Frequently Asked Questions
We know you may have questions before getting started.
Below, you’ll find answers to some of the questions we hear most often about therapy, appointments, fees, insurance, and our practice.
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help.
How do I get started?
Taking the first step toward therapy can sometimes feel like the hardest part. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin.
Getting started is simple. Click Book Appointment, and complete the initial information through our secure patient portal. We’ll help connect you with a therapist who fits your needs and preferences.
If you have questions before getting started, you’re always welcome to contact us.
Can we meet first to see if we're a good fit?
Yes. We offer a brief initial consultation so you can meet with a therapist before scheduling your first therapy appointment. This gives you an opportunity to share a little about what you're looking for, ask questions, learn more about the therapist's approach, and get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit.
If you decide to move forward, you can schedule your initial assessment. If not, we're happy to provide referrals whenever possible to help you find the support that's right for you.
What do I need to do before my first appointment?
Before your first appointment, you'll receive forms through our secure client portal to complete. These may include contact and background information, consent forms, practice policies, and payment information.
Completing these forms before your appointment allows your therapist to better understand your needs and helps you make the most of your first session.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Your first appointment is typically an initial assessment and an opportunity for you and your therapist to get to know one another. Your therapist will ask questions to better understand what brings you to therapy, your history, current concerns, goals, and what you hope to gain from treatment. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions and determine whether the therapist feels like a good fit for you.
If you decide to continue working together, you can schedule additional sessions and begin developing a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Therapy is a highly individualized process. The frequency and duration of treatment vary depending on your needs, symptoms, goals, progress, and preferences. Your therapist will work collaboratively with you throughout the process and can adjust treatment as your needs evolve.
2. Your first session is an opportunity to get to know your therapist, discuss what brings you to therapy, and talk about your goals. Together, you'll begin developing a plan that feels right for you. There is no pressure to have everything figured out before you begin.
3.Your first appointment is typically an initial assessment and an opportunity for you and your therapist to get to know one another. Your therapist will ask questions to better understand what brings you to therapy, your history, current concerns, goals, and what you hope to gain from treatment.
You'll also have time to ask questions and talk about what you're looking for from therapy. Together, you'll begin developing a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals. There is no pressure to have everything figured out before you begin.
How does online Telehealth therapy work?
Once your appointment is scheduled, you'll receive a secure link to join your session. At your appointment time, simply click the link using your computer, tablet, or smartphone. No special technical knowledge is required.
To get the most out of your session, we recommend using a private, quiet space with a reliable internet connection.
2.Sessions are held online through a secure video platform, allowing you to meet with your therapist from the comfort and privacy of your own space.
Once your appointment is scheduled, you'll receive information for joining your session. At your appointment time, simply follow the instructions provided using your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
What should I do to prepare for an online therapy session?
1.Choose a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable speaking openly and are unlikely to be interrupted. Before your session, make sure you have a reliable internet connection, a supported and updated web browser, and a device with a working camera, microphone, and speakers.
We recommend joining a few minutes early, especially for your first appointment, so you have time to address any technical issues.
2.Choose a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable speaking openly and are unlikely to be interrupted. Make sure you have a reliable internet connection, an updated supported browser, and a device with a working camera, microphone, and speakers.
We recommend joining a few minutes early, particularly for your first appointment, so you have time to address any technical issues.
What states do you serve?
1.Once your appointment is scheduled, you'll receive a secure link to join your session. At your appointment time, simply click the link using your computer, tablet, or smartphone. No special technical knowledge is required.
To get the most out of your session, we recommend using a private, quiet space with a reliable internet connection.
2.Hear and Now Psychology currently provides online psychotherapy to clients located in California.
Because psychotherapy is regulated based on where the client is physically located at the time of the session, please let your therapist know if you will be traveling or located outside California for an upcoming appointment.
How long are therapy sessions?
Standard individual therapy sessions are typically 45-50 minutes. Your therapist will discuss with you if a different session length is recommended or appropriate.
How often will I meet with my therapist?
1.Many clients meet with their therapist for 50-minute sessions on a weekly or biweekly basis. Most clients begin with weekly sessions to establish consistency, build momentum, and allow time for you and your therapist to better understand your needs and goals.
As therapy progresses, you and your therapist may decide that meeting every other week is appropriate. The frequency of sessions is flexible and can change over time based on your needs, progress, goals, and circumstances.
2.Most clients begin with weekly sessions to establish consistency and build momentum in therapy. As treatment progresses, you and your therapist may decide that meeting every other week is appropriate.
The frequency of sessions is flexible and may change over time depending on your needs, progress, goals, and circumstances.
How long will I be in therapy?
1.There is no set number of sessions that is right for everyone. Some people come to therapy for a shorter period to address a specific concern, while others choose longer-term therapy for deeper or ongoing work.
