Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions.
Written to be genuinely useful rather than reassuring. If what you want to know is not here, call us on (828) 342-2977 and ask. You will not be put through a sales conversation.
How we work
How do I know if I need therapy?
There is no threshold you have to cross. People come because something is acutely wrong, and people come because life is basically fine and yet something keeps not working. Both are legitimate.
How is psychodynamic therapy different from CBT?
CBT works primarily on identifying and changing the thoughts and behaviors maintaining a problem now. It is well-supported and often effective, particularly for focused symptoms. Psychodynamic therapy assumes the problem is also driven by things outside your awareness (old relational patterns, defenses, conflicting wishes) and works to bring those into view where they can change. Many people benefit from both. If what you want is short-term symptom relief with structured homework, we will tell you and refer you to someone who does that well.
What actually happens in gestalt therapy?
Less recounting, more experiencing. Your therapist may slow you down and ask what you notice in your body, or invite you to say something directly to an imagined person rather than describing what you wish you had said. The point is to make the pattern present and workable in the room rather than discussed at arm's length. Nothing is done to you without your consent, and you can decline any experiment at any time.
How long does therapy take?
It depends on the complexity of what you are working on, and it is decided case by case. Most importantly, you decide when to stop, in conversation with your therapist. Sometimes that is a couple of months. Sometimes people choose to stay in therapy for years.
Fees and insurance
What are your fees?
Fees are between $150 and $300 per session, depending on the clinician and the type of session. Full details are on our fees and policies page.
Do you take insurance?
We create a bill, sometimes called a superbill, that may be used by your insurance for out-of-network coverage. What it reimburses depends on your plan. There is more on our fees and policies page.
What is an out-of-network benefit, and what is a superbill?
Many PPO plans reimburse part of the cost of seeing a therapist outside their network. You pay us directly, we give you a superbill, an itemized receipt with the codes your insurer needs, and you submit it for partial reimbursement. Rates vary considerably, so it is worth calling the number on your card and asking what your plan reimburses for outpatient mental health with an out-of-network provider, and whether you have a deductible to meet first.
Do you offer sliding scale or reduced fees?
We hold a limited number of sliding scale places across the practice. Ask when you first speak with us and we will tell you plainly what is open. You will not be made to justify it at length.
Logistics
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes, throughout California, on a secure HIPAA-compliant platform. Many clients mix in-person and online sessions. Some work, particularly with younger children and some group work, goes better in person, and we will tell you when we think that is the case.
Do I have to be in California?
You need to be physically located in California at the time of the session. That is a licensing requirement rather than a preference, and it applies even if you normally live here, so a session cannot go ahead while you are traveling out of state. Tell your therapist in advance if you will be away and you can reschedule.
How long is a session?
Sessions are 55 minutes.
Privacy and confidentiality
Is what I say confidential?
Yes. What you say in session is protected, and we will not confirm to anyone that you are a client without your written consent.
What are the limits of confidentiality?
There are a small number, set by California law rather than by us, and your therapist will go through them with you in the first session. In general terms they involve suspected abuse or neglect of a child, an elder, or a dependent adult; a serious threat of harm to yourself or an identifiable other person; and court orders.
Take the next step
A first conversation costs nothing but a phone call.
Call us and we will talk through what you are looking for, answer your questions about how we work, and help you find the therapist on our team who fits. If we are not the right place for you, we will tell you that too, and point you somewhere better.
(828) 342-2977