For Referring Professionals

Thank you for considering me for someone in your care. Below is what you need to know to decide whether I'm the right fit, and how to make a referral quickly.

Who am I a good fit for

I'm a licensed clinical psychologist providing depth-oriented, psychodynamic and attachment-focused therapy to adults across California by secure video. I'm typically a strong fit for clients who:

  • Are navigating pregnancy, postpartum, fertility treatment, or pregnancy loss

  • Are high-functioning and outwardly capable, but privately struggling — the ones whose distress doesn't show up in a screening

  • Have a history of relational or developmental trauma

  • Keep repeating the same relationship patterns and want to understand why, not just manage it

  • Are bicultural, immigrants, or children of immigrants navigating identity and family expectations

  • Have done skills-based therapy before, got real value from it, and want to go deeper

  • Prefer to work in French (sessions available in French)

Who I’m not the right fit for

I'd rather tell you this up front than have a referral go sideways. I'm not the right placement for:

  • Anyone in acute crisis or needing on-call or crisis services — I don't provide them

  • Active suicidality, self-harm, or eating disorders requiring a higher level of care

  • Substance use requiring specialized treatment

  • Children or adolescents — I see adults only

  • Couples therapy — I work with individuals, including on relationship concerns

  • Anyone needing in-person sessions

If you're not sure which side someone falls on, please call me. I'd rather have a two-minute conversation than have a client make an appointment that isn't right for them.

Credentials

  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist, California (PSY 34868)

  • PsyD, Clinical Psychology — Alliant International University

  • Fellowship, San Diego Psychoanalytic Center

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Fertility Counseling — Drs. Kristy Koser & Laura Covington

  • 8+ years of clinical experience

  • Also licensed in Illinois and Florida

Practical Details

  • Format: Telehealth only, secure and HIPAA-compliant, for adults physically located in California at the time of session

  • Frequency: Weekly sessions; this is ongoing depth work, not short-term intervention

  • Fee: $260 per session

  • Insurance: In-network with Aetna, TriWest, and Medicare (Part B). For all other PPO plans, I provide concierge out-of-network billing. I submit claims directly so the client doesn't have to

  • Availability: I currently have openings and respond to all inquiries within 24 hours

  • Coordination: With written client consent, I'm glad to coordinate care with referring providers

How to refer

Whichever is easiest for you:

  • Give the client my information and have them book a free 15-minute consultation directly:  booking page

  • Email if you'd like to talk through the case before sending someone: dr.emilyessid@gmail.com or reach to me via my contact page.

Ready for Therapy?

If you're thinking about therapy and want to see if this approach feels right for you, I offer a free 15-minute consultation.

Book Now