Frequently Asked Questions
It's very common to feel anxious or uncertain about starting a therapy or consulting relationship. Here I address the questions that come to me most often. If you have a question that I don't answer here, please reach out individually.
1
How long will we be in therapy?
Child and family treatment timelines can range from 1 month to 1+ years, depending on the crisis, goal, and phase of treatment. To initiate the treatment process, I will ask you to fill out a confidential intake assessment to inform our first meeting, and during the first meeting we will discuss expectations, goals, and potential timelines. I never recommend more therapy than I think is necessary; the best compliment I can receive is that you don't need me anymore!
2
Do you only see children who are in crisis?
Nope! While I do specialize in high-acuity mental health symptoms and crises, I also have extensive experience seeing kids who are not in crisis but have needs surrounding topics like anxiety, depression, Autism, social skill concerns, and family conflict. To see if I could be a good fit, schedule a free consult with no pressure to start services; if I am not a good fit for your family's needs, I will be very honest about that and do my best to provide a referral to someone else who might be.
3
What age of kids do you see?
The age range I specialize in is ages 6 and up, through college and young adult years. I typically don't see kids ages 0-5, only because early childhood development is its own specialty that is not my area of expertise. However, if you are a parent who would like parental and family support for your family as a unit and have kids younger than age 6, you can schedule a free consult with me to see if I might be a fit.
2
Is therapy in-person or by video?
I am currently providing in-person therapy in my Lafayette office, as well as telehealth via Zoom to anyone residing in California or Nevada. In-person services require proof of vaccination and abiding by the office's COVID protocols. For any further questions or to see which option may be a good scheduling fit, please get in touch directly.
3
Do you take insurance?
I do not take insurance, but I can provide you a superbill for potential insurance reimbursement after you pay me directly.
4
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
As of January 1, 2022, all healthcare providers are required to provide estimates for the cost of your care. The Good Faith Estimate shows the cost of services that are reasonably expected for your healthcare needs and treatment. This will be provided by your therapist upon initial scheduling or as requested. The Good Faith Estimate does not include unexpected costs that could arise during treatment. For individualized questions, please contact me directly.
Testimonial
"I have found Ali to be responsive and resourceful, empathetic and thoughtful in all of my work with her. She has extensive professional experience to understand our current system and the personal drive and integrity to continually strive to provide the highest level of service. She is able to speak authentically and articulately about complex issues around mental health, and understands nuances on the systemic and personal level."
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- Lee Davis, Chair of the Alameda County Mental Health Advisory Board