Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be “crazy” to go to therapy?

Short answer: no.

Long answer: Everyone can benefit from therapy because we all go through normal things in life that are hard to cope with sometimes. This idea that you need to be at a breaking point before you reach out is why many people are scared to get the support they need for their mental health. So, whether you are overwhelmed by what you’re dealing with right now, or simply feel “off” and want to talk about it, therapy is for you. It’s for all of us.

How long are therapy sessions?

Sessions are 45 to 60 minutes long.

Who can come with me to therapy?

This is your therapy and you get to decide who you want to be part of your sessions. We will work with you to create a plan for who you want to be involved in your therapy and what we will explore in these sessions.

What are the differences between Psychologists, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs), and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)?

Licensed mental health professionals go through an immense amount of education and supervised training to ensure they are qualified to provide counseling. Here’s a breakdown of the different licensures in California for mental health professionals:
 

• Psychologist (PhD, PsyD, EdD): These professionals have a doctorate degree, which reflects their extensive training in understanding how our minds and behavior impact our overall well-being. They work with you to develop a plan based on your goals, values, and personal experiences. Then they help you learn how to cope with your situation by using a variety of evidence-based approaches like narrative therapy.

 

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): These therapists help you navigate relationships — the good, the bad, and the ugly. They can support you with exploring difficult dynamics with your family, and guide you through life transitions including divorce or the death of a loved one. They can also work with you to address patterns in your behavior that are causing issues and learn new approaches. An Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) is an intern who is working to become a LMFT.

 

• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC): These counselors use a wide range of therapy techniques to help you with challenges like anxiety, depression, stress, and substance use. Their focus is on supporting you to develop healthy coping strategies so you can feel more grounded and balanced. An Associate Professional Clinical Counselors (APCC) is an intern who is obtaining the hours to become a LPCC.

 

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): These professionals have undergone the graduate training required to provide support for mental health issues and substance use. They bring a holistic approach to their work, being conscious of how broader social issues such as poverty, discrimination, and homelessness can have an significant impact on your ability to thrive. Associate Social Workers (ASWs) are interns who are obtaining hours to become licensed by the board as LCSWs.

Do you prescribe medication?

We do not prescribe medication for our clients. Only Physicians and Psychiatrists are legally allowed to do this in the state of California. We have several relationships with both and can make a referral if you desire medication treatment.

How long does counseling take?

You are the one who decides how long you want to work with our therapists. Some people we work with come in for just a few sessions, whereas others want a long-term relationship. We’re here for you, regardless of how long we work together.

What’s the difference between therapy and workshops?

Therapy is a good fit for you if you want an ongoing relationship with a therapist where you can explore your unique circumstances and get personalized support.

Workshops are more “get info and go” style. They are 1 or 2 sessions meant to give you information and resources that can be applied to your situation.