The answer to that question lies within you! Studies show the therapeutic alliance between clinician/client is the biggest indicator of the effectiveness of therapy. Moreover, given the vulnerability involved in therapy, you deserve a therapist worthy of your trust (and financial investment.)

Before working together, I invite you to consider whether you have a preference regarding the therapist's gender, age, intersectional social location, lived experiences, specific skills, or therapeutic style. Also, think about what areas you wish to explore and what qualities in a person/relationship make you feel comfortable.

Throughout our early sessions and the course of therapy, I encourage you to pay close attention to your feelings about the therapy process and bring them up with me. Your feedback is highly valued, and I welcome it wholeheartedly.

If it turns out that I am not the best fit for you, I am more than willing to help you connect with another clinician from my extensive network of trusted colleagues who may be better suited to your needs.

Remember, you are never obligated to stay in a relationship that doesn't feel right for you. It is important to be selective about who you choose to work with, as therapy is for you and about you. 

Book a 15-min free initial consultation call here. You may want to share your goals and your preferences, sort out logistics, get a sense of our "vibe," and discuss how I can be there to support you.

All services are exclusively delivered virtually now, using encrypted HIPPA-compliant video platforms. 

• Psychotherapy services are available to clients located in California. 

• Coaching services are available for clients in any location.

Many of my clients enjoy the ease and comfort of having sessions on their cozy couches, and the flexibility and accessibility to make therapy/coaching possible in their already packed life. It is particularly beneficial for folx with difficulty finding a specialized therapist who aligns with their needs and preferences in their local areas. Studies show that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health issues treatment. 

If this would be your first online therapy/coaching session, I am happy to share guidelines and prepare you properly. 

Worrying about a technical glitch? As a therapist who started offering virtual services years before the pandemic, I have ample experience in troubleshooting and a robust backup plan including access to multiple secured alternative platforms.

My clinical hours are usually 9 am to 4 pm (Pacific Time) Monday through Thursday. (Check out the timezone converter here if needed.) Feel free to inquire if you need accommodation.

I provide therapy in English and Mandarin Chinese. Feel free to speak either or both so you feel most comfortable.

My standard rate: 

• ranges from $235 to $275 for a 50-minute individual session - with $255 being the medium.

• ranges from $265 to $295 for a 50-minute relationship session (dyad only) - with $280 being the medium.

Based on your circumstances, you have the flexibility to choose an amount within these ranges. Consider opting for the lower end ($235 ~ $255 for individuals/$265 ~ $280 for relationships) if you have low income and have no access to a "financial safety net" from savings, family, or friends. Consider opting for the higher end ($255 ~ $275 for individuals /$280 ~ $295 for relationships) if you’re economically advantaged (have disposable income, can afford an annual vacation, own property / rent a higher-end property, have investments, expect some sort of inheritance, etc.) Opting for the higher end of the standard fee range contributes to supporting my work with those facing financial constraints – thank you.

Extended sessions (70 minutes) or sessions for triad and more are also available at a prorated fee, upon request. 

If you're a queer activist of color or a queer student of color experiencing financial hardship, please contact me for reduced fee options. Such spots tend to fill up quickly, so please note I may not be able to accommodate every request. 

All my reduced-fee spots are currently full. 

For therapy clients: 

I am considered a private-pay or out-of-network provider, which means you would pay out of pocket after each session. This allows me to provide higher-quality and more personalized care without the influence of insurance-related rules and constraints. The choice of whether to seek insurance reimbursement is entirely yours. If you opt for private-pay service, that usually allows increased privacy and more room for creativity and flexibility in approaches applied when we work towards your goals. 

For folx who'd like to file for out-of-network reimbursement, I will gladly provide monthly receipts (superbills). It is advised that you find out your insurance policy in advance. Please note that superbills include the diagnostic code. Please do inform me at the beginning of our work if superbills are requested. One tool that some of my clients have found helpful in filing for out-of-network reimbursement is a service called Reimbursify. (Please note that I am neither partnered with nor sponsored by it. )

For coaching clients: 

Coaching is usually not a reimbursable service. It would be a private-pay service. 

Please notify us at least 48 hours in advance. Otherwise, the full fee of the session will be billed.

The truth is, there have been numerous occasions when I got moved to tears by the profound vulnerability and breakthroughs experienced by my clients. When they recognize the growth they once believed impossible at the beginning of the journey, that can be incredibly emotional for me. 

Sometimes laughter finds its way into our sessions too, bringing moments of joy. Sometimes silence holds its own power, allowing for reflection, introspection, and honoring the depth of the present moment. I will always honor and respect your unique journey, even in the quietest moments.

You do not need any diagnosis to receive therapy. Many people utilize therapy for personal growth and self-discovery.

Even when you come with certain diagnosis, you are not your diagnosis. You are a human being with a rich inner world, which I am humbled and honored to explore with you.

Sometimes it takes a village to facilitate holistic healing. I am the kind of therapist who values interdisciplinary collaboration if needed to deliver quality care. I have experience comfortably collaborating with MDs, psychiatrists, neurologists, pelvic floor physical doctors, registered dietitians, etc. With your authorization, I would communicate with them as appropriate. I could also help you connect with some as needed. 

Sometimes you don't need more support than our sessions, and that's okay too.

Absolutely. While my work focuses on centering and supporting communities and folx with marginalized identities, I believe every human can benefit from an affirming, trauma-informed, and social justice-oriented perspective on identity and relationships. My clients hold diverse identities, and we address a wide range of topics in our work. 

Yes! Especially for healthcare professionals/healers of marginalized identites. Feel free to reach out for more details.

While my primary passion stays with therapy work, I love topics on Asian mental health, queer wellbeing, challenging diet culture, and women empowerment. Feel free to reach out for more details.

Click here to sign in. There you can check documents, upload confidential files or send secured messages to your therapist.

I provide clear and upfront information about my fees, ensuring you have a transparent understanding of the financial commitment involved in pursuing and participating in ongoing treatment.

Therapy clients who don’t have insurance or are not using insurance have the right to receive a good faith estimate of the expected cost of your health care, including psychotherapy services. Clients have the right to receive a written good faith estimate when scheduling a service or upon request. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. This currently does not include clients who are seeking reimbursements from a health insurance plan for out-of-network benefits. 

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises

We are not a crisis response clinic. If you need crisis support, I recommend that you first get in touch with the people you love and trust, and be with them in person, if possible. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please contact 911 or go to your nearest hospital's emergency department. You may call or text to 988, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline for crisis support 24/7.