People come into therapy for many reasons. Some are responding to unexpected changes in their lives, while others seek self-exploration and spiritual growth. If you or someone you love are overwhelmed by stress, doubt, anxiety, or despair, therapy can help!  I provide support, problem-solving skills, practical tips, spiritual grounding and enhanced coping for life challenges.  I love working with my clients and attract people willing to make excellent choices and more quickly manifest their intentions. I am also licensed as a Spiritual Practitioner and I aspire for you to expand your higher consciousness. My interests and specialties include a wide range of life challenges and expanding spiritual consciousness. Call for a free phone consultation at 949-395-7032

What can I expect in a therapy session?

During sessions you reflect, contemplate and discuss your primary concerns in your life. We may practice visualization or brief meditation when useful.  An individual session lasts an hour and couple sessions are 75 minutes.  Phone and Internet therapy is available.  Between session activities and assignments are typically suggested.  During the time between sessions it is beneficial to contemplate about and process what was discussed.

What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist?

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy with me.  I would love to work with you to provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in a new direction.  Working with an expert therapist can be a tremendous asset to life, producing prosperity, great relationships, and deepened sense of unity and wholeness. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

•       Save your marriage and sanity regarding your children
•       Become friends with yourself and family again
•       Find resolution to issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
•       Turn stress and anxiety into guides for great inner healing
•       Tips and tricks for managing anger, depression, and emotional pressures
•       Enhanced communication skills - learn how to listen to others, and have others listen to you
•       Getting "unstuck" from unhealthy patterns - breaking old behaviors and develop new ones
•       Discovering new ways to solve problems with children and spouses
•       Improving your self-esteem, and promote personal meaning and harmony.

  What if I don't know what my goals are for therapy?

Our first task is to figure out our specific goals for change and healing. It may take several sessions before a direction is clarified. During the course of therapy your goals may change. However, establishing a direction for therapy will help you get the most out of the experience.

  Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

 My fees are paid directly by you to me.  I prefer to keep a credit card on file and bill following each visit.   I will provide you with an insurance reimbursement form you can send to your insurance company for reimbursement.  I bill your insurance electronically for an additional fee at your request.

Does your insurance company cover your visits?  In short, if you have a PPO like Blue Cross of Anthem a portion of your sessions will be reimbursed after deductibles are met.  There are a confusing array of insurance arrangements.  Check with your insurance carrier to see what mental health benefits will be paid to you for an out-of-network provider.  
As a side note, the program may not cover couples counseling but they will cover sessions with the couple or family if a diagnosis is made for a person who can be diagnosed with a problem like "anxiety" or "adjustment disorder" 



How do you contact the right people or website to get this information?  Call the number on the back of your card or go to their website.  Ask the questions listed below: 


1.       Do I have mental health benefits?
2.       What is my deductible and has it been met?
3.       How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
4.       How much do you pay for an out-of-net provider?
5.       Is there a limitation on how much you will pay per session?
6.       Can I get pre-qualified if I see Karen Rippy, Ph.D., MFT, (License MFT 17775)

• Yes.  In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule which include:
  
• Suspected child or elder abuse      
  
• Pregnancy and substance abuse
  
• If a client is a serious danger to themselves or others.

If you have concerns or questions about mandated reporting please express you concerns.