BILINGUAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Blending psychotherapy expertise with a passion for helping
clients live healthier and happier lives.
What I Do
I provide short-term outpatient psychotherapy, in various modalities, with individuals, couples, families, and groups.
I specialize in providing mental health evaluations, reports, and expert testimony on issues related to immigration, domestic violence, sexual abuse, personal injury and other forms of abuse and trauma.
I administer psychological tests and assessments that evaluate major symptoms of psychopathology, personality characteristics, intellectual competency, substance abuse, and behavioral proclivities in clients.
For more information, contact me at alfonso@asatherapy.com or 323-943-8588.
Psychotherapy Experts
THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO STAY AHEAD.
WE HELP CLIENTS FIND THEIR PATH.
The Psychotherapy Process
Psychotherapy is the treatment of emotional, behavioral, personality, and psychiatric disorders. It is based on verbal and nonverbal communication and interventions with the client. Psychotherapy aims to alleviate psychological distress through talking, rather than drugs.
Confidentiality
California law requires the therapeutic relationship to be both professional and confidential. What is revealed in this setting is protected by legal, professional and ethical standards, such that, with few exceptions, all material is confidential and no material regarding you, the client, is released to a third party unless authorized to do so by you and/or your authorized representative. Confidentiality means EVERYTHING that you say during the course of treatment, and the fact that you are being treated, is not released to anyone without permission, EXCEPT under the following conditions:
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If you discuss plans with the clear intent of hurting yourself or someone else
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If you tell me that you or someone you know is at serious risk for abusing a child, dependent adult or elderly person, I am required by law to report this to the agency that can help prevent further problems or possible harm
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If your treatment records are subpoenaed by court order, I am required to release the client's records pursuant to that order
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In certain cases of domestic violence
Release of Information
Information about your treatment will be provided to a third party ONLY if you complete and submit a signed release of information form which authorizes me to do so.
Suicidal / Homicidal Policy
If you are suicidal or homicidal, you must call 911 immediately. Be aware that I am ethically bound to inform your family (partner, children, parent), and/or the appropriate authorities, and possibly hospitalize you (5150) if you are suicidal. If you are homicidal, be advised that I must inform the intended victim(s), the police, and possibly hospitalize you (5150).
Medical Records
During the course of treatment, you may be asked to obtain the following: (1) a copy of your medical records; and/or (2) to complete a medical exam in order to rule out any medical condition(s) relating to your presenting symptom(s) or legal case.
Email Policy
When corresponding by email, remember that this is at your own discretion with the understanding that absolute confidentiality of unencrypted email cannot be guaranteed. I will make every effort to ensure that the person sending the email is truly you, the client. Under NO circumstances should email be used in an emergency or to communicate urgent information.
FEES & CANCELLATIONS
Fees are within standard industry range and initial appointments are set up as soon as possible. Clients requiring expedited services may also be accommodated.
FEES
Fees are competitive, within standard industry range, and vary per service procedure conducted. Please call for detailed information on pricing.
For legal matters requiring Independent Mental Health Exams (IME) and Reports, Expert Witness Testimony, and Litigation Consulting on issues related to immigration, personal injury, and/or criminal defense, please request the Court Presentation and Legal Fees schedule.
PAYMENT
Payments can be made through Zelle, check or money order.
CANCELLATION
POLICY
In an effort to provide clients with the best quality care, I ask that clients cancel or change any appointment(s) that the client will not be able to keep as soon as possible. Missed appointments hinder my ability to provide proper care to my clients. Please provide notice for cancellations or changes at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment.
Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance will result in a $125 charge. Failure to show up for an appointment will result in the full charge for the service. For any cancellations or changes, please call 323-943-8588.
VACATION COVERAGE POLICY
In the event that a client is not able to contact their therapist due to the therapist being on vacation, the client must wait until their therapist returns to schedule a follow-up visit. In case of a life-threatening emergency, clients should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
OPPORTUNITIES
If you are interested in working together, I look forward to hearing from you.
Types of Evaluations Offered
Immigration
Hardship Petitions; Asylum and Withholding of Removal; UVisa; VAWA; Removal Defense for Franco class members; and many others...
Criminal Offense and Risk of Recidivism
Substance Abuse and DUI
Competency to Stand Trial
...as propounded in Dusky v. United States (1960) and consistently affirmed in subsequent Supreme Court decisions
Workplace Stress, Discrimination, and Harassment
Long-Term and/or Permanent Disability
Nexus Letters/Reports
Chemical Dependency/Abuse and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
What to Expect
Initial evaluations are conducted remotely to allow greater flexibility for a client's schedule.
Additional information on what psychotherapy is, our policies, and other information is listed below.