Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Psychotherapy?
A. Psychotherapy is one of the healing arts. It is a collaborative process between an individual or family and a trained, skilled, and trusted psychotherapist. A therapist's role, in part, is to create a safe place in which you can most effectively solve problems and heal emotional pain. Together, we can determine the barriers that come between you and your goals, and identify the resources and strengths you already have to guide you to the life you want to lead. Therapy is a commitment that requires your active participation and emotional investment. Through the process of therapy, people usually experience positive change and emotional relief.
Q. What is an MFT? What is the difference between an MFT, an LCSW, a Psychologist, and a Psychiatrist?
A. An MFT is a Marriage and Family Therapist, licensed in California by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Licensed MFTs have a Master's Degree from an accredited university, have completed a minimum of 3,000 supervised hours, and have passed both licensing examinations administered by the Board. MFTs focus on systemic issues, in particular addressing concerns pertaining to or impacting interpersonal relationships. MFTs are qualified to treat individuals, couples, families and children.
An LCSW, or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has obtained a Masters degree in Social Work, has also completed a supervised internship, and has passed their board's licensing exams.
A Psychologist has obtained a PhD, and can often perform more intensive psychological testing.
A Psychiatrist has attended Medical School, obtained an MD, and is board certified to treat psychiatric disorders and prescribe medication.
Q. How long and how often are sessions? How many therapy sessions can I expect?
A. Typical therapy sessions last 45-50 minutes. 90 minute sessions may be scheduled on an as-needed basis. Sessions are typically scheduled once a week. I believe weekly appointments are beneficial for maintaining continuity and making steady progress. As treatment progresses, many people choose to extend to every other week.
Because the length of therapy depends on a number of factors, it is impossible to predict the duration of therapy at the outset of our work together. Some clients come in with very specific, short-term goals that can be achieved in a matter of 6-12 sessions. Others remain in therapy for months or longer. Still others will attend therapy regularly for a set amount of time, take a break, and then return to address unresolved or new concerns.
Q. Do you accept insurance?
A. I do not directly bill insurance for therapy sessions. However, if you have a PPO, you may be eligible for a partial reimbursement of your session fee. In such a case, I can provide you with a "super bill" which would contain all the necessary information your insurance company would need to reimburse you. You would then be responsible for submitting the super bill to your insurance provider for partial reimbursement.
As a first step, I recommend that you call your insurance provider. The behavioral or mental health phone number is typically found on the back of your insurance card. The following is a list of helpful questions to ask:
1. Do I have out-of-network mental health insurance benefits?
2. Do I have a deductible? What is it, and has it been met?
3. Is there a limit to the number of sessions I am eligible for per year?
4. Is approval required from my Primary Care Physician?
5. What percentage can I be reimbursed for an out-of-network provider?
Q. What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist?
A. Therapy can provide insight, new perspectives, and solutions to difficult problems. It can enhance personal development, improve relationships, and ease the challenges of daily life. Additional benefits include:
-Enhancing one's quality of life
-Developing skills for managing stress and anxiety
-Obtaining insight into personal patterns and behavior
-Grieving the loss of a loved one or significant relationship
-Establishing closer and more fulfilling relationships
-Discovering new ways to solve problems
-Improving management of anger, depression, and mood changes
-Increasing healthy communication and listening skills
-Learning and enforcing appropriate boundaries
-Navigating life's obstacles more effectively
-Increasing confidence and well-being
-Modifying behavior and long-standing self-defeating patterns
Q. Is therapy confidential?
A. In general, the law protects a client's confidentiality in therapy. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are a few instances in which the law allows for a breach in confidentiality. They are as follows:
1. Suspected child, dependent adult, or elder abuse
2. The threat of serious bodily harm to self or another
3. A subpoena by a judge in a court of law
A. Psychotherapy is one of the healing arts. It is a collaborative process between an individual or family and a trained, skilled, and trusted psychotherapist. A therapist's role, in part, is to create a safe place in which you can most effectively solve problems and heal emotional pain. Together, we can determine the barriers that come between you and your goals, and identify the resources and strengths you already have to guide you to the life you want to lead. Therapy is a commitment that requires your active participation and emotional investment. Through the process of therapy, people usually experience positive change and emotional relief.
Q. What is an MFT? What is the difference between an MFT, an LCSW, a Psychologist, and a Psychiatrist?
A. An MFT is a Marriage and Family Therapist, licensed in California by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Licensed MFTs have a Master's Degree from an accredited university, have completed a minimum of 3,000 supervised hours, and have passed both licensing examinations administered by the Board. MFTs focus on systemic issues, in particular addressing concerns pertaining to or impacting interpersonal relationships. MFTs are qualified to treat individuals, couples, families and children.
An LCSW, or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has obtained a Masters degree in Social Work, has also completed a supervised internship, and has passed their board's licensing exams.
A Psychologist has obtained a PhD, and can often perform more intensive psychological testing.
A Psychiatrist has attended Medical School, obtained an MD, and is board certified to treat psychiatric disorders and prescribe medication.
Q. How long and how often are sessions? How many therapy sessions can I expect?
A. Typical therapy sessions last 45-50 minutes. 90 minute sessions may be scheduled on an as-needed basis. Sessions are typically scheduled once a week. I believe weekly appointments are beneficial for maintaining continuity and making steady progress. As treatment progresses, many people choose to extend to every other week.
Because the length of therapy depends on a number of factors, it is impossible to predict the duration of therapy at the outset of our work together. Some clients come in with very specific, short-term goals that can be achieved in a matter of 6-12 sessions. Others remain in therapy for months or longer. Still others will attend therapy regularly for a set amount of time, take a break, and then return to address unresolved or new concerns.
Q. Do you accept insurance?
A. I do not directly bill insurance for therapy sessions. However, if you have a PPO, you may be eligible for a partial reimbursement of your session fee. In such a case, I can provide you with a "super bill" which would contain all the necessary information your insurance company would need to reimburse you. You would then be responsible for submitting the super bill to your insurance provider for partial reimbursement.
As a first step, I recommend that you call your insurance provider. The behavioral or mental health phone number is typically found on the back of your insurance card. The following is a list of helpful questions to ask:
1. Do I have out-of-network mental health insurance benefits?
2. Do I have a deductible? What is it, and has it been met?
3. Is there a limit to the number of sessions I am eligible for per year?
4. Is approval required from my Primary Care Physician?
5. What percentage can I be reimbursed for an out-of-network provider?
Q. What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist?
A. Therapy can provide insight, new perspectives, and solutions to difficult problems. It can enhance personal development, improve relationships, and ease the challenges of daily life. Additional benefits include:
-Enhancing one's quality of life
-Developing skills for managing stress and anxiety
-Obtaining insight into personal patterns and behavior
-Grieving the loss of a loved one or significant relationship
-Establishing closer and more fulfilling relationships
-Discovering new ways to solve problems
-Improving management of anger, depression, and mood changes
-Increasing healthy communication and listening skills
-Learning and enforcing appropriate boundaries
-Navigating life's obstacles more effectively
-Increasing confidence and well-being
-Modifying behavior and long-standing self-defeating patterns
Q. Is therapy confidential?
A. In general, the law protects a client's confidentiality in therapy. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are a few instances in which the law allows for a breach in confidentiality. They are as follows:
1. Suspected child, dependent adult, or elder abuse
2. The threat of serious bodily harm to self or another
3. A subpoena by a judge in a court of law