Question 1

I've never talked to anyone. I'm used to handling things on my own. Aren't people who go to therapy weak?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, we'll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.

Question 2

What happens during a free consultation?

Accepted Answer

The free 15-minute phone consultation is a chance for you to share what's bringing you in and for us to answer any questions you have. We'll also discuss which therapist on our team may be the best fit for you and what next steps look like. There's no obligation to move forward.

Question 3

How do I know which therapist is right for me?

Accepted Answer

During your initial consultation we'll ask about your concerns, goals, and any preferences you have (e.g. specialization, approach, or working with a particular population). We use that information to match you with a therapist who is well-suited to your needs. A good fit is important — if at any point you'd prefer to work with someone else on our team, just let us know.

Question 4

Do you offer telehealth (online therapy)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer in-person sessions at our San Rafael office as well as secure telehealth sessions via video for clients located anywhere in California. Many of our clients use a hybrid approach — coming in person when they can and switching to video when life gets busy.

Question 5

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

We are out-of-network with most insurance plans, which means we do not bill insurance directly. However, we provide superbills — detailed receipts — that you can submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Many PPO plans reimburse 50–80% of session costs after your deductible is met. We recommend calling the member services number on your insurance card to ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits before your first session.

Question 6

What are your session fees?

Accepted Answer

New clients begin with a one-time 80-minute intake session. Ongoing sessions are 50 minutes and range from $205–$360 depending on the therapist and session type (individual, couples, or family). We offer a limited number of sliding-scale spots for clients who demonstrate financial need. Please visit our Fees & Forms page or contact us directly to ask about current availability.

Question 7

What is a superbill?

Accepted Answer

A superbill is an itemized receipt that includes the information your insurance company needs to process an out-of-network reimbursement claim — including the diagnosis code, procedure code, date of service, and our provider details. We generate superbills upon request, typically on a monthly basis.

Question 8

What's the difference between talking to a therapist versus my best friend or family?

Accepted Answer

A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way — teach you new skills, offer different perspectives, and listen without judgment or personal stake in the outcome. Therapy is also completely confidential, which means you can speak freely without worrying about it affecting your relationships. Friends and family care about you deeply, but they bring their own feelings and history to every conversation.

Question 9

Why shouldn't I just take medication?

Accepted Answer

Medication can be effective, but it alone cannot resolve all issues. It often works best in conjunction with therapy. Our work together is designed to explore the roots of what you're experiencing and help you build skills and insights that medication alone cannot provide. We can also coordinate with your prescribing provider.

Question 10

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Accepted Answer

Because each person has different goals, therapy looks different for everyone. Your therapist will tailor the approach to your specific needs. In the beginning, sessions focus on building a relationship and understanding what's bringing you in. Over time you'll be working through the things that matter most to you — at a pace that feels right.

Question 11

How long will therapy take?

Accepted Answer

The length of treatment depends on your goals, the complexity of what you're working through, and how you're progressing. Some clients find significant relief in 8–12 sessions. Others benefit from longer-term work. We revisit your goals regularly and will always talk with you openly about how things are going and what makes sense next.

Question 12

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

Accepted Answer

Your active participation is the most important factor in your progress. This means showing up consistently, being open and honest with your therapist, and practicing skills between sessions. Therapy works best when what happens in the room connects to your everyday life.

Question 13

What is EMDR and who is it for?

Accepted Answer

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy originally developed for PTSD and trauma, now used for anxiety, phobias, depression, grief, and chronic pain. It uses sets of guided eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation) while you recall distressing memories, which helps the brain reprocess them so they lose their emotional charge. Most clients notice significant relief faster than with traditional talk therapy alone. It is effective for both adults and children.

Question 14

What is IFS (Internal Family Systems)?

Accepted Answer

Internal Family Systems is an evidence-based approach that views the mind as naturally made up of different 'parts' — protective parts, wounded parts, and an inner Self. In IFS, rather than trying to eliminate difficult feelings or impulses, you learn to understand the role each part plays and develop compassion for it. This leads to greater integration and a calmer, more grounded sense of self. IFS is effective for trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties.

Question 15

Do you work with children? How young?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our therapists work with children as young as three years old through adolescence. We use developmentally appropriate approaches — including play therapy and expressive arts — that allow young children to process their experiences through the natural language of play rather than talk. Parent involvement is an important part of the work with younger children, and we schedule regular parent check-ins throughout treatment.

Question 16

What is play therapy?

Accepted Answer

Play therapy is a form of therapy for children (typically ages 3–12) in which the child uses toys, art, sand, and imaginative play to communicate feelings and experiences they may not yet have words for. The therapist creates a safe, non-directive environment and gently reflects and guides the process. Play therapy is effective for anxiety, trauma, behavioral issues, adjustment difficulties, and social-emotional development.

Question 17

Where are you located? Do you offer parking?

Accepted Answer

We are located at 900 5th Avenue, Suite 203, San Rafael, CA 94901. Street parking is available nearby, and there is a public parking garage on 3rd Street one block away.

Question 18

What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?

Accepted Answer

We ask that cancellations and reschedule requests be made at least 48 hours in advance. Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours notice will be charged the full session fee. If something unexpected comes up, please reach out to us as soon as possible — we will always do our best to find a same-week time for you, which in many cases allows us to waive the late cancellation fee. Your continuity of care matters to us, and we want to make it as easy as possible to stay on track.

Question 19

Is therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. What you share in therapy is strictly confidential. There are a small number of legal exceptions — for example, if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or a report of abuse involving a minor — in which case your therapist is legally required to take action. Your therapist will explain these limits of confidentiality during your first session.

Question 20

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Our office is in San Rafael and we primarily serve clients throughout Marin County — including Novato, Mill Valley, Sausalito, Fairfax, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Kentfield, Greenbrae, San Anselmo, Ross, Tiburon, Belvedere, and surrounding communities. Through telehealth we work with clients across California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Fees & Insurance

The Therapy Process

Specific Therapies

Practical Details

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