Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions *

  • Then welcome! You’re already enough to begin.
    You don’t need to have it all figured out. No perfect backstory needed. Just a little curiosity and the courage to come as you are, even if that means feeling tired, unsure, or keeping your guard up.

  • Yes. Therapy is a confidential space, protected by both ethics and law.

    As your therapist, I follow HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which means your health information is protected and securely stored. I will never share what you discuss in therapy without your written consent, except in a few specific situations where I am legally or ethically required to act. These include:

    • If there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or someone else

    • If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult

    • If I am ordered to release records by a court of law

    We will go over these limits together, so you know what to expect. If anything ever feels unclear, I welcome your questions.

    This space is meant to feel safe, grounded, and held. I am committed to protecting your privacy and honoring the trust you place in me.

  • I hear this more often than you’d think. You may have felt talked over, misunderstood, or like you had to shrink yourself. That won’t happen here. We’ll name what’s not working, co-create what is, and go at a pace that feels right for you.

    And if something feels off between us, we don’t ignore it, we talk about it. Repair is part of the work. You deserve a space where your voice is heard, your boundaries are honored, and healing doesn’t require performance.

  • There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Some people come in for a few months to work through something specific. Others stay longer to explore deeper patterns or just have a steady space to check in. We’ll revisit your goals along the way and talk openly about what feels supportive. Therapy isn’t forever, but it can be here for you as long as it’s helpful.

  • Most people start with weekly sessions, but we can adjust the rhythm over time. The pace should feel sustainable, not overwhelming.

  • Therapy is not always a straight line, but over time, you might notice shifts. Maybe you feel more grounded, respond differently to stress, or start making choices that feel more aligned with who you are. Sometimes the changes are quiet, like being a little gentler with yourself or feeling less alone in what you are carrying.

    If something feels off, that is important too. You might feel stuck, unsure, or disconnected. That is not a failure. It is a cue for us to pause and reflect. I welcome your feedback so we can adjust together. And if you ever feel like a different kind of support would serve you better, I will help you explore next steps. The goal is not just to stay in therapy but to make sure therapy is supporting your growth.

  • An LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) is a master’s-level psychotherapist trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions, with a strong emphasis on the social and systemic factors that shape well-being. LCSWs are equipped to deliver evidence-based psychotherapy while also addressing real-world stressors through care coordination, resource navigation, and advocacy across complex systems of care.

    Other licensed providers include:

    • LMHCs (Licensed Mental Health Counselors): Focus on clinical mental health techniques and counseling interventions

    • LMFTs (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists): Specialize in relational dynamics and family systems

    • PsyDs / PhDs (Psychologists): Doctorate-level clinicians trained in psychotherapy and psychological testing

    • Psychiatrists / PMHNPs: Medical providers who diagnose and prescribe psychiatric medications; some offer therapy as well

    Each discipline brings a different lens. As an LCSW, my work is grounded in both clinical skill and a deep understanding of the systems people navigate every day.

Therapy Experience

  • My practice is fully virtual. All sessions are held via secure telehealth while you're physically in Hawai‘i.

  • Please give at least 24 hours’ notice. Late cancellations or no-shows may be charged the full fee, except for Medicaid/Medicare clients or emergencies.

    Life happens! If something urgent or unexpected comes up, just let me know. I won’t shame you or assume you’re not committed. We’ll work around it together.

    Please reach out. I always take context into account. Communication > perfection.

  • This practice does not offer emergency services. If you’re in crisis, please call 911, contact 988, or go to the nearest emergency room.

    You can also review the crisis resources here.

  • Yep, feel free to reach out through the client portal or by text for any scheduling or logistical stuff. For anything emotional or deeper, we’ll save that for session time so it can get the care it deserves.

    And if you send a meme or video, I might not reply—but I’ll probably laugh, feel the vibe, and tuck it into my unofficial meme collection.

  • Therapy is built on trust, and it’s important that the space feels safe for both of us. This practice might not be the best fit if:

    • You're looking for quick fixes without space for deeper emotional work

    • You prefer a strictly diagnosis- or medical-model approach

    • You’re seeking couples therapy, family therapy, or services for minors

    • We have a close personal, professional, or community connection that could impact confidentiality or comfort

    Because I live and work in a small community, I take confidentiality seriously. If there’s potential overlap—whether through shared circles, workplaces, or ʻohana—we’ll talk it through. I always check in with you about how it feels and what feels ethically sound. If it’s not a fit, I’ll do my best to help connect you with someone who is.

    We also might not be the right match if:

    • You're not open to exploring how systems (racism, capitalism, colonialism, etc.) impact mental health. This space is rooted in liberation-focused, culturally grounded care—we name what needs naming.

    • You’re looking for someone to “tell you what to do” rather than co-create a process. I believe in consent-based, collaborative work—you’re the expert in your own life.

    • You’re seeking therapy only for symptom relief without curiosity about deeper healing. I honor the need for short-term support and I hold space for longer-term transformation.

    • You hold beliefs or behaviors that harm or invalidate LGBTQIA+ people, BIPOC, disabled folks, or other marginalized communities. I center inclusivity and safety in this space—no exceptions.

    That said, if you're unsure whether we’re a fit, please reach out. We can explore it together—with curiosity, care, and clarity.

  • As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Hawai‘i, I am legally mandated to report:

    • Imminent threats of serious harm to yourself or others

    • Known or suspected abuse or neglect of a minor, dependent adult, or elder

    • Situations involving abuse by someone in a caregiving role

    I recognize that reporting can feel scary, especially for those who’ve been harmed by systems that claim to protect. If something comes up in session that might require a report, I’ll do my best to talk with you about it first and explore options together. My approach centers transparency, care, and collaborative decision-making whenever possible.

    Mandated reporting is part of my legal duty, but I also understand that safety isn’t one-size-fits-all. You deserve care that honors both your wellbeing and your lived reality.

Logistics & Boundaries

  • Yes. I’m in-network with:

    • HMSA (PPO, HMO, QUEST)

    • HMAA (HWMG)

    If you’re using insurance, your cost per session depends on your plan. Most clients with coverage pay between $0 and $40 out of pocket per session.

    It's a good idea to call your insurer and ask:

    • Do I have mental health coverage?

    • Is telehealth included?

    • How many sessions are covered per year?

    • Do I need pre-approval (pre-authorization or referral)?

    • Do I need to pay a deductible, co-insurance, or copayment?

  • If I’m not in-network with your plan, you can still work with me by paying out-of-pocket. I can give you a superbill (a special receipt) that you submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.

    Every plan is different, so I recommend calling your insurance to ask:

    • Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?

    • Do I need to meet a deductible first?

    • What percentage will be reimbursed per session?

  • You can pay privately. I offer a limited number of sliding scale spots, and you’ll receive a Good Faith Estimate outlining your expected costs.

  • Payments are made securely through the client portal. You can keep a debit, credit, HSA, or FSA card on file for automatic processing. If you prefer to pay by check, you may make it out to Cages to Wings Wellness LLC. An invoice will be sent to you via the portal for your records. If any issues come up with payment, please let you know, and we can talk through it together.

Financial Access

Still have questions, or feeling things out?

You're not alone in that. Reach out if you're wondering whether this space is the right fit.
I'm here to walk alongside you, not ahead.