Rates & Frequently Asked Questions
Transparent fees, out-of-network coverage options, and practical details about beginning therapy with us.
Therapy Fees & Investment
Investing in therapy is an investment in your long-term emotional well-being, authentic identity, and relational healing. While Calming Tides Therapy is transitioning to a private pay practice model, transparent fee structures ensure you know your financial commitments upfront.
All sessions are conducted via secure, HIPAA/PIPEDA-compliant teletherapy across California, Florida, and Ontario.
Initial Consultation: Complimentary / 15-minutes
Individual Therapy: $160 / 50-minute session
Couples & Relationship Therapy: $200 / 50-minute session
Reduced Rates & Sliding Scale Options
We are committed to keeping specialized, affirmative care accessible within marginalized and vulnerable communities. A limited number of reduced-rate and sliding-scale slots are available based on financial need. If our standard out-of-pocket rate presents a barrier to your care, please don't hesitate to ask about availability during your free consultation call.
Insurance & Out-of-Network Policy
Please note: Calming Tides Therapy is currently not accepting new insurance clients.
My practice operates primarily on a private pay basis. However, if you have an insurance plan with Out-of-Network (OON) benefits (commonly PPO plans), your provider may reimburse you for a significant portion of your session fees (often 50% to 80% after your deductible is met).
How to Use Out-of-Network Benefits
Receive a Monthly Superbill: At the end of each month, I provide a detailed statement called a Superbill containing all required diagnostic and billing codes.
Submit to Your Provider: You can submit this Superbill directly to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
Automated Submission Option: Services like Thrizer and Mentaya can automatically check your OON benefits and handle Superbill claims on your behalf for a small fee.
Notice of Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate
Under the No Surprises Act, health care providers are required to give patients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected bill for medical items and services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy.
You will receive a written Good Faith Estimate prior to starting therapy.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit cms.gov/nosurprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Licensing and cross-border teletherapy.
I am licensed to provide teletherapy to residents physically located in California, Florida, and Ontario (Canada) at the time of the session. Online therapy takes place through a secure, confidential video platform. You only need a private space, a reliable internet connection, and a desktop, tablet, or smartphone.
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48-Hour Notice Requirement.
Your session time is reserved exclusively for you. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 48 hours' advanced notice. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice, or missed appointments without notice, will incur the full session fee.
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Financial accessibility options.
A limited number of reduced-rate or sliding scale spots are reserved for clients experiencing financial hardship, with priority given to LGBTQ+ individuals, students, and community members facing structural inequities. If current session fees are out of reach, please inquire about sliding scale availability during your initial consultation.
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Why Calming Tides Therapy operates on a private pay model.
Transitioning to a private pay structure allows me to provide the highest quality, most individualized care without the restrictions often imposed by health insurance companies. Operating as an out-of-network provider protects your privacy and therapeutic autonomy in several key ways:
Strict Confidentiality: Insurance companies require diagnostic codes and often demand access to your clinical notes or treatment details to justify care. Private pay ensures your personal information stays entirely confidential between you and your therapist.
No Mandatory Mental Health Diagnosis: Insurance plans typically only cover therapy if you receive a formal psychiatric diagnosis that remains on your permanent medical record. Private pay allows us to focus on personal growth, life transitions, or relationship dynamics without requiring a medical label.
Customized Care & Duration: Insurance companies frequently dictate how many sessions you are allowed to have, how long sessions can last, or which therapeutic modalities can be used. Private pay allows us to tailor the length, frequency, and pace of our work strictly based on your individual needs.
If you have out-of-network benefits (such as a PPO plan), I am happy to provide monthly Superbills or work with services like Mentaya to help you seek reimbursement directly from your insurer.
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Free consultation phone call.
The complimentary 15-minute call is a low-pressure opportunity to discuss what brings you to therapy, ask questions about my approach, and determine if my practice is the right clinical fit for your goals. If we decide to move forward, we will schedule your intake assessment.
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Next steps to begin.
Getting started is simple. Click the button below to fill out the contact form or schedule your complimentary 15-minute consultation. I typically respond to all new client inquiries within 24 to 48 business hours.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Reaching out is often the hardest part of the journey. Schedule a free, no-pressure 15-minute consultation with us today to discuss your goals, talk through pricing or insurance options, and see if our practice is the right fit for you.