FAQs

SCHEDULING & CADENCE

⇢ How frequent are sessions?

I require that new clients commit to weekly sessions at the onset of treatment for the first few months as we establish care. Of course, every case is unique and I tailor as needed depending on your unique circumstances. Most weekly clients have a fixed, recurring time in my calendar each week, and that is my recommendation for the greatest consistency and guarantee of access. Once treatment is underway, some clients opt for sessions every other week due to time, finances, or emotional bandwidth. Bi-weekly clients typically don’t have a standing, permanent time in my schedule, but rather book session-to-session based on the week’s availability.

⇢ How do in-person, hybrid, and telehealth options work?

I offer in-person sessions in the heart of Pasadena at Sandoval Therapy. I am able to treat all California residents via telehealth. Many of my clients opt for a hybrid model where they jump between in-person and telehealth depending on their needs each week.

⇢ Do you see folks on a drop-in, irregular basis?

At this time, I require a weekly or bi-weekly commitment and am unable to work with new clients sporadically. Established clients who are meeting treatment goals will be encouraged to eventually taper down sessions when ready, however, this is normally at the end of treatment as we prime for termination.

⇢ How long should I expect to be in therapy?

Every case is different, so this is a difficult question to answer. Typically, individuals with complex trauma and attachment injury should anticipate being in therapy for at least a year. EMDR clients who are looking to process isolated incidents of trauma may find that their treatment is faster if they do not have a history of C-PTSD. Most families and couples should anticipate being in treatment for 6-12 months minimum. You are unique, and so your treatment progression will be unique.

⇢ What are your client hours?

I see clients Mondays through Thursdays. I have in-person availability in the afternoons and evenings, and telehelath options available all day.

FEES & PAYMENT

⇢ Do you take insurance?

As a private pay therapist, I do not accept insurance. Many of my clients utilize their own insurance by submitting superbills if they have out-of-network (OON) reimbursement. I highly recommend contacting your insurance provider prior to the onset of treatment to confirm your benefits.

⇢ What are your fees?

My fee is $250/ 50-minute session and I charge the same fee for individuals, couples, and families. We use IvyPay to bill for sessions.

⇢ Do you offer a sliding scale?

Yes, I do have a certain number of sliding scale slots available on a first-come, first-serve basis and am happy to discuss further with prospective clients.

TREATMENT

⇢ Are there clients that you don’t work with?

I am currently not accepting children under the age of 10. While I love working with children, I practice non-directive child-centered play therapy, which is best facilitated in a fully stocked and immersive play room. I currently do not work with court-involved and court-mandated cases. Finally, clients that are need of more wrap-around services and a higher level of care are supported with appropriate referrals.

⇢ Do you treat multiple members of a family?

I can work with clients individually or as their couple/ family therapist, but I cannot treat multiple people from the same family as their individual therapist. It is important that every person in a family system have their own unbiased, contained space for processing.

⇢ When treating couples & families, does everyone have to attend every session?

When working with couples and families, the bulk of the work is relational and done all together, however, I often do breakout sessions one-on-one at the beginning and as needed during treatment with individual members in the group to address specific issues and feelings that are better addressed privately. I may also work with various combinations of family members during family therapy.

⇢ Can I work with you while I see another individual therapist?

Typically, I am not able to work with clients who are being actively treated by another therapist. Some clients do work with occupational therapists or have collaborating psychiatrists, which is completely fine. Occasionally, I will work with clients providing adjunctive EMDR. However, when I am working with clients who have a collaborative team, I need clients to sign Releases of Information (ROIs) so I can coordinate care effectively and safely.

OFFICE POLICIES & LOCATION

⇢ Is your location ADA accessible?

My in-person office is on the second floor of a renovated craftsman home, necessitating a walk up one flight of stairs. Should you require accommodation, please don’t hesitate to let me know as I may be able to coordinate use of an office on a lower floor. I can always offer telehealth services for all clients as well.

⇢ Are you vaccinated and boosted?

Yes, I am fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 and the annual flu shot. I am also happy to wear a mask, should clients request.

⇢ What happens when you or your client is sick?

I ask that clients do not attend when sick, as they can compromise the health and safety of other clients. If either myself or my clients are sick, we can log on virtually for the day’s session.

⇢ What is the cancellation policy?

Sandoval Therapy has a 24-hour notice cancellation policy. Clients who cancel outside of the window are charged the full session fee.