The length of treatment depends on your concerns, symptoms, goals, progress, and individual needs. You and your therapist will work together to determine a course of treatment that is clinically appropriate and meaningful for you.
How do we track progress in therapy?
Progress in therapy looks different for everyone. At the beginning of treatment, you and your therapist will work together to identify your concerns, goals, and what meaningful change would look like for you.
Throughout therapy, you'll regularly reflect on how you're feeling, what you're learning, how you're applying new tools, and whether you're noticing changes in your symptoms, relationships, patterns, daily life, or overall well-being. Your therapist may also use brief questionnaires or other measures when helpful to provide additional insight into your progress.
Your goals and needs may evolve over time, so progress is something you and your therapist will continue to revisit together. Therapy is a collaborative process, and your feedback helps guide the direction of your care.
How might I feel after a therapy session?
Therapy can sometimes bring up strong or unexpected emotions. You may leave a session feeling relieved, reflective, energized, tired, emotional, or a combination of these. There isn't one "right" way to feel after therapy.
If a session leaves you feeling unsettled, you and your therapist can discuss strategies for caring for yourself between sessions and ways to support you as you continue processing what came up.
What type of therapy modalities do you provide?
Therapy is individualized, and your therapist may integrate different evidence-based approaches depending on your needs, preferences, and goals. Approaches may include:
Therapy is tailored specifically to each client using:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Interpersonal
Humanistic
Client Centered
Attachment-based
Culturally Sensitive
LGBTQ Affirmative Therapy
Eclectic
Emotionally Focused
Integrative
Mindfulness-Based Interventions
Motivational Interviewing
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Somatic and mind-body interventions
Care is provided through an eclectic, integrative approach, allowing your therapist to draw from different therapeutic frameworks rather than using a one-size-fits-all model.
What are your session fees?
1.Therapy fees vary based on the therapist, service provided, and session type. Individual psychotherapy sessions generally range from $250 to $300 per 45-50-minute session.
You will be informed of your specific fee before beginning treatment, so you know what to expect before your first appointment.
2.Individual psychotherapy sessions generally range from $250 to $300 per 45-50-minute session, depending on the therapist and service provided.
You will be informed of your specific fee before beginning treatment so you know what to expect.
3.Therapists with Hear and Now Psychology have different costs ranging from $200 to $400 per 50-minute session. The price differentiation is based on the level of education and experience in the field.
Do you accept insurance?
Hear and Now Psychology is a fee-for-service practice and does not directly accept insurance.
If you have out-of-network benefits through a PPO or other eligible insurance plan, your plan may reimburse a portion of your therapy costs. Coverage varies considerably, so we recommend contacting your insurance company directly to verify your out-of-network mental health benefits, deductible, reimbursement rate, and any requirements for reimbursement.
As a courtesy, we may be able to submit out-of-network claims on your behalf. Alternatively, we can provide you with a superbill that you can submit directly to your insurance company.
Reimbursement is determined by your insurance plan and cannot be guaranteed by Hear and Now Psychology.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
1.If you are uninsured or choose not to use insurance for your care, federal law may give you the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining the expected cost of your health care services.
You may request a Good Faith Estimate before scheduling services or at any time during treatment. The estimate is based on information available at the time and is not a guarantee of the exact number of sessions you will need or the total cost of treatment, since your needs and treatment plan may change over time.
2.If you do not have insurance or do not plan to submit a claim to your insurance for these services, you may have the right under federal law to receive a Good Faith Estimate of the expected cost of your care.
A Good Faith Estimate is based on the information available at the time and is not a prediction of exactly how many therapy sessions you will need, since treatment needs can change.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that things come up. We ask that you provide at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
Late cancellations and missed appointments may be charged the full session fee, except as otherwise required by law or outlined in your practice policies. Your therapist will review the cancellation policy with you before treatment begins.
What happens if my therapist isn't the right fit for me?
1.Finding the right therapist matters. Sometimes a therapist and client may determine that another professional would be better suited to the client's needs, preferences, or treatment goals.
If Hear and Now Psychology is not the right fit for you, we are happy to provide appropriate referrals whenever possible so that you have options for continuing your care and feel supported in finding the help you need.
2.Finding the right therapist matters. If you or your therapist determine that another professional may be better suited to your needs, preferences, or treatment goals, we're happy to provide appropriate referrals whenever possible.
Our goal is for you to feel supported in finding care that is right for you, whether that is with Hear and Now Psychology or another provider.
What days and times are appointments available?
Appointment availability varies by therapist. Daytime and evening appointments may be available Monday through Friday, depending on the therapist's current schedule.
Current availability can change, so please contact us or request an appointment to learn about available times.
What if I need immediate help?
Hear and Now Psychology Group Practice does not provide emergency or crisis services.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911, go to your nearest emergency department, or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are in the United States.