Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Telehealth Only
Welcome
When you are the best version of yourself, your relationships flourish, your self-image is healthy, and your life can move beyond your current status.
In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, Monica offers a highly personalized approach tailored to each individual needs to help them attain the personal growth they are striving for.
About Monica
Monica’s private practice is located in San Luis Obispo, CA. She brings a diverse background to the central coast and specializes in treating anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and trauma. Monica also has a particular interest in supporting women’s mental health issues related to family planning, baby ambivalence, difficulty conceiving and infertility, involuntary childlessness (childless not by choice, childless by circumstance), role transitions as well as how to flourish in peri/post menopause. She holds a BA in Human Communication from Arizona State University and a MA in Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute. Her training was exclusively in Los Angeles proper and early in her career she collaborated with the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services, probation departments, and intimate partner violence clinics/shelters. Before becoming a licensed therapist, Monica worked for ten years at multiple investment management companies in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Proud professional member of Resolve The National Infertility Association, Mental Health Professional Group of ASRM, American Society of Reproductive Medicine, and California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist.
Areas of Interest
Depression & Anxiety
Overcoming and understanding depression. Exploring and managing skills to cope with anxiety and stress.
Improving Relationships
Deepening intimacy with family members. Facilitating growth in blended families. Identifying and challenging habitual patterns.
Self Awareness
Striving towards stepping into life’s uncertainties confidently. Cultivating acceptance and thriving when hormones are changing and/or declining.
Life’s Challenges & Changes
Managing the emotional aspects of an infertility diagnosis and its treatment. Exploring the possibility of involuntary childlessness.
Coping with trauma, grief, and loss.
What to Expect
Consultation
Monica understands that it can sometimes be difficult to seek outside support. A good working relationship is crucial to successful counseling. The first step is to have a online consultation so she may learn the reasons for seeking therapy. She will also discuss payment options and answer any questions. Request consultation at Alma
Initial Appointment
Next, you and Monica will set up a time for an intake appointment. This appointment will be one hour in order to discuss your concerns, history, and goals. Monica will also inform you of her office policies as well as confidentiality and boundaries in the therapeutic relationship.
Frequency & Duration
Sessions typically last between 45 to 55 minutes. The frequency and duration will depend largely on your needs, primary treatment goals, and progress. Many concerns are readily resolved with short-term therapy, and other chronic or more complex concerns require a long-term commitment before improvement is realized.
Rates and Insurance Information
What if my PPO is out of network?
Session Fee:
$175/60 minute
$150/45 minute
Some PPO insurance plans allow clients to choose an out-of-network provider for mental health services. In these cases, a monthly invoice is provided that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
What are my payment options?
For out-of-pocket and co-payments cash, check, and all major credit cards are accepted. You may also pay for mental health services with your flexible spending account (FSA) or your health savings account (HSA), to offset out-of-pocket expenses. Please verify with your individual plan. It is customary to pay for sessions at the time of service.
When are sessions scheduled?
Monday: 10am-5pm
Tuesday: 10am-5pm
Wednesday: No sessions
Thursday: 10am-5pm
Friday: 10am-3pm
Last session starts at 3pm & 5pm.
Update regarding sessions with Monica
Monica now offers telehealth sessions exclusively for adults residing in California and Florida. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in California and a Registered Out-of-State Telehealth Provider for Florida. Sessions are conducted via Google Meet and Zoom for Healthcare, both of which are HIPAA-compliant, ensuring the privacy of your sessions and the confidentiality of your personal health information. Monica is currently based in the Pacific Time Zone.
Contact Monica for a new client screening request
Good Faith Estimate Notice
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. 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.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 985-3059.