You Got Questions? I've Got (Some) Answers!
Q: Who do you help?
A: I mainly focus on helping children, teens, and young adults in their 20s and 30s, and their parents/caregivers. I help those who are struggling to process or cope with pain/trauma that resulted from past/current experiences in the family or with loved ones whom they trusted. I also work with clients to help them address any ongoing issues that are currently impacting them, whether it stems from past or more recent experiences.
Q: What type of services do you provide?
A: I offer individual and/or family sessions to client(s). Individual sessions may be more suitable to those who are trying to work on concern(s) that they have on an individual basis. They may be trying to be more independent and are trying to find or strengthen their own inner voice in a safe space. I also offer family sessions to children/teens and their parents who are going through a rough patch in their relationship.
Q: When are you available to see clients?
A: I typically offer sessions on weekdays between 9AM to 6PM, but may make exceptions for urgent/emergent needs. At certain times of the year when my schedule is compacted, I may not be available for sessions on some weekdays, but can be reached either via phone or email.
Q: Where is your office located?
A: My office is located in Arcadia, CA at 1245 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia, CA 91007. The cross street is Michillinda Avenue and is right next to Michillinda Park and close to Rosemead Blvd. My office is right on the border of 3 cities: Arcadia, East San Gabriel and East Pasadena. It is extremely convenient in that it is within a 5-minute driving distance from Temple City, San Marino and Sierra Madre. It is also 5 miles or less from Monrovia, San Gabriel, North El Monte and Rosemead,
Q: Why did you decide to become a therapist?
A: At an early age, I have always wanted to be able to make a positive impact on the lives of others. As I grew older, through feedback from others and personal introspection, I began to realize that I am naturally empathetic and patient when listening to others share their stories. Now with the proper education and training, I am able to help others lessen their pain in order to move forward towards a future that's more aligned with what they want.
Q: How long will therapy take?
A: The short answer? It depends. The long answer? What you'd like to work on, how long you've been combating with the issue(s), how ready you are to actively participate in therapy and make changes, are only some of the things that will determine the length of treatment.
Q: Do you accept insurance? Why or why not?
A: I am an out-of-network provider, which means that I do not accept insurance directly. However, I do provide my clients with a superbill (e.g. receipt) at the end of each month so that they can submit it to their insurance companies for possible reimbursement. Depending on each client's insurance plan, coverage can vary drastically. At times, the insurance company may severely limit the number of sessions that a client can be seen each year, or dictate the course of treatment and determine whether it is considered "severe enough" for treatment. I believe that each client should be provided with the best treatment for them, and that the course of therapy should be determined by each client's specific needs rather than a third party's decision.
Q: Do you offer a sliding scale?
A: Just like at a medical doctor's office, I do not ask what your income is and then look at a chart to determine your cost of treatment. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, as they both impact your level of happiness, quality of life, and your ability to function. If you were feeling ill, would you find a medical doctor who's known as the "cheapest doctor" or would you find a "good doctor" who can make you feel comfortable and whom you believe can help you feel better? Rather than trying to be the "cheapest" therapist, I strive to be an effective therapist that clients can connect with. Therefore, I do not offer a sliding scale. I do, however, have very limited slots for a reduced fee for those who are financially in need. But once they are filled up, I am unable to offer them to new clients.
Q: How much do you charge?
A: A session is typically 45-50 minutes long, and for that, I charge $175/session. However, when needed, I offer extended sessions that are either 75 minutes or 90 minutes long. Extended sessions are pro-rated, so that a 75-minute session is $290 and a 90-minute session is $350.
Q: What's the most important thing I should look for in a therapist?
A: There are mental health providers with varying degrees (e.g. Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychologist), I think one of the most important thing in a therapist is finding one you feel comfortable and connected with. Therapy is all about connection. No matter what a therapist's license says and the number of years they've been in practice, if you don't feel comfortable with your therapist, you won't share some of the most intimate details of your life with him/her. This will only hinder your ability to address your concerns and move forward.
Q: How do I know you'll be a good fit for me as a therapist?
A: That's a great question! If you haven't yet, check out my About Me page. I do understand that it's hard to get a "feel" of someone just by seeing a few pictures and reading about them, which is why I also offer a free 20-minute phone consultation for potential clients. Feel free to call me and leave a message at (626) 559-1112 or go to my Contact Me page so that we can schedule a time to talk and see if we'd be a good fit!
