A therapy office with warm lighting, a window, and comfortable seating (including a loveseat and armchairs)
Therapy office in El Cerrito

Frequently Asked Questions

Figuring out if a therapist is a good fit for you can be a challenge. I have added answers to frequently asked questions below, and I am available for free, 20-minute consultations via phone or video chat. I look forward to getting in touch to see if we may work well together!

Individual Therapy

$225 per 50-minute session

Family or Relationship Therapy

$295 per 60-minute session

$375 per 75-minute session

Presentations or Consultation

Pricing varies depending on presentation or consultation length, purpose, and context. Please reach out for more information!

I currently have a waitlist for reduced fee brief therapy services. Please reach out to explore possible options.

Questions & Answers

How do I know if therapy is a good fit for me? Therapy can be supportive for so many reasons, and often it is more of a question of finding the right therapist to support you, which can take a lot of time and energy. I recommend you consult with me during a free 20-minute phone or video call before moving forward with scheduling a session. During our consultation, I can provide more info about myself, my approach, and my areas of specialty. If we determine I may not be the best fit to support you or your family member, I may be able to help refer you to other therapists.

Where is your office? How do I get there? My office is in El Cerrito, CA. It is accessible via bus and BART, and there is also a free parking lot and plenty of street parking!

Do you take insurance? I am an out-of-network provider, which means I do not take insurance. I am able to provide a superbill, which you may be able to submit to your insurance company for partial reimbursement. More information about superbills is available near the bottom of this page.

Do you have a sliding scale? Yes, I offer limited sliding scale (rates adjustable depending on your financial situation) brief therapy. As of December 2025, I have a waitlist for sliding scale services. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please reach out.

Do you see kids? Yes, I am trained in infant and early childhood mental health in addition to general child mental health, so I support even the youngest children. If your child is 0-5, I offer parent-child therapy and family therapy. Children ages 5 and older are welcome to meet with me for family or individual therapy.

Do you offer assessments? I currently offer limited diagnostic assessment services for my therapy clients. If you are looking for independent assessment services, I recommend working with Emerge Psychotherapy and Assessment Collective.

Does teletherapy/online therapy work? Yes! Research demonstrates that teletherapy is as effective as in-person therapy for many people, with the added benefit of being accessible from your home or office. 

Do you bring your dog to all in-person sessions? Therapy Dog in-Training Sesame is available upon request to join in-person sessions. Inviting Sesame to join your sessions is up to you, and you can change your mind about having her join at any time. She is just as happy relaxing at home as she is sitting by the therapy couch!

I can’t come to the office, but I would still like in-person therapy. Are home visits an option? Yes, home visiting services may be available within an approximately 15-minute drive of my El Cerrito office. I also offer sessions at local parks, and I offer school visiting services depending on client/family needs and school approval.

How long will therapy take? Length of therapy depends on individual and contextual factors, including what you are hoping to gain from your therapy experience. I offer brief and long-term therapy options, and I am happy to help you determine which may be a good fit for your goals during a free consultation call.

What if I need help right away? If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 (if it is safe for you to do so) or go to your nearest emergency room. Additional resources are available below:

Warm-lines/Hotlines

Resources for Parents

A waiting room with comfortable seating, calm lighting, and midcentury modern decor.
The shared waiting room at the El Cerrito office

How do superbills work?

Step 1: You have your session

Step 2: Your form of payment is charged

Step 3: You receive a superbill (itemized list of services created for you by your therapist)

Step 4: You submit your superbill and a claim form to your insurance (by mail or online, depending on your plan)

Step 5: You receive a reimbursement from your insurance company

This process often takes a number of weeks, and reimbursement depends on your insurance coverage for out-of-network services. Please contact your insurance provider directly to discuss coverage, the reimbursement process, and reimbursement percentages.

If applicable, you may be able to submit any charges insurance does not cover to an FSA or HSA.

Madrone tree varietal (“Strawberry Tree”) in Albany, August 2025.
Dr. Marcus sits in chair with Sesame, a medium size dog, resting over her lap.
Dr. Marcus and Sesame

What should I do next?

If you are interested in learning more about whether I may be a good fit to support you or your child, please reach out for a free 20-minute consultation!