Frequently Asked Questions

This varies depending on your individual needs and goals. Typically, sessions are once a week, but can be more or less frequent as determined by you and your therapist.

Yes, with few exceptions (such as risk of harm to self or others), what you discuss in therapy stays confidential between you and your therapist.

The length of therapy varies for each person. Some see improvements in a few sessions, while others may need longer. It’s a personalized process, and progress depends on various factors like the nature of the issues and your commitment. 

Yes, you can stop therapy whenever you feel it’s right for you. It’s often helpful to discuss ending therapy with your therapist to ensure a proper closure.

Therapists typically don’t give direct advice. Instead, they help you explore your thoughts and feelings and discover your own solutions.

Our therapists also teach skills and tools to help you navigate what you’re facing.

We view therapy as a partnership between us. You define the areas to be worked on; We use my specialized knowledge to help you build a meaningful life where you can do what matters to you. Psychotherapy is not like visiting a medical doctor for a shot. Instead, it calls for a very active effort on your part. In order for the therapy to be most successful, you will have to work on things we talk about both during our sessions and at home. From time to time, we will look together at our progress and change course if necessary to meet your goals.

A good fit is crucial in therapy. Look for a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and understood. It’s okay to change therapists if the first one doesn’t feel right.

We believe everyone should have access to therapy, which is why we accept several insurance plans and why many of our therapists offer sliding scale fees based on your situation. If these dont work for you, please ask, we’d be happy to direct you to community health centers and other affordable options.

• New and existing clients can use the Client Portal to request appointments based on our availability
• Contact form found on our Contact Page. 
• Call us at (858) 208-0380

Appointments are typically 50-minutes. For some treatment approaches, we will have longer treatment sessions of 90-minutes.

Yes—some of our providers do accept insurance, and many clients use out-of-network benefits to get reimbursed for care. Visit our Rates & Insurance page for full details on which providers accept which plans and how to check your benefits.

In-Network Insurance

If your therapist is in-network with your insurance plan, you may only be responsible for a copay or coinsurance based on your coverage. The cost will vary by policy.

Out-of-Network (PPO Plans)

If we are not in-network with your insurance but you have a PPO plan, you may still be eligible for partial reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits. Here’s how that works:

1. You pay for sessions in full at the time of service.

2. We provide a superbill (an itemized receipt) each month.

3. You submit the superbill to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.

We recommend calling your insurance provider and asking:

• What is my out-of-network deductible, and has it been met?

• What percentage of behavioral health services do you reimburse?

• How many therapy sessions per year are covered?

Payment Methods

We accept payment by credit card or check.

Good Faith Estimate (Required by Law)

As of January 1, 2022, under the No Surprises Act, all clients not using insurance are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate of the expected costs for services. This estimate outlines the total cost of care and must be provided in writing at least 1 business day before your scheduled session.

If you receive a bill that’s $400 or more above your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the charge.

For more information, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.

Telehealth is the provision of therapy remotely through telecommunications such as video or phone. It offers a flexible and accessible way to receive mental health care without needing to be physically present in a therapist’s office.

Some key aspects of telehealth therapy:

• Effectiveness: Research shows that telehealth can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health concerns.

• Privacy: Sessions are held in secure, private settings, and you don’t need to travel or sit in a waiting room.

• Accessibility: Ideal for those with physical limitations, rural living situations, or time constraints.

• Convenience: You can attend from the comfort of your home or any quiet, private space.

• Variety of Services: Telehealth can include individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, group therapy, and psychiatric consultations.

• Technology Requirements: You’ll need a reliable internet connection and a device that supports video or voice communication. For secure, HIPAA-compliant sessions, we use Zoom.

Each provider has their own virtual waiting room. Once you schedule an appointment, you’ll receive a link—this will remain the same for each session. If you haven’t used Zoom before, you’ll be prompted to download it when you click the link.

During sessions, we ask that you find a quiet, private space free of distractions to help you get the most out of your time.

Licensing and Regulations

Therapists offering telehealth services must be licensed in the state where the client is physically located at the time of the session. Regulations vary by state, and it’s important to confirm that your provider is authorized to practice in your location.

Psychologists are not able to see clients who are physically located outside of the states they are licensed in.

Current Licensure by State:

• California: Dr. Bonds, Dr. Brew, Dr. Costanzo, Dr. Reding, and Dr. Graham are licensed in California and can see any client located in California (e.g., you may live in San Francisco while your provider is in San Diego).

• Minnesota: Dr. Reding is licensed in Minnesota and can provide services to any client located in Minnesota.

• New York: Dr. Graham is licensed in New York and can see any client located in New York.

We totally understand that things come up! You can cancel upcoming appointments through the Client Portal. You can also call us to let us know you can’t make it. Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If you are unable to cancel with 24 hour notice, you will be charged our full fee for the appointment. Insurance will not cover this charge.

We document our meetings with you. You can obtain your notes at any time, just request to review your record. We can provide you with a copy of your record (through the Client Portal or by mail). Then you will have to assume the risk of loss of confidentiality when you receive and store your copy of the record. If we believe it might be in some way harmful for you to review your records, we may suggest we review them together or we may provide you with a treatment summary in place of the entire record.

Problems can arise in a therapy relationship, just as in any other relationship. If you are not satisfied, please raise your concerns with your provider as soon as possible. Our providers will make every effort to hear any feedback you have and to seek resolution. If you feel that your provider (or any therapist) has treated you unfairly or has broken a professional rule, please tell your provider. You can also contact the state licensing board, which receives and responds to questions and complaints regarding the practice of psychology.

Notice to Consumers: The Department of Consumer Affairs’ Board of Psychology receives and responds to questions and complaints regarding the practice of psychology. If you have questions or complaints you may contact the Board on the internet at www.psychology.ca.gov, by emailing bopmail@dca.ca.gov, calling 1-866-503-3221 or writing to the following address:

​Board of Psychology
1625 North Market Blvd, Suite N-215,
Sacramento, CA 95834
1-866-503-3221
bopmail@dca.ca.gov