Clinical counseling, also referred to as clinical mental health counseling, is a specialized field within the broader practice of counseling and psychotherapy. It focuses on delivering therapeutic interventions to individuals grappling with an array of mental health issues, emotional struggles, and life challenges. Clinical counselors are seasoned professionals who possess advanced degrees in counseling or a related field, typically having completed supervised clinical experience and licensure requirements. They collaborate with clients to assess their mental health concerns, formulate treatment plans, and execute evidence-based interventions tailored to their specific needs.

The objectives of clinical counseling encompass alleviating symptoms of mental health disorders, enhancing coping mechanisms, boosting self-esteem and self-awareness, fostering healthy relationships, and promoting overall emotional well-being. Clinical counselors operate across various settings, including private practices, community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, and universities. They engage with clients from diverse backgrounds and populations, ensuring inclusive and effective therapeutic approaches.

Clinical counseling is appropriate for anyone seeking support, guidance, and tools to improve their mental health, well-being, and overall quality of life.

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a widely practiced and evidence-based approach to psychotherapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It is rooted in the idea that our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world influence our feelings and behaviors, and that changing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors can lead to improved emotional well-being.

2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT is designed to help individuals who struggle with regulating emotions, managing distress, and engaging in maladaptive behaviors by teaching mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is a type of psychotherapy that combines strategies from behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, and acceptance strategies to help individuals develop psychological flexibility. The goal of ACT is to help people accept what is out of their control, commit to actions that enrich their lives, and take steps toward living a value-driven life.

4. Psychodynamic therapy is an approach to psychotherapy that focuses on exploring the unconscious processes and past experiences that influence a person's current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

5. Person-centered therapy is a humanistic approach to psychotherapy that focuses on the client's innate capacity for self-awareness, growth, and healing. This therapeutic approach emphasizes creating a supportive and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment in which clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences at their own pace.

I am not in-network with any insurance company.

In some cases you may be eligible to use out-of-network insurance benefits. You will be responsible for paying for each session in full at the time of your appointment.

It’s always a good idea to call the number on the back of your health insurance card listed under Member Services.

You can ask them the following questions:

• Do I have out-of-network outpatient mental health coverage? Am I able to use these benefits for telehealth and in-person?

• What is my out-of-network deductible?

• How much of my deductible has been met this year?

• Do I need a referral from an in-network provider to see someone out-of-network?

• What percentage of outpatient psychotherapy sessions are covered per session?

• How much will I be reimbursed for a 50-minute psychotherapy session (CPT code: 90834)?

• How do I submit claim forms for reimbursement?

• How long does it take for me to receive reimbursement?

 Note: As of January 1, 2022, under the No Surprises Act in the United States, health care providers, including therapists, are required to provide a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) to uninsured or self-pay clients. This estimate outlines the expected costs of services. 

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non- emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059.

Please reach out if you have any questions regarding service fees. 

I currently see people in-person in the San Diego area and virtually across California.