Frequently Asked Questions

Where is your office located?

My office is located in downtown Pleasanton, California, near coffee shops, restaurants, parks, and the famous Meadowlark ice cream (which kids like to go to after session).

Here is our address:

4725 First Street
Suite 266
Pleasanton, CA 94566

Where do I park?

There is plenty of parking on either side of the building, including a charging station for electric cars in the back.

Is your office accessible?

The building is accessible with an elevator on the first floor.

What are your office hours?

Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Friday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

We are closed on weekends.

What is my investment and the length of the sessions?

All sessions (including your intake) last 45-50 minutes and cost $200.

For an additional fee, intensive sessions can be scheduled for 1.5 to 3.0 hours.

How do I pay?

I use my EHR to take payments by credit/debit/HSA card, which is secure and HIPAA compliant.

CareCredit is available for therapy intensives.

Do you accept insurance?

While I am phasing out insurance, I still accept Aetna and Anthem Blue Cross in California for now. I am generally a cash-pay, out-of-network (OON) provider. The No Surprise Act of 2022 mandates that if you are paying out of pocket for services, you are entitled to a good-faith estimate from your healthcare provider. I have partnered with Mentaya, and we can check your OON benefits.

I accept Spring Health and Modern Health EAP in California and Idaho.

Can you help me file my insurance?

We’ve partnered with Mentaya to help you save money if you’re using out-of-network mental health benefits through your insurance provider.

During your intake, I’ll help you verify your eligibility and OON benefits.

How do I make an appointment?

Appointments can be scheduled by clicking the tab “Schedule Consultation” on the website. You can also schedule an appointment by phone or email.

What is a free initial phone consultation?

The initial phone consultation is free and lasts 20 minutes. You can ask questions and see if we’re a good fit. This is a no-expectations consult where you can get to know more about the services available, share more about what you are looking for, and ask questions you may have.

Please click the “Schedule Consultation” tab to get started.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

If you have an emergency, please cancel within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment. A late fee of $50 is applied for any appointments canceled with less than 48 hours’ notice. Sessions can be canceled directly in your SimplePractice portal or by contacting your therapist directly.

We will try to reschedule appointments within the same week if possible.

If you are ill, you can keep your appointment by doing your session online. Please let your clinician know as soon as you can for a link.

What age range do you work with?

At Sierra Oak Counseling, I see children as young as birth, teens, individuals with developmental delays, and adults. I am trained in modalities geared toward treating a variety of populations. However, all people seeking mental health are part of a larger system: neighborhoods, churches, jobs, families, and we keep this perspective in our therapeutic work together.

Is there anyone you won’t see?

At this time, I am not working with couples, substance issues, domestic violence, severe depression, hoarding behaviors, or eating disorders.

Are you LGBTQIA-friendly?

Absolutely!

Does anyone cry in front of you?

Tears are welcomed. They can be a source of healing.

Are you a Christian counselor?

I am a Christian and identify as a Christian counselor. That does not mean you have to be a Christian. You come as you are. You are welcomed and supported all the same.

Is our work confidential?

In general, yes. However, I am a mandated reporter for children and elderly adults. State laws and my license require that I report neglect and abuse if disclosed.

How long have you been in practice?

I have been doing clinical work since 2015, and I’ve been licensed since 2023.

Are you licensed?

Yes, I am licensed. I take continued education courses monthly, quarterly, and yearly.

What is your professional background?

I have a PhD in counselor education and supervision with a master’s degree in special education.

I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), which means I’ve completed 3,000 hours of closely supervised experience after graduate school and passed both the California Law & Ethics Exam and the national clinical exam for professional counselors.

As an LPCC, I’m closely regulated by the California licensing board and must complete continuing education every two years.

I’m also a Certified Grief Educator with 25 years of teaching experience as an infant developmental specialist and special education teacher.

Do you prescribe medication?

Prescribing medication is outside of my scope of practice. Your primary care physician is the best person to consult regarding medication.

What apps make your life better?

One of my favorite apps is Insight. I also like Pinterest!

Cats or Dogs?

Dogs. I’m partial because I have a dog named Buddy, who is kind and good.

Cats are fun, too, though!