Frequently Asked Questions
Here Are Some Common Questions About Treatment at California Integrative Counseling Center.
Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept insurance. However, many insurance plans allow you to see a provider of your choice and will reimburse you a portion of the fee. You can contact your insurance carrier before your first session and ask about your benefits for outpatient psychotherapy (also sometimes called behavioral health).
We can send you a monthly statement or a “SuperBill” for you to submit to your insurance carrier for reimbursement.
Do you accept Medical or Medicare?
We do not accept Medical or Medicare insurance. We are Opted-Out Medicare providers. This means we are not contracted with Medicare. Medicare will not reimburse you for the cost of services. If you are a Medicare beneficiary, we will need to enter into a private contract for therapy services.
Can I work with you if I live outside of CA?
All of our therapists are licensed in the state of California exclusively. We can provide therapy to clients who are physically located in the state of California, only.
What are your rates?
The cost of therapy ranges from $185-$300 depending on the therapist you are working with and the services provided. We provide individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy.
What ages of clients do you treat?
Our practice sees a range of clients including adolescents and older adults. We work with individuals 12 years old and older.
Do you offer both online and in-person counseling appointments?
At this time, we offer a hybrid model with some availability for in-person counseling sessions and some availability for teletherapy counseling sessions, depending on your preference and the therapist you are working with.
Teletherapy is offered through a HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platform.
Our in-person office is located in the Mills Building in downtown San Francisco, 220 Montgomery Street, Suite 482, San Francisco, CA 94104.
How long does therapy usually take?
A typical therapy session lasts 50-80 minutes in length depending on your therapist and/or service(s).
The duration of therapy – how long you work with a therapist – looks different for everyone. For some, a few months following an acute stressor (such as a breakup or big life change) is adequate. For others looking to change deeply rooted patterns and belief systems, the process may take longer. It’s important that you and your therapist communicate throughout your work together to determine if it feels appropriate and timely to end therapy.
Will I need to do work outside of sessions?
Therapy is, by nature, an individualized process, meaning it will look different for everyone. Often there is “homework” or tools, skills, or exercises to practice outside of therapy. Ultimately, the goal of therapy is to create change in your life, so regardless of whether or not you’re actively doing work outside of sessions, our hope is that you’re always integrating a portion of what you’re doing in therapy into your life.
How do I get started with a group?
To get started with group therapy you can schedule a complimentary consultation here to get the most current information about upcoming groups. If it seems like a group may be a good fit for you, we will schedule you for an individual therapy session to learn more about your history and provide any resources that may be useful. From there, you will be scheduled in the next upcoming group.
New groups start every quarter. We offer closed groups that last approximately 12-weeks ad ongoing Alumni groups for people who have completed a 12 week group. Typically there are between 6 and 8 members per group. We also offer 3-week workshops in the summer.
What should I look for in a therapist?
One of the most important components of the effectiveness of therapy is the relationship with the therapist. This is true across all theoretical orientations and specialties. When considering whether a therapist is a good fit for you, you should consider what you need to establish trust, be open, and be honest with your therapist.
It is also crucial to have a therapist that is skilled in treating any issues or diagnoses that you are experiencing. We specialize in a number of disorders and are actively training and learning more as a team to help our clients. If we are not able to treat you or do not have a specific area of expertise, we will serve as a resource in helping connect you with a therapist in our community.
Can I just take medication to treat my mental health concerns?
Medication is often an important and necessary component of an effective treatment plan. It can be hugely beneficial for managing symptoms of many different mental health disorders. Therapy can often be a really important or beneficial addition to that treatment plan, especially when it comes to behavioral changes that may help manage symptoms more completely or sustainably.
Do you prescribe psychiatric medication?
We do not have any MDs or psychiatrists on our staff, so we do not prescribe medications. With your permission, we work closely with prescribing physicians to make sure our clients are getting appropriate and comprehensive care.
Do you offer psychological or ADHD testing?
As MFTs, our therapists are qualified to assess clients for different mental health disorders including ADHD. At our practice, this is done in conjunction with ongoing therapy so we can make a well-informed diagnosis and provide ongoing treatment in accordance with your diagnosis. There may be some circumstances where it is most appropriate to refer clients to a psychiatrist for evaluation or to another provider for a full neuropsychological assessment.
Will you write letters of accommodation?
As MFTs, our therapists are qualified to write letters of accommodation, when appropriate. Typically, this is done in conjunction with ongoing therapy so we have a full picture and understanding of what is going on for our clients and can make a well-informed recommendation.
Services at California Integrative Counseling Center
At our California-based counseling center, we focus on your goals for therapy. If you are looking to reconnect with your partner(s), our inclusive therapists would be happy to help with couples therapy. Likewise, we know that your life is always changing, whether you are going through a divorce, having a child, or finally got that dream job. Our therapists provide counseling for life transitions to help you navigate life transitions - big or small, positive or negative. We also offer therapy for teens as well. If you are not quite ready to begin individual ADHD treatment, we offer an ADHD support group for women. We would be honored to accompany you on your path toward mental wellness.