Frequently Asked Questions

Getting started is easy! You can reach out via my contact form or by phone to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. This consultation is a chance for us to discuss your needs, answer any questions you may have, and determine if we're the right fit to work together. Once you've scheduled your session, we’ll begin our work toward achieving your mental health goals.

In our first session, we will spend time getting to know each other and discussing your reasons for seeking therapy. I’ll ask about your background, what you’re currently experiencing, and your goals for therapy. From there, we’ll collaborate to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. The first session is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the process, and to ensure that you feel comfortable with my approach. 

Yes, confidentiality is a top priority in my practice. Everything we discuss in therapy is private and protected by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations. There are a few exceptions to confidentiality, such as if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, if there is suspected child or elder abuse, or if you are subpoenaed by a court. Outside of these situations, you can feel secure knowing that your personal information will remain confidential. 

The length of therapy varies depending on your unique needs and goals. Some clients may find relief and progress after just a few sessions, while others may benefit from ongoing support for several months. Together, we will regularly assess your progress and adjust the frequency or duration of sessions to suit your needs. My goal is to help you achieve your therapeutic goals in the most efficient and effective way possible.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, sad, or unsure of how to navigate a specific life challenge, therapy can be a helpful way to explore your emotions, gain clarity, and learn coping strategies. Whether you're struggling with perinatal mental health, trauma, anxiety, or depression, therapy offers a safe and supportive space to work through these concerns. If you're unsure whether therapy is right for you, I offer an initial consultation to help assess your needs and determine the best approach. 

Yes, I offer virtual therapy through HIPAA-compliant platforms, allowing you to attend sessions from the comfort of your own home. Virtual therapy offers flexibility and accessibility, especially if you have a busy schedule or prefer not to meet in person. Sessions are secure and confidential, just as they would be in an in-person setting.

While I do not currently offer in-person sessions, I offer Walk & Talk therapy for clients who are local. This allows for a unique outdoor therapy experience, combining movement and conversation for those who prefer to meet in person. This will require a specific consent form. 

Is Walk & Talk Therapy right for me?
If you enjoy being outdoors and find it easy to communicate your thoughts while walking in nature, Walk & Talk Therapy could be a great fit. This approach combines mental and physical health in a natural and supportive way. Confidentiality is a priority, though please note that public spaces may have others around.

How will I know where to meet?
We will identify a location together. The location will be chosen based on the weather and other factors.

Will there be bathrooms?
Depending on the chosen location, there may or may not be a restroom nearby. Ideally, if there is a restroom, we will start and end our walk near these facilities. Please consider using the bathroom ahead of time for your comfort.

Will people hear our conversation?
Confidentiality is my priority, and we will try to find a location with less foot traffic and maintain a low voice to ensure discretion during the session. Please keep in mind that, due to the nature of being outdoors, there is a chance people may overhear. There is also a specific consent form for Walk & Talk Therapy.

What should I bring and wear?
Please wear comfortable shoes, and consider bringing a hat, sunblock, water, and a journal. A backpack can help carry your items. We can stop and sit at any point to discuss or strategize.

What if I don’t feel like walking or have physical limitations?
Walks are at your own pace, and you can take breaks as needed. If you prefer to sit or need a less strenuous session, that’s perfectly fine. You can also switch to a virtual session at any time if walking feels too much that day.

Can I bring my pet?
Yes, as long as your pet isn’t a distraction or source of anxiety that would interfere with your session and is not aggressive.

Can I alternate between virtual and Walk & Talk sessions?
Yes! We can mix and match depending on your needs and availability. Walk & Talk sessions are generally best in the mornings and afternoons to ensure ideal weather conditions.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your baby with you to therapy! Many clients find it helpful to have their little one present, especially when working through challenges related to parent-child relationships. However, please keep in mind that having your baby with you may influence certain activities during the session. For example, some aspects of trauma-focused therapy may need to be adjusted or paused if your child is present. We can always discuss what works best for you and ensure the session remains productive. 

