Questions & ANswers
What is The Professional Friend?
My role as The Professional Friend is a mental health warrior & advocate and an empathic life consultant. My site is a free online mental health resource directory that includes 24/7 hotlines and more.
What is a life consultation?
The definition of a consultation is a meeting with a professional for purposes of gaining information or the process of discussing. In a life consultation, you can talk to me about anything or ask me questions based on my experience and knowledge. You can book a one-hour consultation with me to discuss a topic and not worry about committing to more appointments. You can talk and I can listen; just as a good friend would.
NOTE: the services being provided do not constitute behavioral health treatment, counseling, or the practice of psychotherapy. A referral will be offered if these services are needed or requested.
Is a consultation like a therapy session?
No! In a therapy session, a licensed mental health professional helps the client explore and process emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. A therapist is licensed to diagnose and treat people with severe mental health issues. If this is what you seek, I encourage you to find a licensed mental health professional. Click here to be redirected to mental health resources.
Are you a Therapist? Counselor? Life coach?
Although I have a Master's degree in Counseling, I am NOT a licensed mental health professional and I do NOT provide therapy, diagnose, or treat mental health disorders as The Professional Friend.
Life consulting differs from life coaching in that it does not have to be a series of sessions and a long working relationship.
What are your qualifications?
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a minor in Human Sexuality from California State University Northridge. I have a Master of Science in Counseling from California State University Long Beach. I was a Sex Education Intern with the Center for Positive Sexuality and an Ambassador for the American Sexual Health Association. To learn more about me, click here.
Do you do in-person consultations?
In keeping with social distancing, I am available for consultations via phone, text, and video chat.
What is the fee for a consultation?
I charge an hourly fee that we agree upon during the free 15 min phone consultation where I can answer any and all questions you may have.
Are you available 24/7 like a crisis hotline?
No, my contact information is not a suicide or crisis hotline. Click here for 24/7 crisis hotlines. My phone and email are used for scheduling purposes unless we have a scheduled consultation via phone/text. For contact hours, click here.
Who can use your consultation services?
Anyone 18+ can use my consultation services. I work with people of all ethnicities, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, or religion.
NOTE: To any past, present, or future therapy clients that I treated as a supervised Registerested AMFT, I cannot provide consultation as The Professional Friend or respond to your comments/messages. Consequently, any person seeking consultation with me as The Professional Friend cannot be provided therapy by me as a supervised Registered AMFT.
Still have questions? Don't be shy!
Check out my interview with Starter Story for more details on how
I started The Professional Friend!
