Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process in getting connected to a therapist?

Please use the contact form on our website to be connected to a therapist. The form goes directly to our practice owner, Jackie, who will respond within one business day. Please be specific about if you’re looking for a therapist who takes insurance, what insurance carrier you have, and what therapist you want to be connected to. This will assist you in getting connected to a therapist sooner. From there Jackie will send your contact information to your preferred therapist to schedule a consultation. Please note, if you read a therapist’s bio and think they are a good fit you’re welcome to email them directly.

What is a consultation?

A consultation is a free 15 minute phone call scheduled with a potential therapist from Living Within Therapy. The therapist will ask you standard questions that we ask all potential incoming clients; however, this is also an opportunity for you to ask therapist any questions you have. If you and the therapist agree it is a good fit, the therapist will schedule an intake/first appointment with you. If the therapist does not believe they will be a good fit for you, we will do our best to provide you with some referrals.

What do I talk about in therapy?

We are often asked “what do I even say in therapy?” Sometimes our clients don’t know where to start and what to bring up. Our intake questionnaire will guide you to think of some areas in your life you are wanting to focus on to truly get the most out of therapy. All of our therapists are skilled in asking questions to understand the deeper root of what is happening. It is up to you to be vulnerable and honest, which we believe are the most important characteristics to bring into the therapy room. You may be nervous at first but you will be comfortable over time.

How long does the intake paperwork take?

Intake paperwork takes on average about 15-20 minutes. It is imperative that paperwork is fully complete to your first session so that you and your therapist can spend the full 50 minutes connecting rather than having to complete paperwork. Your therapist will review a few items from the paperwork during your first session, which will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the intake paperwork. The intake paperwork explains confidentiality, fee for any work that is completed outside of therapy, and our practice policies, just to name a few.

How long are therapy sessions?

All of our therapy sessions are 50 minutes, including the first session where we will review your intake. The intake can take a few sessions to review depending on what information you share and what follow-up questions your therapist has for you. Your 50 minutes start from the beginning of your agreed upon time.

How long should I be expected to be in therapy for?

We cannot guarantee duration of treatment at the beginning of our work together as therapy is different for everyone. Sometimes a client can feel relief after a few sessions where as some clients are in therapy for years. It is up to you to bring the work outside of the room which can assist you in your healing process. Here at Living Within Therapy we believe in having support throughout the lifespan. Some of our clients terminate therapy as they have achieved their goals and come back later on when they have a new issue they want to work through.

What kind of therapy does LWT provide?

We provide individual, couples, and family therapy. Please see our service pages for populations we treat.

Do you prescribe medication?

Our therapists are all master’s level clinicians and do not prescribe medication. For someone to prescribe medication they have to either be a Nurse Practitioner or a Psychiatrist. We recommend that you call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card to be connected to a provider.

Do you offer in person or telehealth sessions?

We offer both in person and telehealth sessions. We use a secure video platform, Simple Practice, for our telehealth sessions. If using your phone we recommend that you download the telehealth for Simple Practice application ahead of time. You need to physically be located in California to join via telehealth. We will confirm your location at the start of each session.

What does it mean when I see my therapist listed as an associate?

An associate therapist is an individual who has completed graduate school and at least one year of an internship while enrolled in graduate school. An associate therapist has to obtain 3000 hours before taking their second test towards licensure. All of our therapists have passed their first test towards licensure, the law and ethics exam.

What is the fee for therapy and what are the benefits of self-pay?

Please see our Meet the Team page for more information on each therapist’s rates, including insurance and cash rates (self-pay). There are many benefits of self-pay. Compared to when using insurance benefits, they are able to track, view, and discuss any progress notes/diagnoses, and/or influence your length of treatment. Insurance companies also require medical diagnoses which can become a part of your permanent medical record. Self-pay allows for an extra layer of privacy without having to worry about your insurance company’s involvement in treatment. Super bills can be provided upon request

What is a super bill?

A super bill is a form that can be emailed to you from your therapist for potential reimbursement by your insurance company. If you have a PPO, some insurances will reimburse for out of network services, including outpatient mental health therapy. If requesting a super bill please be aware that we have to provide a diagnosis. Please note it is your responsibility to be informed about how much you could be potentially reimbursed. We strongly recommend that you call your insurance prior to commencing services to gather this information.

Will you be my friend on social media?

As much as we deeply care abut our clients we will not be friends with you on social media. It is important that boundaries are maintained as one of the reasons that therapy is so powerful is that therapists are not friends or family members and can provide true unconditional positive regard.