FAQ
Do you see people in person?
No. All of our sessions will be online. I’ve been working exclusively online since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. If we work together long term, I will try to meet you in real life during your therapy.
What platform do I use for my Telehealth sessions?
I use SimplePractice for all aspects of my practice. We’ll use that for your sessions. You can set notifications in your SimplePractice client portal. I will also send you a reminder via email and/or text a few minutes before your session time.
Do you take insurance?
Probably not.
I can provide you with a monthly Superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement. To receive reimbursement, you must meet the criteria for a DSM diagnosis. If you seek reimbursement from your insurance company for our sessions, you must be a California, Colorado, or Texas resident.
I’m an in-network provider for one mental health benefit plan limited to residents of San Miguel County in Colorado. If you are an approved recipient of benefits under the San Miguel County Behavioral Health fund, then you can use those benefits with me.
What’s the difference between therapy and coaching?
Psychotherapy is a mental health treatment for diagnosable DSM disorders. The goal of psychotherapy is, at least in part, the remission of clinical symptoms. As an initial part of our work, I will perform diagnostic assessments. I am licensed to provide psychotherapy services to California, Colorado, and Texas residents.
I can provide coaching services to residents of any state or country. Coaching doesn’t involve DSM diagnoses, and coaching goals aren’t focused on recovery from mental illness.
Can you be my therapist?
I can be your therapist if you’re a California, Colorado, or Texas resident, where I’m licensed as an LCSW. If you’re not a resident of one of the states where I’m licensed, I can be your coach but not your therapist.
Are you gay?
No, I’m straight, but I’m an LGBTQIA+ ally. I have specific training in LGB-affirming therapy. If you’re queer and prefer a therapist that matches your sexual orientation or identity, then I can help you get connected to another therapist.
Do you provide faith-based counseling?
No. I’m a secular therapist. If you want to work with me and you want a faith-based perspective on your therapeutic work, then we can work together to find a consultant (think priest or rabbi) to add to your treatment team.
Do you treat sex addiction?
No. I’m an AASECT-certified sex therapist. As such, I don’t use any 12-step model for the treatment of compulsive sexual behavior. While “sex addiction” has become a ubiquitous term in our culture, it isn’t an official DSM diagnosis. “Sex addiction” is a helpful metaphor for compulsive sexual behavior. In sex therapy, I will conceptualize and treat “sex addiction” as compulsive or “out of control” sexual behavior.
Where do you live?
I live in Berkeley, CA, but I lived in Texas for decades and spent much time in Colorado. I’m a licensed clinical social worker in all three states.
Can we meet in real life?
Yes. I’ll invite you to meet me in person when I’m in your local area. You’re not obligated to accept, but if you’d like to meet, we can meet for a coffee or a nice nature walk.
Are you a doctor?
No. While some call me “Dr. Chris,” I’m not a doctor. I’m a therapist with a master’s in social work and business.
Are you Chris Brown?
I’m a Chris Brown but not that Chris Brown. I’m an excellent therapist and a terrible singer.
Are you going to shame me like my last therapist did?
No, not at any time. I’m a sex positive mental health provider.
We can talk about any sexual health concerns that you have. I will not judge you. We may have to work through shame as part of your sex therapy, and that starts first and foremost with my acceptance of your erotic self.
Do you work with kinky people?
Yes, please.
Do you know about ENM and open relationships?
I do quite a lot. Polyamorous folks to the front, please.
Do you work with LGBTQIA+ clients?
Yes. I’m a cis/het/straight/white/polyam guy. I’m a queer ally. If you’d prefer a therapist who matches a different erotic identity than mine, then let me know, and I’ll help you get connected to that person.
How is sex therapy different from regular therapy?
The most significant difference between sex therapy and regular talk therapy is that we’re going to talk about sex openly from the first session.
Most therapy training in the US teaches nothing about sexual health. Sex therapy is all about sexual health.
While regular therapy might include other treatments like meds from a psychiatrist, sex therapy could involve other professionals like a urologist, an OB/GYN, or a physical therapist. As your sex therapist, I’ll be the captain of the treatment team that is committed to your individual goals.