“And then the day came, when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
— Anais Nin
Before Your First Session
When we meet for the first time, I will ask you to complete some standard forms. Some of these will help me to help you, and some provide you information about my office polices and your rights under the law.
If you wish, you may download and complete these forms (see below) in advance and bring them to our first meeting.
Forms:
Services Offered
Individual therapy: $185 for a 50-minute session
Couples therapy: $265 for a 90-minute session
Insurance
I am not a contracted or ‘in-network’ provider for any insurance plans.
Policies
1. I offer psychotherapy sessions on an ongoing weekly basis, biweekly, or monthly basis. Payment is due at each session. I accept cash, checks, and major credit and debit cards.
2. All regularly scheduled sessions are your financial responsibility. If you cannot attend a scheduled session, it is your responsibility to give me at least 24 hours’ advance notice. If you cannot give 24 hours’ notice, I will make reasonable efforts to reschedule your session during that same week, depending on my availability. If this is not possible, you will be charged for the missed session.
3. Either of us may end the therapy. I would like to offer emotional support in all phases of your therapy, including its ending. If you give me a few weeks’ notice before leaving, I can best help you leave well, with a sense of completion.
4. If at any time you feel that you are not getting what you want out of our sessions, please let me know so we can discuss your needs and adjust your treatment plan.
5. The information you disclose to me is generally confidential. I will only release information about our work together, including the fact that you are in therapy with me, with your written authorization or if required to do so by court order. There are some situations in which I am obligated to breach your confidentiality to protect you or others from harm. These include: (1) if I have information that indicates a child or elder or dependent adult is being abused; or (2) if a client makes serious threats of violence against another person, or when a client is dangerous to him/herself or the person or property of another.
Getting Started
Getting started is as easy as calling me at (310) 538-3512, or e-mailing me at apalikmft@earthlink.net, to arrange an initial phone conversation to discuss how I can be of assistance to you.
Good Faith Estimate Notice
Notice to clients and prospective clients:
Under the law, health care providers need to give clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.
You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service, or at any time during treatment.
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, or how to dispute a bill, see your Estimate, or visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.