Private practice
Private consultation with Dr. Ma
A small, private practice for individuals and families who want expert, evidence-based care — with the time and attention it deserves.
Who Dr. Ma sees
Adults at every stage of life — and the families around them.
Clients include professionals carrying heavy responsibility, people navigating the transitions of later life, and adult children caring for an aging parent. Sessions are available in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
- Anxiety, depression & burnout
- Life transitions & aging
- Memory & cognitive concerns
- Caregivers & families
- Bilingual & cross-cultural care
- Mindfulness & attention
How it works
From first note to first session.
- 01
Write to the office
Send a short note with your name, the best way to reach you, and a sentence about what you are looking for. Please leave detailed health information for your conversation with Dr. Ma.
- 02
Introductory call
A brief, confidential call to understand your goals, answer questions, and confirm that Dr. Ma’s practice is the right fit for you.
- 03
Initial assessment
Your first sessions focus on a thorough assessment and a shared plan. Before the first session you receive the practice’s policies, privacy notice, and a written Good Faith Estimate.
- 04
Ongoing care
Regular sessions — or a focused, time-limited consultation — by secure video or in person by arrangement, reviewed against the goals you set together.
Private session
$1,000
per 60-minute session
- Individual sessions by secure video, or in person by arrangement
- Sessions in English, Mandarin, or Cantonese
- Coordination with your physicians, with your consent
- Superbill on request for out-of-network reimbursement
Fees & policies
Clear terms, in advance.
- Payment
- The private practice is fee-for-service and does not participate in insurance networks. Fees are due at the time of service.
- Insurance reimbursement
- Many PPO plans reimburse part of the cost of out-of-network psychotherapy. On request, you will receive a superbill to submit to your plan.
- Cancellations
- Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice are billed at the full session fee.
- Telehealth
- Sessions are held on a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. You must be physically located in a state where Dr. Ma is authorized to practice at the time of each session.
- In person
- Available in the San Francisco Bay Area by arrangement. The office address is shared when your first session is scheduled.
Notice
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.
Questions
Before you write.
Anything else? Write to the office — and please keep health details for your conversation with Dr. Ma.
Is the private practice part of Stanford?
No. Dr. Ma’s private practice is independent of Stanford University and Stanford Health Care. If you are a Stanford Health Care patient, or would like care through Stanford, please contact Stanford Health Care directly.
Do you accept insurance?
The practice is fee-for-service and does not bill insurance directly. Many PPO plans reimburse part of out-of-network psychotherapy; a superbill is available on request. Check your plan’s out-of-network mental health benefits before you begin.
What does a session cost?
A private session is $1,000 for 60 minutes. You receive a written Good Faith Estimate of expected charges before your first session.
Can sessions be held in Mandarin or Cantonese?
Yes. Sessions are available in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
Do you see clients outside California?
Telehealth is governed by licensure: you need to be physically located in a state where Dr. Ma is authorized to practice at the time of each session. Ask the office about your location when you write.
Do you prescribe medication?
Psychologists in California do not prescribe medication. When medication may help, Dr. Ma coordinates with your physician or psychiatrist, with your consent.
Is what I share confidential?
Yes, within the narrow legal limits that apply to every licensed psychologist — for example, a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or suspected abuse of a child, elder, or dependent adult. Dr. Ma reviews these limits with you before care begins.
What if I am in crisis?
The practice does not provide emergency services. If you are in danger or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Private consultation
Begin with a conversation.
Write to the office to arrange a brief introductory call. Please keep your first message short — Dr. Ma will discuss the details with you directly.