FAQ's
Getting started
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy is a unique space to process the past, learn skills to manage stress in the present, and develop a strong sense of self for the future. As such, anybody can benefit from therapy. However, therapy may be particularly relevant if you have things going on in your life that make this difficult. For example, if you are navigating the world which caters to neurotypical people as a neurodivergent person; or if you are trying to navigate relationships when from a young age, relationships weren’t safe or healthy due to trauma or abuse, therapy may be particularly helpful and beneficial.
What kinds of concerns do you typically help people with?
While we work with all types of people with many different struggles, our particularly strength lie in supporting people who struggle with anxiety, people who are neurodivergent, and people who have experienced trauma. As a queer-owned facility, we have a particular passion for working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
What happens in the first therapy session?
One of the biggest predictors of success in therapy is the connection with the therapist. To that end, the initial sessions will be focused on building the therapy relationship, as well as collecting background information and setting goals for our work together. When working with kids and teens, the initial sessions are often playing games together to help your child feel safe with the therapist, and because games and play are often how children learn about the world.
How often will we meet, and how long is each session?
Sessions are typically weekly, however, frequency can be increased based on therapeutic need, or shortened as you progress.
How long does therapy usually take?
This is a hard question to answer, as each person is different, and each persons struggles are unique. We will check in regularly about progress towards goals, and will explore together whether discharge or adjustment of goals is appropriate.
Do you offer a free consultation before starting therapy?
We do offer a free brief phone consultation for you to get to know your therapist, learn about their approach, and to see if working together feels like a good fit. About you and your approach We are trained in many different types of treatment. As such, we integrate cognitive (brain-based) somatic (body-based) and attachment (relationship-based) interventions based on your unique needs.
What are your qualifications and training as a psychologist?
Our licensed clinicians have completed a doctorate degree (PhD or PsyD), post-doctoral hours and competency exams. Many have also completed additional trainings focused on specific treatment modalities.
How do you integrate mind–body or holistic approaches into therapy?
While we are a general practice treating a wide range of psychological problems, we primarily specialize in treating trauma, anxiety/OCD, identity exploration, and working with neurodivergent individuals.
Do you work with adults, teens, couples, or families?
We primarily work with adults, teens, and school-aged children, though we also are able to provide couples and family therapy.
Practicalities, fees, and insurance
What are your fees, and how do payments work?
Fees depend on your clinician and their specialties, but generally range between $250 and $350 for licensed clinicians.
Do you accept insurance, and how does out‑of‑network reimbursement work?
We are out of network, so we do not directly work with insurance. You will be provided a superbill for services, which you can submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network coverage. Many PPO plans will reimburse you for part of the costs of services after reaching your deductible.
Do you offer a sliding scale or reduced‑fee sessions?
We have a limited number of sliding-scale or reduced-fee sessions for families demonstrating financial need. As these spots are limited and designed to make therapy more accessible for families that could not otherwise support it, we will revisit sliding scale rates every 3-6 months to determine if it is appropriate to continue at the sliding scale rate.
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
We ask for 48 hours notice for cancellations. Sessions canceled same-day or no-shows will be charged at the full session rater. However, we understand that life happens, so you will get one “freebie” per year.
Do you offer superbills I can submit to my insurance?
Yes. All clients are sent a superbill at the beginning of the month for the previous month so they can submit for insurance reimbursements.
Logistics and format
Do you offer online/telehealth sessions, in‑person sessions, or both?
We offer in-person services in Encino and West LA, and virtual services throughout California
How do online sessions work, and what platform do you use?
Online sessions are available if you are in California. We utilize a HIPPA-compliant Zoom platform.
Can I work with you if I live outside of your state?
Our clinicians are only licensed in California, so services can only be provided within the state.
What are your office hours, and do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
Office hour vary, however, evening and weekend hours are available. However, children will be given priority for after-school hours.
Safety, privacy, and fit
Is what I share in therapy confidential?
Yes. What you share will be held confidential with certain exceptions.
Are there any limits to confidentiality I should know about? Limits to confidentiality are generally related to safety. For example, we may break confidentiality if you are a danger to yourself or others, if there is suspicion or report of child, elder (60+) or dependent adult abuse, or if required by law (e.g. court subpoena).
What if I don’t feel like we’re a good fit?
The fit with the therapist is one of the biggest predictors of success in therapy. If your clinician is not a good fit, we will support you in transferring care and are happy to provide referrals.
What should I do if I’m in crisis or need immediate help between sessions?
We are not a crisis center and do not have clinicians on call at all times, and during business hours, your clinician may be in session. If you are in crisis and your clinician is not available, please call the mental health hotline at 988 or call 911.
Therapy process and expectations
What will we talk about in therapy, and do I have to talk about my past?
Therapy is a space where you can talk about anything. Talking about the past and linking past experiences and patterns to present behaviors can be very powerful. You are in control of what you share, but you will be encouraged to share about your past as this can very conducive to your progress in therapy
How do we set goals for therapy, and how will I know if I’m making progress?
We will set goals together in your initial sessions and will check in periodically about progress. Goals can be adjusted as needed.
Do you give homework or practices between sessions?
This depends on your goals and your clinician.
Can I involve my partner or family in my treatment if needed?
This can be powerful in your treatment but this decision should be made with planning and coordination with your clinician.
How do you work with trauma without re‑traumatizing clients?
In most trauma treatments, the initial stages of treatment are focused on helping you to feel safe with your therapist and in the therapy space, and to build your ability to cope with stress that arises. As trauma-informed clinicians, we will track your distress levels throughout treatment to make sure that we are working through the stress and trauma of what happened without it becoming too overwhelming.
Do you incorporate somatic or body‑based techniques?
A number of our therapist are trained in somatic treatments (EMDR and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy)