About Me

My Journey & Clinical Background

My journey in behavioral health began as a drug and alcohol counselor, deeply inspired by my own path to sobriety. That personal experience ignited a lifelong passion for helping others, driving me to pursue formal education and continuously expand my clinical expertise.

Over the past 16 years, I have served as a counselor, coach, case manager, facilitator, and independently Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). My background spans diverse settings—including residential and outpatient facilities, hospitals, and in-home care—and I now work exclusively online through telehealth. Throughout my career, I have supported adults across all stages of life, as well as children and adolescents navigating the complexities of the foster system, probation, parole, and private practice.

This breadth of experience has given me a profound appreciation for the human spirit—witnessing both our deep vulnerability and our extraordinary resilience. I approach therapy without judgment, focusing on helping you understand the internal driving forces behind your thoughts and actions so you can feel empowered to make meaningful choices for your future.

Therapeutic Approach & Philosophy

My practice is grounded in a systems perspective: recognizing that our choices, challenges, and relationship dynamics are deeply interconnected with our past experiences and internal patterns. As Dr. Richard C. Schwartz articulates in No Bad Parts, there are valid reasons behind why we think, feel, and react the way we do. By exploring those reasons with curiosity rather than criticism, we open the door to true healing.

I am a Level 2 trained therapist in Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy and trained in Intimacy From The Inside Out (IFIO) Couples Therapy. Both of these approaches view the mind as an internal system made up of various "parts," each carrying unique protective roles or burdens. By helping you harmonize these inner parts and reconnect with your core Self, we work toward achieving lasting inner peace—which naturally transforms how you relate to others and navigate the world around you.

To ensure therapy is tailored to your unique needs, my core focus on Internal Family Systems is enriched by an integrative blend of evidence-based and somatic modalities, including:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM)
Somatic Awareness techniques

My primary goal is to provide a safe, grounded space where you can gain clarity on your relational patterns, develop practical tools for change, and cultivate deep self-compassion. I warmly welcome and honor the diverse personal values, faith traditions, and spiritual belief systems that shape each individual's life and healing journey.

My Services / Insurances Accepted

Frequently Asked Questions

Insurance & Billing

Q: Do you accept Medicare with Medi-Cal (Medi-Medi)?

A: Regrettably, no. While I accept primary Medicare, my practice is not set up to process billing for combined Medicare and Medi-Cal (dual-eligible) coverage (including plans like Partnership HealthPlan or dual Cigna plans). Federal and state guidelines also prevent me from accepting private self-pay fees from individuals with dual coverage. I strongly recommend reaching out to your Medi-Cal plan coordinator to find a provider contracted for dual-eligible care.

Q: What telehealth platforms do you offer?

A: For my services, I use two platforms. For my cash pay and Medicare Part B clients, I see them through the SimplePractice platform, which features its own built-in video telehealth and secure electronic health record (EHR) system. For commercial insurance billing, I use the Rula platform, which utilizes HIPAA-compliant Zoom for video telehealth appointments along with Rula’s electronic health record system.

Q: How long are therapy sessions, and how often will we meet?

A: Therapy sessions are scheduled for a standard clinical hour, lasting 53 to 55 minutes. I can offer 45-minute sessions, but most clients will start with the hour-long session. Most clients begin by meeting weekly. Depending on clinical need, it is also possible for medically necessary clients to meet more than once a week. We will continuously evaluate your progress and adjust our meeting frequency over time as you work toward your goals.

Q: How do I contact you for a consultation and explore services?

A: You can reach out directly by clicking on the Contact tab on this website. Alternatively, you can request an appointment through my secure SimplePractice Client Portal.

If you plan to use commercial insurance, please confirm that I am in-network with your plan. To view the full list of the 50+ insurance plans I am contracted to serve through Rula Health, please visit my Rula Provider Profile.

Q: I live outside of California. Can I still see you as my therapist?

A: Regrettably, no. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I am licensed to provide therapy services exclusively to individuals who are physically located in the state of California at the time of their appointments.