.
In my practice, medication is never the only intervention.
It is always used in conjunction with therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often and how long would I need to be seen?
My goal is for everyone in my practice to reach a place of healing and mental healthiness where ongoing treatment becomes periodic rather than frequent. At the beginning, the frequency of appointments depends on your specific needs. After the initial evaluation, most people are seen every 1–2 weeks for the first few sessions.
Can I use my insurance?
I do not work directly with insurance plans. However, if you have a PPO plan, you may be able to submit claims yourself. I’ll provide you with a Superbill that includes all the necessary details for reimbursement. If medication is prescribed, those are typically covered by your insurance.
Why don’t you take my health insurance?
Because insurance models often prioritize short, medication-focused visits and under-reimburse therapy-based care. I’ve worked in those systems—and I couldn’t keep doing it.
To offer care rooted in what I believe works best—therapy-based, relationship-driven, focused on long-term growth and healing—I’ve chosen to step outside of that system. My practice is built around healthiness, not just the absence of illness. And over the years, I’ve found this approach leads to better outcomes.
Why should I consider seeing you instead of a provider in my insurance network?
Most mental health care aims to help people be “not sick.” That’s not enough for me.
I believe in aiming higher: toward true healthiness, where the benefits ripple outward—into relationships, self-worth, and daily life. That level of care takes investment, but I believe it’s worth it.
Also, working with a single provider who offers both therapy and medication support can lead to more cohesive and effective care—minimizing the risk of conflicting approaches between separate clinicians. It can also be more economical over time, reducing the need for duplicate appointments, coordination, and repeated assessments.
How is your approach different?
My approach blends psychotherapy and psychiatry through the lens of “Mental Healthiness.” It’s grounded in research and personalized for each person. Some examples:
- Schizophrenia – Focusing on personal growth, connection, and a meaningful life—not just symptom management
- Bipolar Disorder – Actively engaging the relationships that shape mood, identity, and stability.
- Depression – Rebuilding belief in yourself through connection, competence, and care.
I already have a therapist. Can I see you for medication management only?
If you’re looking solely for medication management, I may not be the best fit. My work centers on therapy with medication as a supportive tool. If you already have a trusted therapist, I’d encourage finding a psychiatrist whose primary focus is pharmacology.
How much does it cost to see you?
Here are my current fees and billing codes:
- Initial Consultation (60 minutes) – 90792 – $595
- Brief Therapy +/– Medication (up to 30 min) – 99213 + 90833 – $295
- Individual Therapy +/– Medication (up to 45 min) – 99214 + 90836 – $410
- Individual Therapy +/– Medication (up to 60 min) – 99214 + 90838 – $525
- Couples/Family Therapy (up to 60 min) –90847 – $525
If your insurance plan reimburses for out-of-network care, you’ll receive a detailed statement to submit. Reimbursement goes directly to you.
Where is your practice located?
My office is in Torrance, CA. I also offer Telehealth appointments for patients residing in California who are unable to come to in-person appointments.
Next Steps
If what you’ve read here resonates with you, I invite you to reach out.
Whether you’re navigating a specific diagnosis, wrestling with challenges that don’t fit neatly into a box, or simply looking to grow, I’d be honored to help. To get started, please fill out the brief contact form below.