Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Our compassionate team is here to help you and your loved ones overcome the hurdles of mental health
Q: Who works at Connected Beings Family Therapy?
We are a fully bilingual (English/Spanish) and bicultural (Latino/American) group practice serving residents in the state of California. Our team consists of one Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and four associate clinicians who are supervised according to California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) standards. We are committed to providing ethical, compassionate, and evidence-based mental health care. We follow an attachment-based and somatic based approach with evidenced-based developmentally appropriate healing strategies to support a wide range mental health difficulties.
Q: Do you provide online or in-person therapy?
We provide teletherapy (online therapy) only for residents of California via Zoom for Healthcare platform following all HIPAA compliant requirements. Teletherapy allows for increased accessibility, flexibility, and convenience, especially for clients with busy schedules, transportation difficulties and limited access to in-person services. Benefits of online therapy include reduced travel time, increased comfort, and continuity of care. Potential risks include technical difficulties or reduced privacy in shared spaces. We work closely with clients to minimize these concerns and can provide referrals for in-person therapy if needed.
Q: Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we are contracted with variety of health insurance companies. Currently, we accept CenCal Health, Carelon, HealthNet (Commercial and Medical) , United Healthcare, Optum Health, Cigna Healthcare, Evernorth, and Aetna. For clients with other insurance providers, we are happy to provide a "superbill" for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Reimbursement rates vary depending on your individual plan benefits for out- of- network providers. We recommend contacting your insurance company directly to confirm your out-of-network benefits.
Q: What are the fees for your services? Do you offer a sliding scale?
Our standard fees for individual, teen and children, and couple sessions are based on provider level and duration. Sessions with associate clinicians are $150, licensed clinicians are $200, and sessions with the practice owner are $250. All sessions last 50 minutes unless the clinician determines that longer sessions are medically necessary. We also offer a limited number of sliding-scale spaces, with fees ranging from $70–$100 per session based on financial need and availability. Please inquire during your consultation call to learn more about our sliding-scale offerings. Group sessions are typically $25 per person for 75 minute sessions.
Q: How will I know if you are the right therapist for me?
We offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation prior to scheduling your first appointment. This allows us to ensure a good fit based on your concerns, our areas of specialization, therapeutic approaches, and availability. If you decide to move forward, you will receive a secure email link to complete intake documentation through SimplePractice, our HIPAA-compliant electronic health record system. SimplePractice allows you to complete forms and manage appointments securely and conveniently from your own device.
Q: Who do you work with?
We provide therapy services for teens, children, adults, and couples. Our clinicians work with individuals experiencing anxiety, mood disorders, trauma-related symptoms, domestic violence, child abuse prevention and treatment, marital and relationship difficulties, and stress related issues due to family conflict. We also support clients navigating distress related to social and political climates. Treatment is always individualized, developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive. Periodically, we also offer group sessions for people who shared a common lived experience and in need of a collective healing approach.
Q: What therapeutic approaches do you utilize?
Our clinicians use an integrative approach, drawing from several evidence-based modalities. These therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy (SP), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Attachment-based Psychotherapy (ABP) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP). Treatment approaches are selected based on your needs, goals, and preferences. You and your therapist collaborate to determine the best treatment approach. We believe flexibility and collaboration are essential for effective therapeutic outcome.
Q: What is an associate therapist?
Our group practice offers a learning enviromnet for highly qualified associates to prepare themselves to complete all requirements to reach licensure status, An associate therapist is a clinician who has completed their graduate degree in clinical psychology or counseling and is working toward full licensure under the supervision of a licensed professional. Associates are registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) and receive weekly clinical supervision with our Licensed clinician and practice owner. Associates are required to videotaped their sessions, upon client's consent,to facilitate self-reflection and professional development during supervision. Associates also receive monthly training to further their clinical tool kit and mastery. Supervision ensures high-quality care that meets professional and ethical standards. Many clients appreciate associates for their up-to-date training and thoughtful, collaborative and enthusiatic approach.
Q: What happens during the first appointment?
The first session, also known as the intake appointmentr, focuses on getting to know you and understanding what brings you to therapy. Your therapist will review your current symptoms, personal and family history, and any significant stressors and events affecting your mental health. Together, you will begin to identify goals and intentions for therapy. This session also provides time to review consent forms including issues of confidentiality, risk and benefits of teletherapy and cancellation policy. Additionally, you can ask questions and discuss what therapeutic approach fits you best and choose the schedule that best work for you for weekly appointments.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
We require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling appointments. Sessions canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice may be subject to a full session fee. This policy allows us to respect clinicians’ time and offer availability to other clients. Exceptions may be made in cases of emergency and are considered on an individual basis and depending on your insurance carrier. Whenever possible, we reschedule a cancelled appointment within the same week to ensure continuation of services.