I work with adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families, by telehealth in both California and Virginia.

The most important thing is that you leave feeling understood — that I'm kind and genuinely on your side. I also hope you come away a little intrigued by an early sense of what might be possible to understand differently and begin to change.

That depends on you and what you're looking for. Some concerns can be addressed in a short-term, focused way. But many people find that the issue they came in with sits on top of deeper patterns, and they choose to continue in order to make broader, lasting changes across their lives.

No. People come for many reasons — a specific difficulty, a recurring pattern, a sense that something could be better. You don't need to be at a breaking point to benefit, and you don't need to have your goals all mapped out before reaching out.

Listening matters — and for some people, simply being heard is something they don't get anywhere else. But that's not where my work stops. Beyond listening with real care, I challenge gently when the moment is right, offering interpretations and helping you make connections that lead to lasting change rather than only momentary relief.

A good friend listens and sympathizes, which is valuable. What's different here is the combination of deep trust and honest challenge. Because the therapeutic relationship is built on safety, you can hear harder truths and look at yourself more openly and less defensively than you might be able to in other relationships.

Protecting your privacy is fundamental to the work. Dr. Duval practices entirely by telehealth, and her practice runs on SimplePractice — a HIPAA-compliant platform built specifically for mental health care.

In practical terms, that means a few things. Sessions take place over an encrypted, HIPAA-compliant video connection, not a consumer app. Your records, scheduling, and any documents you share reside inside SimplePractice's secure, encrypted Client Portal rather than in ordinary email or text. And communication through the portal is protected end to end, so messages between you and the practice stay confidential.

Beyond the technology, your privacy is protected by law and by professional ethics. What you share in session is confidential and is not disclosed without your written consent, with only the narrow exceptions every licensed psychologist is bound by — such as a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or other situations where disclosure is required by law. Dr. Duval will answer any questions you have at the start of your work together, so nothing about how your information is handled is ever a surprise.

My fee is $300 per session. I’m currently not accepting insurance; however, at your request I provide an invoice or “superbill” which many people can use through their insurance for full or partial reimbursement of private practitioners like me who are “out of network.” Often the most senior and sought-after practitioners operate on this basis.

You can reach out via our contact page or email. I aim to respond quickly—usually within two business days.