Frequently Asked Questions
We know that taking the first step toward therapy can feel a bit overwhelming, and you might have a few questions before you get started. Below, you’ll find answers to the things we hear most often about our practice, fees, and what to expect.
If there is a question you have that isn't answered here, please feel free to contact us.
About Our Practice
Who do you work with?
We provide individual therapy for adults. Many of our clients come to us looking for support with anxiety, depression, major life transitions, day-to-day stressors, or simply a desire for personal growth.
Where are sessions held?
Our practice is fully virtual. We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions via our practice management software platform to clients located anywhere in California.
Please note: At the moment, we only provide services to clients who are physical residents of and currently located in the state of California. You must also be physically located within California at the time of your session to receive care. If this is not the case or if any of this changes, please let your therapist know prior to your session with them.
What days and times are appointments available?
Appointment availability varies depending on the specific therapist you match with. Generally, we offer both daytime and evening appointments Monday through Friday. Because our calendar shifts frequently, the best way to find a slot that fits your schedule is to request a time through our online booking system via this website or reach out directly by sending an email.
Getting Started
How do I get started?
Taking the first step toward therapy can sometimes feel like the hardest part, but we are here to help make it as easy as possible. Simply click the Book Appointment button below and complete the initial information through our secure patient portal. From there, we’ll help connect you with a therapist who fits your specific needs and preferences.
Can we meet first to see if we're a good fit?
Yes. The relationship between you and your therapist is incredibly important. We offer a free, 15-minute 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 brings you to therapy and see if you and your therapist feel like the right match.
What do I need to do before my first appointment?
After your initial appointment is confirmed, you will receive an email link to set up an account in our secure client portal. Once inside the portal, you’ll find a few online forms to complete before your appointment with your therapist. These include standard contact and background information, consent forms, privacy and practice policies, and your payment setup. Completing these forms ahead of time gives your therapist a chance to understand your background and ensures you can dive right in and make the absolute most of your first therapy appointment.
The Therapy
Process
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Your first appointment is an initial assessment and an opportunity for you and your therapist to get to know one another. There is absolutely no pressure to have everything figured out before you begin. Your therapist will start by asking some questions to better understand what brings you to therapy, your history, your current concerns, and what you hope to gain from treatment. This is also a collaborative space, so you will have plenty of opportunities to ask your own questions, share your preferences, and ensure you feel comfortable with your therapist. If you both decide that working together feels like a great set up, you will coordinate future appointments and begin developing a highly individualized treatment plan tailored to your personal needs and goals.
How long are therapy sessions?
Standard individual sessions are 45–50 minutes. If your therapist feels a different length would be more appropriate for your needs, they will discuss that option with you directly.
How often will I meet with my therapist?
Most clients meet with their therapist weekly or biweekly. We usually recommend starting with weekly sessions to build momentum, establish consistency, and help you and your therapist get to know each other. As you make progress, you can adjust the frequency together based on your goals and schedule.
How long will I be in therapy?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but our average client participates in therapy for 6–12 weeks. Some clients come for a shorter period to work through a specific issue, while others choose longer-term therapy for deeper, ongoing growth. You and your therapist will decide together what timeline makes the most sense for you.
How do we track progress?
Progress looks different for everyone. At the start, you and your therapist will map out what meaningful change looks like for you. Throughout your time together, you will regularly check in to see how you're feeling, progressing towards desired goals and how you're applying new tools in daily life. Your therapist may also use brief, simple questionnaires to help visually track your insights and symptom changes over time.
What happens if my therapist isn't the right fit for me?
Finding the right therapist is essential to your therapeutic care. Sometimes, a client and therapist simply don't click, or you might realize you need a therapist with a different style or specialization. If you ever feel that your assigned therapist isn't the best fit, please let us know. Our primary goal is for you to feel completely supported, whether that is with a Hear and Now Psychology therapist or a different outside therapist. We are more than happy to seamlessly transfer you to another therapist within our practice, if available, or to provide you with external referrals to ensure you get the care you need.
Telehealth
Therapy
How does online Telehealth therapy work?
It is incredibly simple, and no special technical knowledge is required. Once your consultation or appointment is scheduled, you will receive a secure appointment link via email. At your designated appointment time, you simply click on that link using your computer, tablet, or smartphone to join a secure, confidential video room. This allows you to meet with your therapist from the comfort and privacy of your own space.
*In accordance with California law, your therapist will obtain and review your official Informed Consent for Telehealth within your secure client portal that you will also set up before your first appointment begins.)
What should I do to prepare for an online therapy session?
To get the most out of your telehealth session, we recommend taking a few simple steps to prepare:
·Find a private space: Choose a quiet room where you feel comfortable speaking openly and are unlikely to be interrupted.
·Check your tech: Ensure you have a reliable internet connection and a device (laptop, tablet, or phone) with a working camera, microphone, and speakers.
·Update your browser, if needed: Make sure your web browsers updated to its latest version to ensure our secure portal runs smoothly.
·Log in a few minutes early: We recommend jumping on a few minutes before your start time, especially for your first appointment, so you have a buffer to settle and handle any unexpected technical hiccups.
Do you provide in-person therapy or only Telehealth therapy?
Presently, no we do not provide in-person therapy.While you always maintain the right to request in-person care, Hear and Now Psychology operates exclusively as a virtual practice, providing only telehealth therapy. If you determine that in-person therapy is a better fit for your clinical needs, we will gladly provide external referrals to other qualified mental health professionals.
Fees &
Insurance
What are your session fees?
Our fees vary depending on the therapist's level of education, specialized experience, and the type of service provided. Initial Assessment appointments are $300 for 60 minutes and Individual appointments thereafter are $275 for a 45–50 minute session. We believe in total financial transparency, so you will always be informed of your exact fee before your very first appointment and will have the opportunity to discuss fees, if desired.
Do you accept insurance?
We are a fee-for-service practice, which means we do not directly accept or bill insurance. However, if you have out-of-network benefits through a PPO or another eligible insurance plan, you might be able to get partially reimbursed for your therapy sessions. We recommend calling your insurance provider directly to verify your out-of-network mental health benefits, deductible, and reimbursement rates prior to your first appointment with us.
Do you provide superbills?
Yes. To help you utilize your out-of-network benefits, we can provide monthly superbills. You can submit these detailed invoices directly to your insurance company for processing. Please note that exact reimbursement amounts are entirely determined by your specific insurance plan and are not guaranteed by our practice.
(In compliance with the No Surprises Act, all self-pay and out-of-network clients have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate outlining expected costs before care begins. You can read more about your right to a Good Faith Estimate via the link in our website footer.)
Practice Policies & Safety
What is your cancellation policy?
We completely understand that life happens and things come up unexpectedly. However, because your session time is reserved exclusively for you, we ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Missed and No-Show appointments, or late cancellations will be charged the full session fee.
Prior to your first appointment, you will receive this information and other information in our practice policies form, in addition to other forms via the secure client portal. Your therapist will also review these practice policies with you.
What if I am experiencing a mental health emergency?
Because we are a virtual, outpatient practice, we do not provide crisis support.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical or mental health crisis or emergency, please call 911, go to the nearest emergency room immediately or call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Additional Mental Health Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (MCHB): 1-833-TLC-MAMA (852-6262)
The Trevor Project: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (488-7386) (LGBTQ+ Youth)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or Text HOPE to 64673