The first step is calling me at (415) 517-6617, so that we may set up an initial telephone consultation. The telephone consultation is always free of charge and serves as an ideal time for me to learn more about what may be prompting you or your child into therapy at this particular time. It is a time not only for me to learn more about what your needs are but also for you to begin the process of determining whether I may be the most suitable psychologist to meet your therapeutic needs. The telephone consultation will be somewhat brief and therefore I generally consider the first 2 – 4 in-person sessions a continuation of the assessment period. During this time, I will gather information about you or your child's current difficulties as well as a complete psychiatric and medical history. As well, you can spend some time getting to know me and asking questions, as needed, about our work together. Once I feel that I have enough information to formulate therapy recommendations, I will share those with you and we can then discuss whether I would be the best person to meet your needs.

If we mutually agree that this working relationship is a good fit, I generally schedule one fifty-minute psychotherapy session each week once therapy has been initiated. When indicated, more frequent sessions can certainly be scheduled. As well, I often suggest reducing the frequency of therapy sessions (e.g., bimonthly, monthly) toward the end of therapy as long as the client is comfortable with this arrangement.