Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the first step to starting therapy?

Our work begins with a complimentary 15-minute virtual consultation. During this time, we’ll explore what brings you to therapy, your previous experiences (if any), and your goals. I’ll also share more about my approach and answer any questions you may have.

→ Book your free consultation here.

What happens in the first session?

Your first session is a 50-minute intake assessment, where we review your completed intake forms, explore your personal history, and begin setting goals. This lays the foundation for our ongoing work together.

Therapy is an investment of your time, energy, and financial resources and one that I believe can support deep, meaningful change.

My current rates are:

• $250 per 50-minute session for individual therapy
• $350 per 50-minute session for couples therapy

Sessions are typically scheduled weekly or every other week, depending on your goals, needs, and what feels most supportive for your process.

Flexible payment options:
I accept HSA/FSA cards and offer a limited number of sliding scale spots for weekly sessions based on financial need. Please reach out if you’d like to explore whether a sliding scale option is available.

While completing my CBT-I Certification (CBT-I-C) through the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine, I’m offering a few reduced-rate CBT-I spots ($150/session) as part of my supervised clinical experience requirement for CBT-I Therapy. 

These spots are limited and available to adults seeking help for insomnia or sleep difficulties.

You can learn more here: CBT-I for Insomnia.

Do you take insurance?

I’m considered an out-of-network provider, which means I don’t bill insurance directly. However, many of my clients use their out-of-network (OON) benefits to get partial reimbursement from their insurance company.

Here’s how it works:

1. You pay for sessions out of pocket.
2. Each month, a superbill (special receipt with the necessary insurance codes) is automatically generated in your client portal.
3. You submit this superbill to your insurance company.
4. If your plan includes OON mental health benefits, they may send you a reimbursement check.

A superbill looks like an invoice but includes the medical codes your insurance needs. Common CPT codes I use include 90791 (Initial Intake) and 90837 (50-minute therapy session).

Tip: Call your insurance company in advance and ask whether your plan covers out-of-network psychotherapy. They may ask about CPT codes or session type.

Use this Quick Guide to navigate your OON benefits →

Why Don’t You Take Insurance?

Insurance companies typically reimburse therapists around $90 per session, which breaks down to about $20/hour once you factor in unpaid administrative time, documentation, and clinical preparation. That rate simply isn’t sustainable for the quality of care I strive to provide.

Additionally:

• Insurance companies don’t guarantee payment, even after services are rendered.
• They often require a mental health diagnosis to justify treatment.
• They can limit your care by deciding how many sessions you “need.”

By remaining private pay, I can focus fully on you, not on insurance restrictions. I’m able to provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and holistic therapy without compromising care.

I know this places the upfront cost on you, and I deeply respect the investment you’re making in your growth. My goal is to keep my rates fair, accessible, and reflective of the value I offer.

What if I can’t find an in-network therapist?
If you’re unable to find a culturally competent therapist in-network who has availability, you may be eligible to request an out-of-network exception (sometimes called a network gap exception or single case agreement).

This process allows your insurance company to cover our sessions at in-network rates, meaning you’d pay only your copay or coinsurance. While it requires some follow-through, I can support you by completing any required documentation and guiding you through the process.

Reimbursify is a simple app that helps you submit out-of-network claims directly from your phone. Many clients find it saves time and makes the reimbursement process much easier.

Your session time is reserved just for you. I ask for at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Sessions canceled with less than 48 hours’ notice are charged the full session fee. In the case of illness or emergencies, I’ll do my best to offer a makeup session that same week.

I intentionally maintain a small caseload to provide each client with deep, personalized care. Outside of our time together, I prepare thoughtfully for sessions, reflect on our work, gather resources, and continue advanced training to better support your growth.

You are not just booking a session, you’re entering a collaborative, intentional space. I take that commitment seriously, and I invite you to do the same.

Do you offer online therapy?

Yes! I offer secure, HIPAA-compliant virtual therapy to clients located in California and Illinois using SimplePractice. I occasionally use Zoom as a backup if needed.

Do you offer in-person sessions?

Yes. In-person therapy is available by appointment only at my Ventura, CA office:

5450 Telegraph Rd., Suite 266, Ventura, CA 93003

(Free parking is available on-site.)

Can I work with you if I don’t live in CA or IL?

Due to licensing laws, I can only provide therapy to individuals physically located in California or Illinois at the time of each session.

How often do I attend therapy?

Most clients start with weekly 50-minute sessions to build consistency and momentum. We’ll collaborate on a treatment plan that fits your needs and goals after the intake session.

→ Learn more about the therapy process.

What types of therapy do you provide?

I specialize in:

• Mindfulness-based psychotherapy
• Culturally sensitive therapy for South Asian professionals
• Anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and burnout
• Somatic, integrative mind-body approaches rooted in yoga psychology

Do you work with South Asian clients?

Yes. As a first-generation South Asian therapist, I specialize in helping Indian, Desi, and South Asian professionals navigate the intersection of mental health, cultural identity, and intergenerational expectations.

→ Explore culturally sensitive therapy.

I’m not South Asian. Can I still work with you?

Absolutely. While I specialize in South Asian mental health, my work is inclusive and trauma-informed. If you’re drawn to mindfulness, holistic healing, or identity exploration, we may be a great fit.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for services if you’re not using insurance. This estimate outlines the expected cost of your care and your rights under the No Surprises Act.

→ Learn more about your rights here.