Frequently Asked Questions

What is therapy?

Therapy is a collaborative treatment based on the relationship between an individual and their therapist. It provides a supportive environment that allows you to talk openly with someone who’s objective, supportive, and nonjudgmental. You and your therapist work together to pinpoint and change the thought, behavior and relationship patterns and learn new skills so you can better cope with whatever challenges arise in the future.

If I am not the right fit for you, I am happy to offer alternative referrals. Finding the right therapist is like trying to find a good pair of jeans, you might have to try on a few pairs before you find one that fits.

What is your approach with therapy for ADHD?

Typically we start with identifying the ways ADHD is impacting your life. Then we begin building your ADHD tool box, so helping you put systems into place that work for YOU. If there are any ADHD resources that I am aware of that may benefit you, I am happy to share them.

It’s really hard to tackle the shame and guilt that so often people with ADHD experience if you are constantly trying to play “catch-up,” in a neurotypical world. People with ADHD are often working incredibly hard and yet consistently feel behind their colleagues, peers and loved ones. I want to help you process and move through that shame, guilt or perfectionism and come to a place of peace, understanding and dare I say, appreciation for your unique mind and how it does serve you.

Can you diagnose ADHD?

It’s complicated…

Yes and no. I am not a psychologist, neuropsychologist, or psychiatrist, and I cannot administer the same tests or assessments that these other professionals can. Typically, during an ADHD assessment with a psychologist or neuropsychologist, they include a battery of assessments, including cognitive, working-memory tests, IQ and/or personality assessments. Their license and training allows them to do that, mine does not. So if you have a history of a severe traumatic brain-injury, learning disorders or other cognitive performance-related issues, my recommendation is to get a neuropsychological evaluation. Another benefit of receiving a diagnosis from a psychologist, neuropsychologist or psychiatrist is some prescribers are more likely to accept the validity of an ADHD diagnosis from one of these professionals versus an LMFT or LCSW. However, there is no universal diagnostic process! We could ask 10 different mental health professionals what tests or assessments they use to diagnose ADHD and we might get 10 different answers. I have worked with people who were diagnosed within 10-minutes from their psychiatrist, without any written assessment and others who were diagnosed after taking 4-5 hours worth of assessments. I like all potential client’s to be aware of pros and cons of seeking an assessment from me versus another mental health professional who has a wider scope of practice. 

What assessments do you use?

ASRS v1.1 - takes 10-15 minutes

CAARS-2 Self-report - takes 15-20 minutes

CAARS-2 Observer - takes 15-20 minutes (this involves me sending an assessment to someone you trust like a partner, friend, roommate or parent)

DIVA - verbal interview, takes 60-90 minutes to complete

Weiss Functional Impairment Scale - takes 20 minutes

Do you provide Telehealth or office sessions?

I provide both Telehealth and in person sessions. I am currently seeing clients for in-person office sessions two days a week on Wednesdays and Thursdays in Fountain Valley and I am available for Telehealth video sessions throughout the week.

Is therapy confidential?

For the most part yes, what you share in therapy is confidential with a few exceptions such as:

• You are a danger to yourself or others.

• You disclose something that your treating therapist is required to report (e.g., child abuse, child sexual assault, and elder abuse)

• If information is required by a qualifying court subpoena or court order.

• You have filed a lawsuit against anyone and are claiming mental or emotional damages as a part of the suit.

• You have waived your rights to privilege or give consent in writing to limited disclosure by your therapist.

• If you use insurance please be aware that your insurance requires me to provide a diagnosis and they can request to see your therapy records.

How long should I go to therapy?

The length of therapy directly correlates to each person’s mental health needs, goals, support systems and level of insight. Typically clients are encouraged to go to therapy weekly for the first one to three months as we get to know each other and establish goals. As therapy continues we can step-down to bi-weekly or monthly as needed.

Are you a therapist on social media?

I do not market myself as a therapist on social media.