FAQs2025-01-08T07:57:53-08:00

Your Guide to Therapy

Answers & Insights

Do you take insurance for psychotherapy sessions?2025-01-08T10:01:47-08:00

I do not take insurance for psychotherapy at this time; however, I offer superbills that you may submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Can I benefit from therapy with you even if I don’t have psychosis or extreme mood states?2025-01-08T10:01:20-08:00

Yes, I work with individuals across various professional and creative fields, regardless of whether they are experiencing psychosis or extreme states.

  • Academics
    I understand the hierarchical nature of academic work and the pressures it brings.
  • Creatives and Artists
    Together, we explore the connection between creativity and mental health, including the dialectic surrounding “madness” and artistic genius.
  • Managers and Leaders
    I help individuals in leadership roles navigate workplace dynamics and understand how systems function.
  • Entrepreneurs
    I support big thinkers who are willing to take risks, helping them manage uncertainty and stress.
  • Politicians
    We explore working with your own shadow, values, and the complexities of decision-making in public life.

I offer tailored support to help you thrive in your personal and professional life.

I have been to therapy in the past, but the therapist mostly listened. I feel like it didn’t help. How are you different?2025-01-08T09:59:12-08:00

My therapeutic style is highly interactive. We will engage in active and amusing discussions that explore your values, beliefs, and experiences. To foster self-reflection and insight, I often use Socratic questioning to encourage you to think critically about your situation and identify sources of meaning. This collaborative interaction is essential for uncovering a personal sense of purpose and developing resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

What is psychosis, and how is it treated?2025-01-08T09:57:48-08:00

These warning signs may signal early psychosis:

  • Hearing, seeing, tasting, or believing things that others don’t
  • Suspiciousness or extreme uneasiness with others
  • Persistent, unusual thoughts or beliefs
  • Strong and inappropriate emotions or no emotions at all
  • Withdrawing from family or friends
  • A sudden decline in self-care
  • Trouble thinking clearly or concentrating

I am here to help you make sense of your experiences, whether they involve hospitalizations, taking time off school, or losing friends. My goal is to provide a safe and nurturing therapeutic environment where you can explore your next steps and transform what might feel like a lonely and confusing time into a journey of healing. I employ a cognitive-based behavioral approach that emphasizes thought categorization and intentional focus. For individuals experiencing fear, paranoia, auditory or visual hallucinations, and obsessive self-conscious thoughts, the goal is to navigate and tolerate these perceptions without compounding them with secondary problems. This approach helps individuals develop the skills to effectively manage their experiences, fostering a greater sense of stability and empowerment in their daily lives.

How does Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) work, and what benefits can I expect from using it with Anahata’s guidance?2025-01-08T09:56:48-08:00

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a skills-based approach that helps you manage life’s ups and downs with more confidence and calm. It’s perfect for times when emotions feel overwhelming, impulsive reactions get in the way, or relationships feel challenging. DBT can be hard to learn on your own, but together, we’ll break it down and apply it to your real-life situations, almost like a “choose-your-own-adventure” for finding what works best. These skills can benefit nearly everyone and create a solid foundation for deeper self-discovery and growth. DBT is especially helpful if you’re also in couples therapy with a different therapist, giving you practical tools to enhance your relationship work. It’s also great for families looking to build more harmony and mutual support.

Why is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy considered the “gold standard” of treatment?2025-01-08T09:55:08-08:00

Cognitive therapy is known as the “gold standard” treatment because it’s proven to be highly effective in reducing emotional distress and improving well-being. Based on the idea that our thoughts, rather than external events, shape our emotional responses, CBT emphasizes that our perception of situations—how we interpret and make sense of them—directly impacts how we feel and act. 

What are your areas of expertise in mental health?2025-01-08T09:51:18-08:00

I specialize in treating complex mental health conditions, including psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, extreme mood states, and trauma. My approach is deeply personalized, with a focus on evidence-based practices like DBT and CBT, combined with empathy and humor to foster growth.

