Frequently asked questions

If you, or someone you know, are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call/text 988. You can also chat online. Additionally, you can go to your nearest emergency department for medical and mental health crises.

If you are feeling unsafe, please call 1 (800) 787-3224 for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

For the LGBT National Hotline, call 1 (888) 843-4564.

Therapy can help you build the skills to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other challenges in your life. It can also provide insights into your behaviors and relationships, so you can break free from the same cycles that are no longer working for you.

Many of us don’t know anyone from our own communities who has engaged in therapy, which can make us doubt if it is really meant for us. Whether this is your first time with therapy or whether you have had previous experiences, Sunao Therapy was created to meet you exactly where you are.

Research has shown that online therapy is as effective as in-person sessions for most conditions. This allows people to connect to high-quality care from the convenience of a familiar space, without having to deal with long commutes, limited parking, or public transit delays.

On your end, all that is required is access to a private space, a strong internet connection, and a device with a microphone and camera (such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer) to connect to Sunao Therapy’s secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. Careful measures are in place to protect your confidentiality.

We would begin with an initial free consultation over phone or secure video. During this time, I look forward to learning more about you and what you are hoping to get from therapy. This is also a time for you to get to know me and see if Sunao Therapy is a good match for you. Once we identify your goals together, you may choose to continue with Sunao or I am happy to provide referrals based on your concerns. There is no obligation to begin a therapeutic relationship after the consultation. I want to ensure your needs are best met, whether that is at Sunao or elsewhere. 

Since Sunao Therapy does not take a one-size-fits all approach to care, the duration of therapy varies based on your individual needs, preferences, and your reason for seeking therapy.

Short-term approaches to therapy may last between 6 to 12 weeks, whereas longer-term care may take several months or more. Typically, we would meet for 50-minute weekly sessions, though this may differ based on the personalized treatment approach we collaboratively decide on. Regardless of the specific duration and frequency of our sessions, the key to effective therapy is consistency.

Once treatment goals are met, clients have the opportunity to connect with me in the future for “booster sessions” to refresh skills or get support when managing a new stressful situation.

The areas of specialization reflect my expertise. However, I do address a broad array of concerns with clients. You may schedule a free consultation call with me to discuss a specific concern. If your care needs would be better met by a different service, I am happy to provide you with appropriate, tailored referrals accordingly.

Currently, I am licensed to provide psychological services to folks in California only per California Board of Psychology laws.

I am based in San Francisco, and I work with clients across the Bay Area in addition to Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Diego, and throughout the state of California.

While I currently do not accept insurance, I can provide a receipt of services, known as a superbill, that you could use to request reimbursement from your insurance provider. I encourage you to reach out to your insurance provider directly to determine your plan’s out-of-network mental health and behavioral health benefits.

My rates depend on the duration and type of service. They are comparable with other licensed psychologists in California with similar professional training.

I recognize that everyone’s financial situation varies. If you think Sunao Therapy may be a good fit for what you are looking for, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I am happy to work together to determine a fee schedule and plan for care that meets your needs.

I request that you cancel or reschedule an appointment at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a cancellation fee.