Am I eligible to be a California Women’s Therapy client?
Individuals in many life stages can benefit from our services. We have providers specializing in working with tweens, adolescents, young adults, and women in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s.
Though there is no formal age limit, we do not currently accept MediCare. Likewise, very young children often do not benefit fully from mental health services provided in a virtual format.
You do not have to be (or have to identify as) a woman in order to be a client of California Women’s Therapy. Though especially passionate about women’s issues, we’re inclusive and sensitive to gender identity issues. Additionally, many of our providers do excellent work with male clients, and our couple’s counselors regularly work with couples of all kinds.
Due to legal requirements, psychotherapy clients need to be physically located in California when the sessions take place. There are some exceptions to this rule, based on the laws of the state (or country) where the client is located; however, this rule holds true in most situations.
Can I come in for a session?
We see the majority of our clients through live video or telephone sessions. In many cases, your assigned therapist or coach is not located in your same city (or state).
However, there may be instances in which your therapist is located near you and has a physical office in addition to their involvement with California Women’s Therapy. In such instances, in-person sessions can be arranged on a case by case basis. Additional fees may apply.
How do video sessions work?
Much like traditional, in-person sessions. The main difference is that you don’t have to drive to an office, find parking, sit in a waiting room, walk back to your car, and drive back home. You can log into a live video session with your therapist or coach from your smartphone, computer, or iPad. You will see and hear your service provider, and she will see and hear you.
What are your fees?
Initial consultations are always free.
Our licensed psychologists set their own fees, with most standard rates ranging between $200 – $250 per session.
We also have pre-licensed therapists (practicum students and postdoctoral psychological associates) working in our practice under the supervision of licensed psychologists.
The standard rate for working with one of our postdoctoral Psychological Associates ranges from $100 to $150 per session, based on the experience of the therapist.
The standard rate for working with one of our practicum students is $75 per session.
Sliding scale discounts may be available for clients experiencing severe financial hardship.
Do you accept my insurance?
We are an out-of-network provider with most insurance plans. This means that if you are receiving individual psychotherapy and have PPO insurance, we can help you get reimbursed by your insurance company, according to your out-of-network benefits.
Insurance reimbursement rates vary based on your specific insurance plan information. We’ve found that most of our clients with PPO plans are reimbursed between 50% to 70% of each session.
Some of our therapists do accept Medicare.
For clients with Medicare, we bill Medicare directly. Depending on your plan details, you may have a small copay or coinsurance.
We do not accept MediCal.
I do not have PPO insurance or MediCare. What about me?
You will be paying out of pocket and will not be reimbursed by your insurance company.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
A “sliding scale” means that clients with financial hardship can receive discounts on our regular rates.
If you’re interested in services through California Women’s Therapy, but our rates would create a financial hardship, please contact us to discuss further. We want our services to be accessible.
How do I pay?
Following your free consultation, if you choose to book future sessions, we’ll send you a credit card authorization form to complete and return. Your credit card will then be charged immediately following all future sessions.
What are your policies regarding no shows, cancellations, and rescheduling?
We understand how chaotic life can be, so our cancellation policy is much more flexible than most providers. You are always able to reschedule or cancel a session as long you contact your provider at least one hour in advance of your session to avoid any cancellation fees.
We do appreciate receiving as much notice as possible when a session needs to be canceled or rescheduled. This allows us to offer last-minute sessions to other clients in need. You may even benefit from someone else’s cancellation.
Will my therapist be licensed?
All of our licensed psychologists are fully licensed for independent practice in the state of California.
Our practicum students and postdoctoral psychological associates are pre-licensed therapists working under the supervision of our licensed psychologists.
Are all of your therapists women?
Yes, currently all of our therapists are women.
How do I schedule sessions?
You’ll be communicating directly with your therapist via e-mail, text, or phone regarding scheduling. She can let you know what session times are currently available, and you can choose the day and time that works best for you. Having a regular weekly appointment time is recommended, but not required.
If I choose to become a client, is there any paperwork I need to complete?
Yes, in addition to the credit card authorization form mentioned above, you’ll be completing a consent for treatment form as well as a document confirming that you have received notice of our privacy practices.
We also send clients in intake questionnaire to gather helpful information. We encourage clients to complete this prior to beginning their first session; however, it is not a legal requirement in order to begin your therapeutic journey.
What is the difference between psychotherapy and life coaching?
Great question! Though there are many similarities between therapy and coaching, there are also some important differences.
The main difference is that psychotherapy is intended to help people recover from emotional or other psychological disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Coaching, on the other hand, is intended to help healthy individuals achieve personal goals, such as increased happiness, weight loss, getting organized, starting a business, and improving work-life balance.
In life coaching, the following are typically true: (1) the client is emotionally and psychologically healthy, (2) there is a focus on the present and the future, (3) the client is working towards achieving a higher level of functioning, and (4) contact between sessions is commonly used for the purpose of accountability.
In psychotherapy, the following are typically true: (1) the client is experiencing emotional distress and/or impairments in life functioning, (2) the main focus is on dealing with the past and being mindful in the present but may include some focus on the future as well, (3) the client is working to achieve understanding, emotional healing, and improved life functioning, and (4) contact between sessions is mainly limited to crises, scheduling, and other logistics.
Ask Us Anything
We’re happy to answer any additional questions you may have.