Frequently Asked Questions

The first step is to book an initial 15-minute consultation so we can learn about your goals, evaluate fit, answer any questions you may have. We will pair you with one of our providers who best fits your needs.

To book a free 15-minute consultation, please click here.

Prior to the first session, we will send you an intake form to gather important information. We will also send you our consent form to complete. At the first session, you will be given information about confidentiality. We will take you through an initial psychological assessment, with questions about your symptoms, life circumstances, and history, and goals for therapy. Your provider will discuss their recommendations for treatment and answer any questions you might have. If it is determined by you or your provider that our Center is not the best fit for you, we can provide you with referrals and recommendations for next steps. If it is determined that we offer the type of therapy that is likely to be helpful to you, next steps of this therapy plan will be explained in detail.

Therapy is a considerable investment in your mental health and wellbeing. At CPC, our goal is to help you to understand yourself and teach you everything we know about what helps people thrive so that you feel able to be your own therapist. We consider therapy a short-term investment that typically results in long-term benefits.

The common course of therapy is 5-40 weeks, depending on many factors such as the complexity of the problem(s), motivation to engage in challenging treatment exercises, willingness to experience short-term discomfort, and personal preference.

A typical appointment is 45 minutes in length. Depending on your needs and preferences, we can also offer 60-minute individual sessions.

Our fees at CPC are comparable to providers in the San Francisco Bay Area with similar levels of training. Please contact us for more information.

Therapy works in different ways, depending on your history, circumstances, current symptoms, and goals. In the early stages of working with you, our providers will conduct a detailed assessment so they can develop an in-depth conceptualization of your current challenges, and collaborate with you to create a treatment plan based on your needs and goals. On the most simple level, therapy is all about new learning. Sometimes the learning involves developing insight into the way we operate, and the pros and cons of those patterns. More often, the learning process is also about translating your insight into action with the help of a skilled therapist and developing new skills. This means taking our shared understanding of the thinking and behavior patterns that keep you stuck, and learning new ways of being that help to free up your personal resources so you can recover and thrive.

Importantly, research shows that the foundation of all good therapy is the relationship you form with your therapist. For that reason, we take fit very seriously at CPC, and prioritize connecting you with the therapist who is the best fit for you. Sometimes this will mean that we provide recommendations for therapists outside of our practice so you can best get your needs met.

We accept most Aetna insurance plans, including Stanford Healthcare Alliance. Please contact us if you have an Aetna insurance plan and would like help checking your eligibility for coverage.

Other than Aetna, we are considered “out-of-network” providers for insurance plans. We do not work directly with insurance companies aside from Aetna. Some insurance plans offer coverage for mental health services. We encourage anyone interested in working with us to check with their insurance provider about your coverage for an “out-of-network” psychologist.

We also suggest clarifying whether telehealth sessions are eligible for reimbursement, as policies can differ across insurance providers. Upon request, we can provide a statement for services (a “superbill”) that can be submitted to an insurance company.

Learn more about what to ask your insurance provider here.

Confidentiality is one of the foundations of therapy and is bound by our ethical codes as well as by law. As with any therapy, there are some limitations to confidentiality in specific circumstances, and you will be informed of these before therapy starts by your provider. You will have the opportunity to discuss these with your provider to ensure you understand and feel comfortable moving forward. All software we use is secure and fully HIPPA compliant, meaning that it meets the highest standards for storing personal health information. If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality at any point, please share these with your therapist. Your comfort about confidentiality is extremely important to the therapeutic process.

At the present time, our providers do not prescribe medication. We coordinate with psychiatrists and other prescribing professionals to ensure the best quality of care for our clients. We can also provide recommendations for psychiatrists who specialize in treating your presenting mental health concern.

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