New Clients & Therapy Fees

New Clients & Therapy Fees

New Clients & Therapy Investment

Everything you need to know before reaching out.

Online therapy in California, Illinois & New York — In-person in Ventura, CA

Starting therapy is a big step, especially if you’re someone who’s used to handling everything on your own.

This page walks you through how I work, what sessions cost, and what to expect so you can decide, without pressure, whether this feels like the right fit.

Session Fees

Individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes at $225.

Weekly sessions are standard — consistency is what allows the deeper work to happen. We can talk about frequency during our consultation and adjust over time based on what the work calls for.

Payment is due at the time of service. I accept credit cards, debit cards, HSA, and FSA cards.

Insurance & Reimbursement

I don’t accept insurance in the traditional sense, but I’m not a purely out-of-pocket practice either.

For clients with insurance plans through Cigna, Anthem, Aetna, United, or Blue Cross Blue Shield, an out-of-network exception may allow your insurance to cover a significant portion of sessions. When that exception is approved, I handle the billing directly so you don’t have to. In most cases, you pay your copay or coinsurance and your insurer covers the rest.

For South Asian clients specifically, out-of-network exceptions are often approvable on the basis that culturally responsive care isn’t reasonably available within your network. I can provide the documentation to support that request.

If an exception isn’t available or applicable, I provide monthly superbills you can submit to your PPO insurance company for potential reimbursement. HSA and FSA cards are also accepted. You can use Thrizer to check your out-of-network benefits before we begin.

We can figure out what applies to your plan during the consultation.

Is This a Good Fit?

My practice tends to work well for people who:

  • Are high-functioning on the outside and quietly overwhelmed on the inside
  • Have a mind that rarely slows down, even when everything looks fine
  • Have tried talking about it and are ready for something that goes deeper
  • Want to understand the patterns underneath — not just manage the symptoms
  • Are looking for therapy that understands their cultural context without needing it explained

If you’re not sure, that’s exactly what the consultation is for.

What to Expect

Step 1 — Free 15-Minute Consultation We start with a complimentary video call to get a sense of what you’re navigating, answer any questions, and see if working together feels right. No pressure, no commitment.

Book Your Consultation →

Step 2 — First Session Our first session focuses on understanding your goals, your current experience, and what feels most important to work on. This is where we begin to map the territory together.

Ongoing Work Sessions are typically weekly. Over time we’ll adjust frequency based on your needs and what the work calls for. My approach integrates mindfulness, nervous system regulation, IFS-informed therapy, and culturally responsive care, we work on what’s actually generating the anxiety, not just how to manage it.

Cancellation Policy

A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule. Sessions canceled with less than 48 hours’ notice are charged the full session fee. If something comes up, please reach out as soon as you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can insurance help cover the cost?

More than most people expect. If you have an insurance plan through Cigna, Anthem, Aetna, United, or BCBS, there’s a real chance your insurance can cover a meaningful portion of sessions through out-of-network benefits or an out-of-network exception, and I handle the billing when that goes through, so the administrative burden doesn’t fall on you. For clients where an exception isn’t available, I provide monthly superbills for self-submission. The fastest way to find out what applies to your plan is to use Thrizer or call the member services number on your card and ask about out-of-network mental health benefits.

Are you currently accepting new clients?

Yes, I’m currently accepting new clients online in California, Illinois, and New York, and in person in Ventura, CA.

How often do we meet?

Weekly sessions are standard. Consistency is what allows deeper work to happen. We can discuss frequency during the consultation and adjust over time based on your needs.

How long does therapy last?

It depends on what you’re working on. Some clients come for a focused 3–6 month period. Others find ongoing support valuable for a year or more. There’s no pressure to commit to a timeline upfront — we talk about this openly as we go.

What if I’m not sure we’re a good fit?

That’s exactly what the consultation is for. No commitment, no pressure, just a real conversation. If I’m not the right fit for what you’re looking for, I’ll do my best to point you toward someone who is.

What’s different about your approach compared to regular talk therapy?

Most of my clients have tried therapy before. What’s different here is the depth, we’re not just processing what happened this week. We’re working on the underlying patterns: the perfectionism, the people-pleasing, the nervous system that never fully settles. That’s where lasting change actually happens.

Do you work with South Asian clients specifically?

Yes, it’s one of my primary specialties. You won’t need to explain your cultural context. We can skip the backstory and get straight to the work. Learn more about South Asian therapy →

Do you offer online therapy outside California?

Yes. I offer telehealth sessions throughout California, Illinois, and New York. For clients outside these states, I offer coaching and mindfulness mentoring focused on personal growth and self-compassion.

Ready to Start?

You don’t have to have it figured out to start. You just have to take one step.

I offer a free 15-minute consultation, no commitment, no pressure. Just a real conversation to see if this is the right fit.

Online in California, Illinois & New York · In-person in Ventura, CA

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Arati Patel South Asian Focused Therapy

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