Perinatal therapy is designed to support you through the emotional and psychological challenges of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Whether you’re experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, difficulty adjusting to parenthood, or issues with bonding, therapy provides a safe space to express your feelings. We focus on understanding your unique experiences, offering strategies to manage symptoms, and helping you feel more empowered and balanced during this transformative time.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals process and heal from trauma and emotional distress. It works by stimulating both sides of the brain (bilateral stimulation), which allows the brain to reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity. EMDR can be helpful for people who have experienced trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or perinatal distress. It is particularly effective in helping individuals work through past experiences, so they no longer have a negative impact on present-day life.

The cost of therapy is $175 per session. 

I currently take Aetna and Medi-Cal Carelon insurance. 

At Materna Butterfly Therapy, I understand the importance of accessibility to quality care. While I do not directly accept many insurances, I am pleased to offer an option for clients to receive reimbursement through their out-of-network benefits to reduce your cost per session. To make it easier, I partner with Thrizer and Mentaya, two platforms designed to simplify the reimbursement process and reduce financial stress for clients.

Using Out‑of‑Network Benefits

Thrizer

Thrizer helps you understand your out‑of‑network benefits and, once your coverage is verified, allows you to pay only your estimated out‑of‑pocket cost at each session instead of the full fee upfront. Thrizer submits claims and manages insurance follow‑ups behind the scenes, helping reduce financial strain and administrative burden.

https://eligibility.thrizer.com/maternabutterflytherapy

Mentaya

Mentaya helps clients use their out‑of‑network benefits by filing claims and managing all paperwork on your behalf. If you’re eligible for reimbursement, Mentaya ensures you receive it without having to track claims or communicate with insurance yourself.

https://eligibility.thrizer.com/maternabutterflytherapy

How it works

1. Schedule your session as a self‑pay client.

2. We’ll check your out‑of‑network benefits through Thrizer or Mentaya.

3. If eligible, the platform you choose will handle claims and guide you through your expected cost.

You’re welcome to use whichever option feels most supportive for you.

*I also offer a limited amount of space on a sliding scale.

What is a Sliding Scale?

A sliding scale offers adjusted rates for those who may need financial assistance. The fee is based on your income and financial situation, and I’m happy to discuss this option with you if needed. 

My Commitment

My goal is to make therapy as accessible and stress‑free as possible while providing the personalized, trauma‑informed care you deserve. If you have questions about cost, insurance, or eligibility, please reach out. I’m here to help you find the option that supports you best.

Opting for private pay has several benefits, including:

• More flexibility: You can choose the therapist, session type, and treatment duration that best suits your needs without insurance limitations.

• Increased privacy: Your personal information remains confidential, with no need to share it with third parties like insurance companies.

• Tailored care: Private pay clients are not restricted to certain session lengths or treatment durations, allowing us to focus on your needs at your own pace.

• Stigma-free care: You can avoid the stigma that sometimes comes with insurance-required diagnostic codes.

• Comprehensive support: Insurance may not cover all therapy areas (e.g., personal growth, marital issues), but private pay allows us to address these concerns without limitations.

Research shows that clients who invest in their therapy often see better results, as they can fully engage in the process without restrictions. Private pay ensures a more personalized, flexible, and confidential experience.

Therapy sessions are reserved exclusively for you, and when a session is canceled without sufficient notice, it prevents me from offering that time to other clients who may need it.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours' notice via email or message. This allows us to reschedule without penalty.

• Cancellations with at least 24 hours' notice will be rescheduled without a fee.

• Cancellations within 24 hours but before the session begins will incur a $75 late-cancellation fee, unless rescheduled within the same calendar week (based solely on my availability and discretion).

• No-shows or cancellations after a session has started will incur a $100 fee, particularly if this becomes a recurring issue.

I understand that life can be unpredictable, and emergencies happen. If you experience a sudden illness, car accident, or other unexpected event, please reach out, and we can discuss the possibility of waiving the fee on a case-by-case basis.