Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
Schedule your free 15 minute phone consultation. We will get to know each other and answer any questions you might have. If it feels like a good fit, we will schedule an intake appointment either in-person or online.
Prior to your intake session, you will need to complete consent forms, intake forms, and payment, all to be completed online.
Following your intake session, we will discuss how often you’d like to meet for therapy sessions and schedule your first session!
Do you offer telehealth or in-person sessions?
Telehealth therapy is available throughout California. In-person appointments are available in Torrance with Teryn Hara Tsukahira, LCSW.
How do I choose a therapist?
You can request a specific therapist when getting started. If you’re unsure who would be the best fit, select No Preference / Help Me Choose, and we’ll help match you based on what you’re looking for.
How often do you recommend we meet for sessions?
This will vary by person and the goals we have developed. We will meet at the pace you are most comfortable with (i.e. weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, on an as needed basis, etc.).
Do you accept insurance?
At this time, we accept Kaiser Permanente, Aetna, and Medicare, as well as all major credit/debit cards, cash, or check. We are also in the process of credentialing with UnitedHealthcare and TRICARE – coming soon. If you prefer to work with insurance out-of-network, or have a Health Savings Account (HSA) that covers out-of-network providers, we can provide a monthly superbill that you may submit directly to your insurance company for reimbursement. Superbills are only provided upon request. Please note: superbills will include a DSM ICD-10 diagnosis.
How do I know if my insurance company will reimburse me?
Please contact your insurance company to find out more about your out-of-network mental health benefits. Click the link below for a list of questions to help you get started.
What is your payment and cancellation policy?
Our fee for an initial assessment is $200 per session. Individual therapy sessions are $175 per session.
All fees must be received prior to the session and can be paid through the Client Portal on SimplePractice. In unforeseen circumstances, payments can be processed at the time of appointment if advance notice is provided via email or phone.
If you are unable to attend your scheduled session, please contact us to cancel at least 48 hours in advance. This gives us time to fill the slot for someone else hoping to schedule a session. If we are not contacted in advance, you will be charged in full for your session.
What if I can't afford your fees?
We have limited spots for sliding scale fees, which means we can offer lower fees based on financial need. Your mental health is important to us. If spots are full, we can provide referrals upon request.
How does confidentiality work?
All communications and even our relationship are confidential unless you provide written authorization to release information about your treatment. However, by state law and professional ethics, the following situations allow us to reveal information obtained during therapy to another person or agency without your authorization:
- If a client reports child abuse or neglect, or elder/dependent adult abuse or neglect, we have to report this. Even if the client is not the one who committed the act of abuse or neglect, we are mandated reporters and have to report it.
- If a client makes a threat of imminent, serious violence towards an identifiable victim, we have the duty to warn.
- If a client intends to end their life, we will break confidentiality.
- If a court subpoenas a client's record, we have to turn it over to the court. If however, we think it would be damaging to do so, we can advocate for limited release/confidentiality of the record. But, if the court denies this, we have to turn the record over.
What if I'm still not sure therapy is for me?
Let’s discuss this more. When you’re ready, schedule your free 15 minute phone consultation.