Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nico the right therapist for me?

My ideal client is someone who is ready to build a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship. I believe that meeting you where you’re at is key, and together, we’ll find what approach works best for you.

I see the therapeutic relationship - you and I working together each week - as the foundation for healing and growth. My approach is authentic, warm and genuine. I believe that exploring emotions and gaining a deeper understanding of them can have a profound impact on your well-being.

In therapy, we’ll explore how the systems you’re a part of - like your family, friends, and relationships - shape your experience. We’ll also take a look at how your upbringing and past experiences influence the way you interact with the world. My approach is humanistic, systems-oriented, and psychodynamic, which means we’ll look at the bigger picture, including how your environment and history affect your present.

Not sure if this sounds like the right fit? Feel free to reach out, and we can discuss my approach further to see if it aligns with what you’re looking for.

Where do I have to live in order to work with Nico?

I’m currently licensed in both California, Colorado and Oregon, so if you live in any of those three states, we can work together!

Why do people go to therapy?

People seek therapy for many reasons.Some are looking for relief from suffering, while others are looking for growth and self-discovery. Many come to therapy to understand themselves better and to live a more authentic, meaningful life.

Common reasons people seek therapy include:

  • Anxiety

  • Stress

  • Depression

  • Grief and loss

  • Life transitions

  • Identity exploration

  • Relationship struggles

  • Work-life balance

  • And much more…

Ultimately, there is no “right” reason to seek therapy. If you’re thinking about it, that’s reason enough to reach out!

What is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist? Do I have to be married or bring my family in with me?

A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) takes a relational and social approach to therapy. This means that we don’t exist in a vacuum. Our relationship and the systems we’re part of (family, friends, work, partners, etc.) shape how we feel and behave. While you don’t need to be married or bring anyone else to sessions, it can sometimes be helpful for us to discuss the systems you’re a part of and how they impact you.

You don’t have to be married or in a relationship to seek therapy from me. You’re welcome to come solo - no family or partners required!

What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please notify me 24 hours in advance via email, call or text. If we can find another time to meet that week, no cancellation fee will be incurred. If not, you’ll be billed for the full session.

What should I expect during my first session?

After our phone consultation to make sure we’re a good fit, I’ll send you the necessary paperwork and policies via a secure email link. Please complete these forms before our first session. During the first few sessions, we’ll focus on getting to know each other, exploring what brought you to therapy, and setting goals for our work together.

How does confidentiality work?

Everything we discuss is protected under state and federal privacy regulations. However, there are certain legal situations where I may need to break confidentiality, including:

  • Imminent risk to harm yourself or others

  • Child, elder or dependent adult abuse

  • Court orders or legal requirements

  • Coordination with other healthcare providers

We’ll go over these confidentiality limits during our first visit, and if any of these situations arises, we’ll discuss how to proceed together.

Can I use my insurance?

While I’m not currently in-network with any insurance providers, I can provide you with a superbill upon request. You can submit this to your insurance if your plan covers out-of-network services.

Can I use my FSA/HSA?

Yes, you can use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for mental health care.