Get answers to some frequently asked questions about counseling and mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I contact you if I have an emergency?
Because I work alone and cannot be available 24 hours a day, I cannot promise to respond immediately in case of emergency. I do my best to return phone calls and emails quickly, but – if you experience a real emergency and need help right away - please contact your local police, fire department or ambulance service.
Here are some emergency resources in Tokyo:
English-speaking police officer (Mon – Fri, 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM): 03-3501-0110
Emergency medical interpretation (weekday evenings and all day Sat-Sun): 03-5285-8185
Drug overdose/poisoning U.S. Air Force Hospital in Yokota at (0425) 52-2511, ext. 57740
Tokyo English Life Line (daily, 9 AM – 11 PM): 03-5774-0992
If necessary, we’ll develop our own plan for how to handle possible emergencies during your treatment.
What are your rules about confidentiality?
Everything we discuss during our sessions together is confidential. I will not share any information about you with anyone (I will not even acknowledge that you are my client) unless you give me prior written authorization to do so. The only exception to this rule is if you or someone else is in real physical danger: I will break confidentiality if I believe thatis the only way to prevent serious injury or death. If I work with your child individually, I will keep what he or she tells me confidential. (If I think it would be helpful to share specific information with you, I will encourage your child to do so or ask your child’s permission to do so myself.) I will, of course, review your child’s progress with you and offer specific advice or feedback that might be helpful to you.
Do you charge for late cancellations or missed appointments?
Yes, I do. My general rule is that appointments must be canceled 24 hours in advance or you will be charged the full session fee.
I understand that life can be unpredictable and I am willing to be flexible for special circumstances and unforeseen crises. If you have a question about this, please don’t hesitate to bring it up.
You should know that most insurance plans and Employee Assistance Programs will not reimburse you when paying for late cancellations or missed sessions.
Do you accept insurance?
I don't participate directly in any private insurance plans, but if you are an expat with an international health insurance policy you may be eligible for reimbursement (I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the U.S. state of California). I’m happy to provide you with receipts or help you complete any required insurance forms.
Japanese National Health Insurance generally does not cover psychotherapy or counseling because these are not considered to be "medical treatments."
How much does therapy cost?
My standard hourly rate is JPY20,000 per 50-minute online psychotherapy session. Fees are payable at the end of each month in JPY, USD, EUR or AUD via PayPal, Wise, or bank transfer.