FAQ
Have questions about La Jolla Therapy Center? Our FAQ page covers key topics, including the types of therapy we offer, session lengths, and our cash pay policy. Discover how we support kids, teens, and young adults on their mental health journey.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We get it, starting therapy for you or your family can be scary, and you may feel like you have a million questions. Let's get started together here. For any questions we haven't answered, get on Kelly's calendar here for a free 20 minute consultation call. She is happy to chat with you directly on the phone to answer any questions you may have about La Jolla Therapy Center or the therapy process.
RATES
How much do sessions cost?
Our standard rate is 200 per 50 minute session. Because we believe everyone is deserving of the gift of therapy, each therapist on our team reserves a few limited spots on their caseload for sliding scale clients. If interested, please contact us directly to discuss a fair reduced rate.
INSURANCE
Do you take insurance? How do I use my out-of-network benefits?
We are an out-of-network provider and payment is due at the time of service. We are happy to offer super bills which you can submit directly to your insurance provider to seek potential reimbursement. We have found people may have more out-of-network mental health benefits than they realize.
To determine your out-of-network benefits, I recommend new clients call the number on the back of their insurance card and ask the following questions:
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Does my plan include “out-of-network” coverage for mental health billing? What is the allowable amount for CPT codes 90837 or 90834?
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What is my annual deductible for mental health benefits?
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What is my co-insurance? (What percentage does the plan cover?)
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Is there a limit on the number of sessions my plan will cover per year?
We also can accept payment via FSA/HSA cards.
TREATMENT LENGTH
How long will I (or my family) be in treatment for?
Length of treatment depends on individualized goals. Many clients meet treatment goals and choose to discharge from treatment after about 6 months. While we often recommend beginning treatment with weekly sessions, we do titrate sessions to biweekly and monthly as we make progress.
TYPES OF THERAPY
What type of mental health treatment do you offer?
We offer individual, family, and couples therapy. We specialize in evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, and trauma. Members of our team hold active certifications and/or have received specialty training in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), the Gottman Method, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Other types of specialty treatment we offer include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Specific treatment recommendation will depend on your individualized assessment, treatment goals, and will be discussed collaboratively with your therapist.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
If my child or teen is in treatment, how involved are parent(s) in the process?
Parents, you are our biggest ally in treatment! Our typical guideline is the younger the child, the more involved the parent. This could look like spending the entire time with parent(s) and child together, splitting the session half and half (first half with child and parent, second half with child alone), or a shorter check-in with parents at the beginning and/or end of session. We ideally like to touch base with parents, even if briefly, at some point during each session. Our goal is for parents to always be in the know regarding what their child or teen is working on. All clinical assessments and treatment planning is done with parent feedback and participation.
TELEHEALTH
How does telehealth work with kids and teens?
Typically, teens have a very easy time transitioning to telehealth, and some studies have shown telehealth can actually make it easier to open up. We have also seen success with telehealth for kiddos as young as six. Every child is different, however. Your therapist will work with you after the assessment to determine if telehealth is an effective modality for your family. We also continue to offer in-office sessions six days a week in our La Jolla office.
FIRST SESSION
What should I expect from the first session?
During the first therapy session, you can expect for us to gather an understanding of what is bringing you (or your family) to treatment. At the end of the session, we will make recommendations on the type of treatment and frequency of sessions.
CRISIS RESOURCES
Who can I contact if I (or my family) is in crisis?
While La Jolla Therapy Center does not directly offer 24/7 care, after-hours support is always available. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact 911 and ask for the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) or 988 (National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).
Additional crisis resources are listed below:
San Diego Access and Crisis Line: 888-724-7240
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Trevor Project: Suicide prevention and crisis resources for LGBTQ+ youth