CBT is a form of talk-therapy where we uncover your negative thoughts and reframe them. Why do we do this? We know that negative thoughts directly impact our feelings and behaviors. So, if we can reframe your negative thoughts into more realistic, balanced thoughts, your feelings and behaviors will naturally improve. In my practice, I also use techniques from supportive- and interpersonal- (relationship-focused) therapies.

Therapy can give you support, validation, coping skills, and strategies to change your perspective and behaviors. It can also give you greater peace of mind and the ability to tolerate difficult feelings and situations. Therapy is a safe place where you will feel heard, accepted, and understood, which can be a powerful experience.

Many people feel nervous before their first appointment. This is normal. Therapy can feel challenging and may make you feel a bit worse before you start to feel better. This is because we will be talking about hard things – and hard things stink! Therapy cannot change other people or external circumstances.

Many patients like to create specific goals to work toward, which will provide us with a framework with which to measure results. Other patients are less goal-focused and are seeking supportive therapy and a place to process emotions. We can decide together what you are hoping to get out of therapy and design our sessions accordingly. Generally speaking, the more you put into therapy, the more you’ll get out of it.

The initial 1-2 sessions are a time for you to share & unburden your story and talk about your goals. It is also a time for deciding if we are a good fit. Do I seem like someone you can trust? Do you feel increasingly more comfortable talking to me? I will also do a careful evaluation of the symptoms you are experiencing to rule in/rule out any mental health diagnoses. If you have a clinical diagnosis, I will share this information with you and we will create a treatment plan for managing/treating these symptoms.

My practice is private pay, meaning that patients pay me directly via check or Venmo (@alicia-duzman). I do not take medical insurance. My current session fee is $240 for each 50-minute session. Payment is due at the time of service. If you have a PPO plan, I can provide you with a receipt for you to submit an out-of-network claim to your health insurance carrier for partial reimbursement (Note: reimbursement rates vary, depending on your coverage/plan).

At times, I am asked to complete additional paperwork or write a letter on behalf of my patients. In this instance, the fee for such services will be based on an agreed-upon pro-rated fee, based upon my hourly rate.

All counseling sessions are conducted via telehealth. Established patients can also hold some sessions by telephone, if needed. There are many benefits to online therapy (convenient, effective) and works best for those who: have mild-to-moderate symptoms, are comfortable using basic technology, and have a private place to conduct our sessions.

As a Licensed Psychologist in California, I provide therapy for teens, adults, and couples who live in California. My expertise is in treating anxiety, depression, breakups, grief & loss, and maternal mental health (depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum, infertility, pregnancy or infant loss, and adjustment to motherhood). I don’t provide counseling for children under 13.

To begin, we will meet once a week. It’s important to gain momentum in the beginning by meeting weekly, or progress can stall. Meeting less often will make sense once you are stable and/or making strides in your therapy goals. We typically schedule future appointments during our sessions, or via text. My sessions take place M-F during normal business hours.

I realize that life happens – to all of us. On occasion, I may have a medical emergency with a patient and may have to cancel our appointment. This is a rare occurrence and I will do my best to give you as much advanced notice as possible. If you need to change or cancel an appointment, I ask that you provide me with a minimum of 24-hour’s advanced notice. Appointments cancelled under 24-hours will be charged the full session fee, unless you are having a true medical emergency.

In general, communication between you and I are confidential, which means they are private and stay between you, the patient, and myself, the psychologist. There are exceptions to this rule, created to keep you and others safe. In these instances, I may be mandated to break our confidentiality agreement and file a safety report, notify a loved one, or enlist help from the police. These exceptions are extremely rare and you would be the first to know should I have to break confidentiality.

Exceptions to Confidentiality:

If I suspect elderly abuse, abuse of a dependent adult, or child abuse.

If a patient threatens harm to another individual or property.

If a patient threatens self-harm or has the intention to take his/her own life.

If a patient is involved in a lawsuit and I receive a court order from a judge.

If you have an outstanding balance and I utilize collections to pursue past-due fees.

No. I am not a medical doctor (Psychiatrist). Many of my patients find medication helpful, but many of them also progress well in therapy without medication. If you want to be evaluated for psychiatric medication, contact your primary care physician or a psychiatrist. I can provide you referrals to both. If you are already taking medication, I can coordinate care with your doctor.