What are your therapy fees?2025-01-08T09:50:58-08:00
  • Individual Psychotherapy: $300 per 60 minute session
  • Couples Psychotherapy: $475 per 90 minute session
  • Family Systems Therapy: $525 per 90 minute session

Pricing varies for Workshops, Seminars, Consultations, Public Speaking Engagements, and Resources. Please contact me for more information.

To ensure accessibility, scholarships are available for qualifying patients with varying financial needs. Please reach out to discuss how we can make my services work for you.

Superbills Available upon Request
A superbill is an itemized receipt provided after a therapy session you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits. Please check with your insurer to understand your out-of-network benefits and the reimbursement process.

Single Case Agreements
A single case agreement (SCA) is a contract between a therapist and an insurance company that allows you to receive therapy at in-network rates even if the therapist is not a contracted provider with your insurance company. Please contact your insurance provider to discuss their specific requirements.

What forms of payment do you accept?2025-01-08T09:50:37-08:00

I accept all major credit cards for payment via the SimplePractice platform, which uses Stripe for secure processing. SimplePractice is a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform that ensures your payment information is protected.

How do you protect patient confidentiality?2025-01-08T09:50:09-08:00

I follow strict confidentiality guidelines to ensure your privacy. All therapy sessions and patient information are protected by HIPAA standards, and your personal details are never shared without your consent, except in rare cases where I’m legally required to do so for safety reasons.

What is HIPAA, and how does it apply to therapy?2025-01-08T09:49:47-08:00

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a federal law that protects your health information and ensures your privacy. In therapy, it means that your session details and personal information are confidential, and I cannot share them without your explicit consent.

Is my information shared with other professionals?2025-01-08T09:49:32-08:00

Your information is not shared with other professionals unless you give explicit consent or it’s necessary for collaborative care, such as working with your psychiatrist. In these cases, I ensure that your privacy is always maintained, and we work together to support your mental health journey.

What is your cancellation policy?2025-01-08T09:49:15-08:00

If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, I request at least 48-hours advance notice. Cancellations within 48 hours or missed sessions will be charged the full fee. This policy helps ensure that other patients can access the time slot if needed.

What is a Single Maintenance Session?2025-01-08T09:47:30-08:00

Sometimes, you want to drop in and get support about something that feels overwhelming at the moment but will resolve soon. Perhaps you would like a listening ear, a refresher on valuable coping skills, or distress tolerance techniques. Drop-in psychotherapy appointments are available for returning patients after an initial consultation and short-term sessions are complete. This therapy is appropriate for depression, anxiety, and psychosis that is mostly in remission.

What is longer-term (supportive) therapy?2025-01-08T09:47:05-08:00

Some problems cannot be addressed in under 12 sessions. Struggling with patterns of behavior that seem out of our control are brought to light in therapy. Evaluation of progress determines the length of treatment and the appropriate time for termination. Longer-term (supportive) therapy requires more than 12 sessions.

What is short-term therapy?2025-01-08T09:46:15-08:00

Short term-therapy is useful for short-term problems. This therapy is based on building skills and has a foreseeable endpoint. You and I work together to identify short-term goals and when the goal is reached, therapy is brought to a natural ending, and a final session is conducted to review your progress and attain closure. Short-term therapy requires approximately 12 sessions or less.

How do I book a therapy session?2025-01-08T09:45:47-08:00

New patients can book a therapy session by clicking Request Consultation. For ongoing/returning patients, I use the SimplePractice booking system where you can schedule appointments directly online. Whether you’re new or returning, my booking process is easy and confidential.

Are you taking new patients?2025-01-08T09:45:04-08:00

Yes, I am currently taking new patients. I offer in-person and telehealth sessions.

How do you approach therapy with couples who struggle to get through a session due to fighting or emotional overwhelm, and how can individual DBT sessions with one partner help complement couples therapy if they are seeing another therapist?2025-01-08T09:39:51-08:00

I use DBT skills like mindfulness and emotional regulation to help couples manage emotional overwhelm and reduce fighting. If a couple is struggling, I can work with one partner individually to build skills that support their couples therapy. This personalized approach strengthens the relationship dynamic and assists both partners in improving communication and increasing happiness in their relationship.

