FAQs

  • Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. People oftentimes think that therapy is often sought when they feel like something is wrong with them. This is far from the truth. Anyone can benefit from therapy services. Many seek therapeutic services to address personal issues and better cope with strong feelings. Working with a therapist is different from talking to family and friends. When you enter therapy, you can express yourself freely without fear of judgment or disappointing others. Having a professional assist can help you gain insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Please contact me if you have additional questions or would like to schedule a free consultation.

  • No. Therapy is a powerful tool that extends far beyond providing support for those who have experienced trauma or mental health crises. It is a misconception to believe that therapy is only beneficial for these individuals. In fact, therapy can be a transformative experience for anyone seeking personal growth, self-discovery, or even just a space to process life's challenges.

    When you enter therapy with me, I offer a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your emotions, gain insights into your patterns of thinking and behavior, and develop strategies to enhance your overall well-being. Therapy can help you improve your relationships, manage stress, strengthen self-esteem, navigate life transitions, and cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and fulfillment.

    Regardless of whether an individual has experienced trauma or not, therapy can be a valuable resource for anyone striving to live a more meaningful and authentic life.

  • Online therapy, also known as Telehealth or distance counseling, is a practice of providing mental health services through electronic means such as video, telephone, or email. Unlike traditional therapy, Telehealth does not have time or location restrictions. It is appropriate for individuals who want the convenience and ability to join sessions anywhere, avoiding traffic hassles and commuting.

    Distance counseling is not appropriate for everyone. Individuals going through a severe crisis or has active contemplation of suicide would not be best served by a Telehealth therapist and should seek a therapist locally. If these concerns arise during the course of our work, we will have an emergency plan in place to connect you with local resources.

  • No, I only offer telehealth (therapy using a secure video sessions). You must reside in California to receive services with me.

  • I provide individual and couple therapy to adults ages 18 through 64. I welcome adults from all walks of life.

    • First, we’ll chat

      It’s important to me that you feel comfortable with your therapist. I offer a 20-minute free consultation so you can decide if I am the right fit for you. If you decide to enter therapy with me, we’ll schedule our first appointment.

    • The therapy experience

      We’ll meet virtually through a secure HIPAA-compliant platform weekly or biweekly depending on your needs. The first few sessions will focus on exploring the reasons you’re seeking therapy and what you hope to get out of therapy. Then, we’ll explore all the different facets of who you are, where you come from, your worth, and your purpose. My goal is that you leave every session feeling more confident about who you truly are so you can embrace your values and beliefs while showing compassion and respect towards the people you care about, make decisions that align with your core self, and set limits for others without the weight of shame/guilt.

  • Each therapy experience is highly individualized and is dependent on a number of factors including your schedule, therapist’s availability, ongoing life challenges, the specific nature of the presenting issue you’re bringing, and engagement in the therapeutic process between sessions. Research suggests that most clients who begin therapy will feel significant clinical improvement after 12 to 15 sessions. Some clients feel better enough that they end services with that time. Others find that they enjoy the process of therapy and want to continue. Either way, my goal is to have you meet your goals as soon as possible and leave therapy feeling confident in your own skills and abilities, not reliant on your therapist.

  • My fee is $180/hr for individuals and $220/hr for couples. Debit cards, major credit cards, and Zelle are accepted forms of payment. I also take insurance. Read more in Investment.

  • Please cancel or reschedule your appointment 24 hours in advance. If you do not provide notice with at least 24 hours’ notice in advance, you are responsible for payment for the missed session. This is necessary because a time commitment is made to you and is held exclusively for you. If you are late to a session, you may lose some of that session time.

  • Non-urgent emails, calls, and texts will be returned within 48 business hours. In the event of a medical or psychiatric emergency or an emergency involving a threat to your safety or the safety of others, please call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

  • It is my legal and ethical obligation to maintain your privacy. Your records, along with what you say in therapy are kept confidential. In fact, confidentiality is the core component to making therapy effective. You have the right to have a safe and confidential therapeutic experience, however, the exceptions are:

    + If you provide written consent to release your information

    + If your records are subpoenaed for legal reasons

    + If there is suspected child abuse, dependent or elder abuse

    + If there is a serious threat to harm another person

    + If there is intention to extremely harm oneself

  • Yes. I am a qualified supervisor for associate clinical psychotherapy workers and MFT trainees/interns seeking licensure in the state of California. I would love to help you navigate this exciting time.

    Please contact me for more information and to see if we’d be a good fit.

  • Any and all questions are welcomed! Please Contact me, I look forward to connecting with you.

“Therapy with me will always leave room for you to be your true and authentic self, and it’s my hope to collaborate with you on your own path to healing.”

- Kristina Garcia