Frequently Asked Questions
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
We are pleased to be in-network with Blue Shield of California and accept some BlueCross BlueShield plans. However, if your mental health benefits are managed by Magellan (Blue Shield MHSA) or Anthem Blue Cross, we are considered out-of-network. We will provide you with a superbill to claim out-of-network benefits. You are welcome to provide your insurance information, and we will happily perform a courtesy eligibility verification to help clarify your coverage.
We recommend confirming your benefits with your insurance provider.
HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I TYPICALLY NEED?
Session number usually varies based on the type and complexity of the issue and how involved and engaged the client is. Generally, we can expect 12 - 20 weekly sessions. Some may need more sessions because more time is required to process and understand the issues. In addition, new goals can arise as a person develops new skills and insights. Some people may need fewer sessions because their issues are clear-cut. They may be more engaged in sessions and diligent in completing exercises or practices in between sessions.
WHAT IS THE EXPECTATION OF AN OTV?
One-Time Visits (OTV) are a focused form of brief therapy aimed at addressing immediate concerns through a goal-oriented and problem-solving approach. Clients typically experience one of the following outcomes:
- Applied skills learned during the session
- Gained relief and validation of identified goals
- Gained more clarity on sources of distress
- Were referred for ongoing therapy or assessment
- Started individual therapy
- Determined that therapy was not a good fit at the time
WHAT DOES THERAPY ENTAIL?
We understand that it is hard to take the first step toward seeking help. You are invited to schedule a free phone consultation to assess our initial fit (e.g., service area, fee structure, and scheduling). Please see the below FAQ to learn what information we need to help us determine if our services can be a good fit for your needs. We will schedule to meet with you if we determine our services are a good fit for you. The first 2-3 sessions focus on assessment. We will better understand your presenting problems and treatment goals, and further evaluate the fit between our expertise and your needs. We will develop and discuss your treatment plan to help you achieve your goals. If you agree with the treatment plan, we will move forward with the treatment. We will monitor and reevaluate progress as we go. When it is time to wrap up, we will discuss a plan to end treatment and help you to maintain your treatment gains.
WHAT SHOULD I SAY TO START?
It will be helpful if you let us know what you are struggling with. However, you are not expected to fully understand or know how to articulate what you are struggling with. Here are some samples of guiding questions to consider as you briefly share with us over the phone what you are struggling with:
- What are your symptoms?
- What bothers you?
- How are you being affected by what you are struggling with?
- What would you like to improve on?
- When did the problems start?
In therapy, we will take the time to help you explore and put your struggles in words.