How do you support families where one member is diagnosed with Severe Mental Illness (SMI)?2025-01-08T09:38:47-08:00

I work closely with families to help them manage the complexities of living and or loving someone diagnosed with bipolar, psychosis, and/or borderline personality disorder. I use Structural Family Therapy, which reorganizes family dynamics to create a sustainable and peaceful relational environment, and Strategic Family Therapy, which addresses specific problems with targeted interventions. These interventions may seem paradoxical initially, but they can relieve distress quickly, create more flexibility in how family members interact, and promote healing.

How do you support adult children struggling with independence and responsibility due to mental health challenges?2025-01-08T09:34:44-08:00

I help adult children navigate the difficulties of independence by building a strong therapeutic bond and exploring the emotional, cognitive, and relational factors that often contribute to these challenges. Together, we explore key areas like self-esteem, identity, and decision-making, empowering them to build confidence and find clarity as they navigate adulthood. By focusing on a recovery-oriented approach, I help them integrate healthier ways of living with mental health distress while fostering resilience and a greater sense of direction.

How do you assist individuals who feel hopeless, especially when their mental health seems to be worsening and traditional treatments aren’t helping?2025-01-08T09:34:11-08:00

When it feels like nothing is working, I take a creative approach to uncover what’s been missed. This might involve paradoxical interventions—methods that challenge the usual ways of thinking about the problem. We explore unspoken dynamics within relationships that may be slowing change, along with habits or beliefs contributing to the pain.

I also help patients view their challenges from a new perspective, finding meaning even in the struggle. Using tools like logotherapy, we connect the difficulty to a larger sense of purpose. It’s about building confidence, redefining possibilities, and creating small wins that pave the way to freedom. Together, we work to move past the barriers and rediscover a sense of possibility.

How do you support patients who are either receiving or seeking a new diagnosis for better insight and treatment?2025-01-08T09:32:59-08:00

I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for patients to navigate the diagnostic process and its emotional impact. Together, we explore the complexities of symptoms, recognizing that mental health symptoms often overlap, evolve, and are influenced by underlying causes, which can shape both the diagnosis and treatment approach. My focus is on addressing the root causes of mental distress while considering how these factors interact with a patient’s experiences.

Rather than becoming fixated on a label, we use diagnosis as a tool for deeper understanding and to guide evidence-based treatments. I also incorporate creative and personalized strategies to relieve symptoms, foster resilience, and support remission. This process empowers patients to feel informed, understood, and in control of their mental health journey.