A: I mainly focus on helping children, teens, and young adults in their 20s and 30s, and their parents/caregivers. I help those who are struggling to process or cope with pain/trauma that resulted from past/current experiences in the family or with loved ones whom they trusted. I also work with clients to help them address any ongoing issues that are currently impacting them, whether it stems from past or more recent experiences.
Q: What type of services do you provide?
A: I offer individual and/or family sessions to client(s). Individual sessions may be more suitable to those who are trying to work on concern(s) that they have on an individual basis. They may be trying to be more independent and are trying to find or strengthen their own inner voice in a safe space. I also offer family sessions to children/teens and their parents who are going through a rough patch in their relationship.
Q: When are you available to see clients?
A: I typically offer sessions on weekdays between 9AM to 6PM, but may make exceptions for urgent/emergent needs. At certain times of the year when my schedule is compacted, I may not be available for sessions on some weekdays, but can be reached either via phone or email.
Q: Where is your office located?
A: My office is located in Arcadia, CA at 1245 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia, CA 91007. The cross street is Michillinda Avenue and is right next to Michillinda Park and close to Rosemead Blvd. My office is right on the border of 3 cities: Arcadia, East San Gabriel and East Pasadena. It is extremely convenient in that it is within a 5-minute driving distance from Temple City, San Marino and Sierra Madre. It is also 5 miles or less from Monrovia, San Gabriel, North El Monte and Rosemead,
Q: Why did you decide to become a therapist?
A: At an early age, I have always wanted to be able to make a positive impact on the lives of others. As I grew older, through feedback from others and personal introspection, I began to realize that I am naturally empathetic and patient when listening to others share their stories. Now with the proper education and training, I am able to help others lessen their pain in order to move forward towards a future that's more aligned with what they want.
Q: How long will therapy take?
A: The short answer? It depends. The long answer? What you'd like to work on, how long you've been combating with the issue(s), how ready you are to actively participate in therapy and make changes, are only some of the things that will determine the length of treatment.
Q: Do you accept insurance? Why or why not?
A: I am an out-of-network provider, which means that I do not accept insurance directly. However, I do provide my clients with a superbill (e.g. receipt) at the end of each month so that they can submit it to their insurance companies for possible reimbursement. Depending on each client's insurance plan, coverage can vary drastically. At times, the insurance company may severely limit the number of sessions that a client can be seen each year, or dictate the course of treatment and determine whether it is considered "severe enough" for treatment. I believe that each client should be provided with the best treatment for them, and that the course of therapy should be determined by each client's specific needs rather than a third party's decision.
Q: Do you offer a sliding scale?
A: Just like at a medical doctor's office, I do not ask what your income is and then look at a chart to determine your cost of treatment. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, as they both impact your level of happiness, quality of life, and your ability to function. If you were feeling ill, would you find a medical doctor who's known as the "cheapest doctor" or would you find a "good doctor" who can make you feel comfortable and whom you believe can help you feel better? Rather than trying to be the "cheapest" therapist, I strive to be an effective therapist that clients can connect with. Therefore, I do not offer a sliding scale. I do, however, have very limited slots for a reduced fee for those who are financially in need. But once they are filled up, I am unable to offer them to new clients.
Q: How much do you charge?
A: A session is typically 45-50 minutes long, and for that, I charge $175/session. However, when needed, I offer extended sessions that are either 75 minutes or 90 minutes long. Extended sessions are pro-rated, so that a 75-minute session is $290 and a 90-minute session is $350.
Q: What's the most important thing I should look for in a therapist?
A: There are mental health providers with varying degrees (e.g. Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychologist), I think one of the most important thing in a therapist is finding one you feel comfortable and connected with. Therapy is all about connection. No matter what a therapist's license says and the number of years they've been in practice, if you don't feel comfortable with your therapist, you won't share some of the most intimate details of your life with him/her. This will only hinder your ability to address your concerns and move forward.
Q: How do I know you'll be a good fit for me as a therapist?
A: That's a great question! If you haven't yet, check out my About Me page. I do understand that it's hard to get a "feel" of someone just by seeing a few pictures and reading about them, which is why I also offer a free 20-minute phone consultation for potential clients. Feel free to call me and leave a message at (626) 559-1112 or go to my Contact Me page so that we can schedule a time to talk and see if we'd be a good fit!