Question 1

What ages do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I primarily work with pre-teens (11+), teens, college students, and young adults.

Question 2

What therapy approaches do you use?

Accepted Answer

I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (paxwelltherapy.com/cbt)to help clients manage anxiety and build effective coping tools. I also incorporate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) a(paxwelltherapy.com/EMDR)nd other approaches based on what best fits your goals and needs, including:

• Attachment-Based Therapy
 • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
 • Mindfulness-based techniques
 • Narrative Therapy
 • Person-Centered Therapy
 • Play Therapy (adjusted to the client’s age)
 • Relational Therapy
 • Strength-Based Therapy

You can learn more about each of these approaches and how they might support your growth on the  Approach (paxwelltherapy.com/approach)page.

Question 3

Do you offer in-person or online therapy?

Accepted Answer

I offer in-person sessions in Mission Viejo, CA as well as online sessions via Zoom.

I recommend that younger clients meet in person when possible to support engagement and connection.

Question 4

What can I expect in the first session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and begin building a comfortable, supportive space.

We’ll talk about what’s bringing you in, what you’re hoping to get out of therapy, and any goals or concerns you’d like to share. I’ll also answer any questions you might have about the therapy process and what working together can look like.

There’s no need to prepare anything ahead of time, just come as you are. It’s completely normal if you’re not sure where to start. My job is to help guide the conversation at a pace that feels right for you :)

Question 5

What’s the typical frequency for sessions?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, therapy is scheduled once a week at the start. Meeting weekly helps us build momentum, create a sense of consistency, and make meaningful progress toward your goals.

As you grow and your needs change, we can adjust the frequency of sessions — whether that’s shifting to every other week, monthly check-ins, or returning as needed for extra support.

Your therapy journey is personal, and we’ll collaborate together to find a pace that feels supportive and sustainable for you.

Question 6

How long does therapy usually last?

Accepted Answer

The length of therapy really depends on what you’re hoping to get out of it. Some people come in with a specific challenge they’d like support with and feel ready to wrap up after just a few months. Others choose to stay longer-term to deepen insight, build lasting tools, or have ongoing support as life evolves.
We’ll check in regularly about your goals and progress, and you’re always in the driver’s seat. Therapy can be short-term, long-term, or somewhere in between — we’ll tailor the pace and length to what feels most helpful for you.

Question 7

Is what I share in therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes — your privacy is deeply respected and protected by law. Everything you share in therapy is kept confidential, and I won’t disclose any information about you without your written consent.
That said, there are a few legal exceptions where I’m required to break confidentiality to protect your safety or the safety of others. These include situations involving:

• Immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else
 • Suspected abuse of a child, elder, or dependent adult
 • A court order requiring the release of records or testimony

Outside of these rare situations, what you share in therapy stays between us. If you have questions about confidentiality or how it works, I’m always happy to talk it through with you.

Question 8

Why see a therapist instead of just talking to someone I trust?

Accepted Answer

Talking to the people you trust — like friends, partners, or family — can be comforting and helpful — they know you, care about you, and want the best for you. But therapy is different.

As a therapist, my role is to give you a safe, nonjudgmental space where the focus is entirely on you. I’m trained to help you understand patterns, navigate difficult emotions, and explore things at a deeper level — without bringing in my own opinions or expectations.

Together, we’ll work toward meaningful change, not just support in the moment. And unlike talking with someone close to you, you don’t have to worry about burdening me or keeping me comfortable. Therapy is your space to be honest, supported, and seen — exactly as you are.

Question 9

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

Your privacy and progress are incredibly important to me. To protect your confidentiality and ensure the flexibility to tailor care to your needs, I’ve chosen not to work directly with insurance. I’m considered an out-of-network provider, which means that if you have a PPO plan with out-of-network benefits, you are eligible for reimbursement of session costs—typically up to 80% per session.

Not sure about your benefits? That’s okay — we can check them together, or you can contact your insurance provider for more details.

I’m here to make the process as easy as possible!

Question 10

What are the benefits of out-of-network therapy?

Accepted Answer

In-Network (HMO Insurance):
When you use insurance, you’re limited to working with therapists who are in-network with your insurance plan, which may narrow your options based on availability, specialty, or location.

In-network providers are also required to give your insurance a diagnosis in order for sessions to be covered. Insurance companies can audit your therapist’s notes, track your progress, and determine whether your sessions are “medically necessary.” They may reduce or stop coverage at any point — even if you and your therapist believe ongoing support is still needed.

Out-of-Network (PPO Insurance): 
Out-of-network therapy gives you more freedom, privacy, and flexibility in your care. You’re not limited to therapists in your insurance network — you can choose someone who feels like the best fit for you, based on expertise, approach, and the comfort you feel working together.

By choosing not to use insurance directly, you and your therapist retain full control over your care. You decide how often to meet, how long therapy lasts, and what to focus on — without restrictions from outside parties. Your privacy is also protected: insurance companies will not have access to your diagnosis, session content, or progress unless you choose to share it.

Question 11

How do I decide between going in-network or out-of-network?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what’s most important to you. In-network therapy often comes with lower upfront costs, like set copays — but it also involves more limitations, such as fewer therapist options, less privacy, and insurance oversight over your care.

Out-of-network (OON) therapy gives you more freedom, privacy, and flexibility, and many PPO plans do offer reimbursement for services. The cost may be higher at first (especially if you have a deductible to meet), but you have greater control over who you work with and how therapy is structured.

If you choose to use OON benefits (rather than paying fully out of pocket), keep in mind that insurance does require a diagnosis to be submitted for reimbursement — however, they won’t have access to your personal records or session notes without your written consent (as is required by insurance for in-network providers).
There’s no one right answer — each person deserves to choose the path that feels most supportive for their goals, needs, and situation. I’m happy to answer questions or help you explore your options.

Question 12

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

Fees vary based on the type of service, session length, and whether you plan to use out-of-network insurance benefits (if you have a PPO plan).
You’re welcome to reach out anytime to ask about current rates, sliding scale availability, or help understanding your out-of-network benefits—I’m happy to walk you through your options so you can make an informed decision.

Without insurance, individual sessions are up to $200. If you have out-of-network coverage, your insurance typically will reimburse between 50-80% of the session cost, bringing your out-of-pocket rate down to approximately $40–$100 per session after you've met your insurance deductible (and depending on your insurance plan and benefits).

Question 13

What is your availability?

Accepted Answer

I currently see clients in person at my office Monday–Thursday, from 8:00am to 8:00pm by appointment.

Online sessions are available Monday through Friday, with flexible scheduling options.

*Afternoon and evening appointments tend to fill quickly, so availability during those times may be limited.
Feel free to reach out to ask about my current availability, and I’ll do my best to find a time that works for you. I typically respond to inquiries during regular daylight hours and aim to get back to you within 24 hours.

Question 14

Do you offer faith-based or Christian counseling?

Accepted Answer

Yes—if you would like to incorporate Christian values and a faith-based perspective into therapy, I’m happy to provide that. It’s always tailored to your comfort level and preferences.

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