Do you have specific areas of expertise or skills that distinguish your approach to therapy?2025-01-08T09:30:33-08:00
  • Severe Mental Illness (SMI): Extensive experience with individuals diagnosed with SMI, including psychosis, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, and borderline personality disorder.
  • High-Functioning Mental Health Challenges: Focus on supporting patients navigating complex personality challenges, anxiety, depression, and trauma while maintaining professional and personal responsibilities.
  • Crisis Intervention: Specialization in assisting patients in acute distress or transitioning from hospitalization, providing step-down care.
  • Family Dynamics: Expertise in working with families, helping them understand and support their loved ones, and managing intergenerational challenges.
How do you approach therapy in a holistic and person-centered way?2025-01-08T09:28:10-08:00
  • Logotherapy-Inspired Approach: Emphasis on helping patients find meaning in their painful experiences, inspired by Viktor Frankl’s principles.
  • Cognitive Flexibility: Encouraging exploration and personal growth through engaging, non-judgmental, and adaptable therapy.
  • Unique Strengths Integration: Viewing mental health challenges as tied to unique gifts, helping patients leverage these strengths.
  • Therapeutic Enjoyment: Creating sessions that are uplifting, insightful, and transformative, breaking away from rigid, generic methods.
As a psychiatrist, why should I refer my patients to you, and how do you collaborate with medical professionals to support their treatment?2025-01-08T09:27:08-08:00
  • Shared Language & Expertise: Bringing a deep understanding of acute symptom presentation and treatment strategies, creating a cohesive and informed approach to care with medical professionals.
  • Passionate About Meaningful Change: I am deeply committed to finding effective interventions for my patients, and I will persist until we uncover a solution that truly makes a difference in their lives, offering a more personalized and impactful alternative to the high-case-load nature of community mental health systems.
  • Medical Partnerships: Collaborating with psychiatrists, primary care doctors, and hospital teams to ensure continuity of care and a shared understanding of acute symptom presentation.
  • Step-Down Treatment: Expertise in partnering with medical professionals to help patients safely transition to lower levels of care, ensuring smooth and effective management.
  • Professional Referrals: Acting as a trusted resource for therapists and other providers who are managing challenging cases, offering support and collaboration to ensure comprehensive care.
Who do you feel most passionate about working with, and how do you help them overcome obstacles to achieve their dreams?2025-01-08T09:26:16-08:00
  • Professionals and Creatives: Working with individuals in high-pressure roles, including academics, executives, artists, entrepreneurs, and political figures.
  • Athletes and Performers: Supporting performers, athletes, and individuals managing public-facing careers while maintaining mental performance.
  • Teens and Young Adults: Guiding younger patients through transitions, self-discovery, and relationship challenges.
  • Parents and Families: Helping mothers, fathers, and families navigate relational issues, parenting stress, and intergenerational dynamics.
What specialized techniques do you use to support patients in trauma recovery, leadership development, and understanding their challenges within a broader life context?2025-01-08T09:22:23-08:00
  • Crisis and Trauma Recovery: Skills in helping patients process acute or historical trauma and build resilience.
  • Leadership and Boundary Setting: Proven ability to manage group dynamics and maintain safety in therapeutic and organizational settings.
  • Contextual and Engaging Therapy: Utilizing customized, stigma-free strategies to help patients understand their challenges within a broader framework of life and meaning.
How do your philosophy and values, such as empathy, humor, and a commitment to healing, influence your approach to therapy and community involvement?2025-01-08T09:21:16-08:00
  • Empathy and Humor: Believing in the transformative power of laughter and shared humanity as essential elements of therapy.
  • Healing Beyond Stigma and the Impact of Racism: Promoting understanding and empowerment, helping patients move beyond societal or internalized stigma.
  • Resuscitating Community: Committed to uplifting downtown San Francisco through a positive, energetic culture of healing.
How can I benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?2025-01-08T09:19:52-08:00

By recognizing and changing your thought patterns, CBT helps you develop a more flexible and adaptive perspective. Unlike more passive forms of therapy, CBT is practical, goal-oriented, and focuses on real-life solutions rather than just discussing problems. It encourages creativity in finding new ways to approach difficulties and teaches you to become your own therapist, equipping you with tools you can use every day. Even if you’re skeptical about therapy, CBT offers a structured, active approach that doesn’t require endless reflection but instead fosters real change and personal growth.

How does Functional Analytic Therapy (FA) turn therapy sessions into a “workshop” for building better connections in my life?2025-01-08T09:19:23-08:00

Functional Analytic Therapy (FA) is a dynamic, relationship-centered approach that transforms therapy into a real-time workshop for improving how you connect with others. Instead of traditional, passive talk therapy, FA Therapy uses the here-and-now relationship between us (you and me) to bring out and reshape your work, relationship, and parenting patterns. By exploring and practicing new ways of relating directly in the therapy session, you receive immediate feedback and encouragement, helping you replace unhelpful habits with authentic, effective ways of expressing yourself. It’s like having a safe “lab” to experiment with building the connections you want so you can carry these changes confidently into all your relationships. Functional Analytic Therapy is an engaging, efficient approach for anyone eager to move beyond old patterns and create more authentic, rewarding relationships.

 

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