A common question I often get as a psychologist is... what's the difference between a clinical psychologist, a social worker, a licensed marriage and family therapist, life coach, etc.?
Psychology Today has a great summary of this, but in short, "therapists" and coaches can come from a range of education and background, from as little as a year to 5+ years of graduate and post-graduate level training.
As a clinical psychologist, I have my bachelor's, master's, and doctorate in psychology, and completed two additional years of training after I got my PhD and before I became a licensed clinical psychologist. Some of this timeline may vary from doctor to doctor, but in general, a doctorate level psychologist (PhD or PsyD) will be someone who has spent a very long time honing their skills as therapists.
It's also important to know that states regulate the usage of specific titles to various degrees, and that "life coaching" is a pretty loose term with mostly limited oversight. Whether you choose to work with a life coach or a licensed therapist, please make sure you research their education, training, and experience fully before entrusting anyone with your time, money, and personal story.
Psychologists are trained in different "therapeutic orientations." Some orientations are called evidence-based, meaning that they have been rigorously tested in research and found to be effective and with long-lasting benefits (with minimal side effects!). There continues to be debate within the community how much evidence is exactly good evidence, what is the right way to get evidence, and how this impact the field's understanding of older schools of therapy (like Freudian/Psychoanalysis/Psychodynamic thearpy), but the general consensus that therapies that use a cognitive-behavioral model of the mind are the ones that are often found to be effective.
A psychologist should work with you to not only give you support, empathy, and validation, but that they would actively help you to "think about your thinking" (meta-cognition) and develop SMART (specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, time-limited) goals for behavioral changes in your life to gently and progressively work towards better mental wellness. I am a psychologist who specializes in evidence-based treatments, and you can learn more about me here.
For more information about all the different types of therapy, check out this article from Psychology Today.
If you've decided to look for a psychologist, congratulations on taking a step towards your health. I think psychologists are some of the best therapists on earth because of their robust training experience and education (yes, I know I'm biased)!
No matter what orientation, background or training a psychologist possess, you should feel empowered to look for someone who is a good "fit." This doesn't mean that the psychologist agrees with you all the time or never challenges the way you think. Actually, there may be times when you get a little annoyed at your therapist. Growth can be challenging and frustrating, and also wonderful and fun at the same time. Regardless, you should not be feeling bad or dreading talking to your psychologist all the time. If that happens, you have a right to bring this up with your therapist for a resolution.
So if "fit" is not about the client feeling happy and fun all the time in therapy, then what is it? "Fit" is more about whether you feel comfortable with your psychologist, whether you understand what they're saying (or that they can effectively explain it to you if you don't), and whether you feel an authentic connection. Your psychologist should be genuine, fully present, and engaged with you. Yes, psychologists are human beings too and may have "off" days - but there should not be a pattern in which it ends up making you as the client wonder whether your therapist is really listening. If you have given it a good amount of sessions, and something still feels off, you should feel comfortable bringing that up to your therapist for mutual discussion.
As the client, you always have a right to ask your therapist for clarification, ask to review your sessions so far, and to ask for a referral to a new therapist if the current relationship is not helpful for your mental well-being.
When a psychologist is board-certified, it means they have earned a credential from a recognized professional board, such as the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). This certification is earned through a rigorous application process, submission of work samples (including recordings of therapy sessions with clients' consent), and an oral examination with ethics exam. This certification signifies:
Advanced Expertise – They have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and competence in their specialty area.
Rigorous Evaluation – They have passed a comprehensive examination process, including peer review and case evaluations.
Commitment to Excellence – They adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards in psychology.
Continued Professional Development – They engage in ongoing education to stay at the forefront of the field.
Board certification is voluntary but serves as a mark of distinction, showing that the psychologist has met the highest standards in their area of practice. And yes, I am board certified!
Here are my current fees as of 2025:
$150- 45 minute individual psychotherapy or coaching (typical duration of a 'round' of therapy can be anywhere between 8-12 sessions, with additional sessions after mutual discussion of therapy goals and impact)
$180 - 45 minute pre-marital counseling (typical length is 6 sessions)
A discounted rate is available for current undergraduate or graduate students with proof of enrollment.
I take payment via cash, Venmo, or Paypal only.
For all other inquiries, please contact me directly to inquire.
I am an out-of-pocket provider, which means I am not in-network with any insurance companies. It is the client's responsibility to check with their insurance provider for any potential reimbursement. I am happy to provide any documentation needed at your request.
Payment is collected up front at the beginning of each session. I also have no-show and cancellation policies which are reviewed with all prospective clients. I am fully committed to all my clients, and I expect the same from my clients in return.
"Third spaces" are community areas that are not part of someone's home and not a workplace. Cafes, restaurants, parks, community centers, green spaces, libraries, and malls are examples of third spaces. There is growing data that shows that these spaces creates atmospheres that feel more organic and can be more comfortable for some people rather than an enclosed clinic room. Many clients actually prefer a more organic environment than an enclosed room. I offer clients the opportunity to meet with me at these places if it makes them feel less "on guard" and more comfortable to be in an environment with which they are familiar. In particular, I love green spaces and there are more psychologists doing "walking therapy" (walk and talk) with their clients than ever before. I find that my work with my clients is often enhanced when we integrate our conversations in the same spaces where they live, work, and play.
The exact location and nature of this type of session must be discussed ahead of time so I can make sure it is an appropriate space for the topics we will be discussing. Also, clients will be required to sign an acknowledgement/consent recognizing limitations to meeting in public spaces - mostly in the context of privacy and confidentiality.
I reserve the right to terminate any existing arrangements and request my clients to transition back to more traditional venues of therapy (virtual or in private office) if I feel this arrangement is ultimately not beneficial for our wellness goals.
It's just like face-to-face sessions, except we will be meeting in separate private spaces of our own choosing. This is often a preferred choice by clients who has tight schedules which make it hard for them to commute to another physical location. It can also save money in terms of travel and gas costs. Finally, virtual sessions can be a good option for those who have a space that gives them a sense of safety, and allows them to be authentic and open. At the beginning of virtual sessions, I always ask a set of questions to confirm the client's location and safety before proceeding.
I find it fun to get to know people. It is a privilege for me that people trust me with their thoughts and feelings, and rely on me to provide them a new perspective. This is not a responsibility I take lightly. My goal is to help all my clients live joyful lives, with joy being a state of mind rather than a fleeting emotion (like happiness). I always work to make sure my clients, no matter what life brings them, can always look around them and feel that they are meant to be on this earth, in this moment, and that there is nothing more real than that.
I love my pets (2 dogs and a cat), and I love traveling with my husband. I also love Star Wars, reading, and watching funny/meme videos on YouTube/Instagram.