Licensed Psychologist PSY16658
Background
Currently, I work in full time private practice in Placentia, CA. My Masters degree is in Marriage and Family Therapy and Doctorate in Psychology, both earned at Pepperdine University. My undergraduate degree was in Psychology and Biblical Studies at Hope International University. I have been in practice since 1994.
From 1997-2002 I held a full-time faculty position at Hope International University teaching in the Undergraduate and Graduate School of Psychology, acting as the coordinator of the University Counseling Center, Practicum Coordinator for Graduate students, and- lastly- serving as the Director of Continuing Education. I have also taught as adjunct faculty at Argosy University and Azusa Pacific University. After getting married in 2002, something had to give, and I chose to pursue private practice – which has always been where my heart is.
Practice
I work primarily with women, young adults, children/teens, and families. People seek my services for a variety of reasons related to trauma, anxiety/depression, chronic pain or illness, or child and family problems. I am EMDR trained, and I see even young children, and I do accept insurance. You might then correctly deduce that I see many traumatized children. My practice is actually balanced evenly between children, teens, adults, and families. An increasing amount of my time is spent doing parenting-consulting, (no more references to super-nanny please….) which has been a great deal of fun.
Fees
Fees are based on what is usual and customary in this area. Our office will bill insurance and patients are responsible for copayments and deductibles. Patients who do not wish to utilize insurance benefits or who are seeking consultation services as opposed to psychotherapy may negotiate a confidential cash fee.
I always laugh at this statement. It isn’t meant to be tricky. The usual and customary fee in our county is $150/hour, and that is what our office bills at at the time I am writing this. When I am consulting- the services vary. If traveling to a preschool to observe a child who is having difficulty, setting up behavior plans with nannies or caregivers, or helping a family negotiate the health care system for a chronically ill child- the need, time commitment, and travel involved are not always the same. Fees are managed and agreed upon in advance to accommodate the services requested and the family finances.
The good news: I am a provider for many PPO insurances, and some of the major HMO carriers like Blue Cross. Benefits vary by plan and diagnosis, so patients should check their benefits carefully. However, I will continue to be a provider because I enjoy working with the chronically ill- who have multiple medical expenses- and I enjoy working with foster children, who also use insurance for mental health services.
The Dogs
The therapy dogs. Currently, with the new office I rotate them in (when they have not been chasing bunnies and gotten muddy in the morning). Mostly Kissy. She comes some days, and is available On Request. She is a 4 year old blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a complete Love.