FAQ
Therapy Sessions & Therapists
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Your consultation call will focus on briefly exploring what you are needing from therapy and identifying the therapist who will best be able to help you. We know you are excited to start the work so the consultation call will be short, we will go over logistics and policies and get you connected to a therapist quickly.
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Your first session is an opportunity to connect with your therapist and start to share the story that brought you to therapy in the first place. You might notice a sense of relief at finally talking to someone who is there to fully listen and support you. Sometimes our therapists will start Brainspotting during the first session and sometimes the first session will just consist of talking and exploring your history in order to better understand what brought you to this point in life.
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YES! While some of our therapists are telehealth only, we also have therapists who see clients in person and via telehealth.
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We get it, therapy can be a scary commitment. You might believe you aren’t worth the time and investment that comes with committing to therapy. But what if you were? Therapy is a place to grow and learn more about yourself and the way you engage with the world. That feeling where you think you are losing control, therapy can help you learn to manage the overwhelming feelings and gain a better understanding of your self and your choices. You have gotten as far as our FAQ page, you know something needs to change, meet with one of our therapists and find out all the ways therapy can help.
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A good connection with a therapist can feel like you are being seen, heard, and respected and that you are finally talking to someone who GETS you. You will know you and your therapist are a good fit because you will feel like you are talking to someone who can contain everything you are saying and truly understand how to be a support.
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When you first begin therapy we insist that you start by meeting with one of our therapists weekly. We want to make sure you get the most comprehensive care and have found that the work is best done when we meet weekly. After some time your services might start to taper off, but weekly services are required at the beginning.
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Therapy is unique for every person. Your journey might only take a few months while other people are in therapy for years. After a few meetings with your therapist, they should be able to help you determine how long your therapy journey will take.
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You can click here to reach out to our admin coordinator and schedule a free 15 minute consultation.
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A licensed therapist is someone who worked under supervision and gained all their hours towards licensure. They have taken a licensing exam and are allowed to work without supervision. That doesn’t mean they don’t consult with colleagues though, there is always more learning and growth to be had.
An unlicensed therapist is someone who has graduated with their masters degree but is still gaining hours towards licensure. They may have just graduated or they may be close to finishing their hours. They are under the supervision of a licensed therapist and receive at least 1 hour of supervision every week.
Fees & Policies
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Our licensed therapists charge $250 per 50 minute session. Our pre-licensed therapists charge $200 per 50 minute session.
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We accept credit cards through our online electronic health record system. If you are in person cash or checks are also accepted but a card needs to be on file.
Some of our therapists take Cigna and LA Care.
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If you plan to cancel a therapy session, please let your therapist know with as much notice as possible. Cancellations received less than 48 hours in advance of your session are considered late cancellations and you are responsible for the full fee which is due at the time of your regularly scheduled session. We are unable to charge insurance companies for late cancellations so if we bill your insurance you are responsible for the full amount insurance would have paid us, including any co-pays. In order to provide you with the best care, and to make sure that the clinicians and staff at Foothills Psychotherapy are provided a living and sustainable wage, there is a limit of 4 free cancellations per year. This includes illness, vacations, or any other reason you might need to cancel therapy for the week. If you are away from therapy during your regularly scheduled session for 3 or more weeks, we cannot guarantee your regular appointment time will be available for you. Remember that if you are not able to be physically present for our sessions, teletherapy may be an option. If you cancel more than 4 times in a calendar year you will be responsible for the full fee of the session for every future cancellation. A late cancellation (less than 48 hours) always requires payment and does not count toward your maximum of 4 free cancellations per year.
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Yes! Some of our therapists take Cigna and LA Care insurance. Our administrative staff will run your insurance before your first session to determine if we take your insurance. If you would like to submit a Superbill to your insurance in order to receive some reimbursement for out of network benefits we are happy to provide that superbill. We also partner with a company called Mentaya that charges a 5% fee to submit your superbill and ensure you are getting the highest reimbursement rate for your out of network plan. You can check if you have out of network benefits here.
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All sessions are conducted in a private space free from any interruptions and distractions. Telehealth services are provided using a HIPAA compliant online platform. Your personal information is all stored online using a HIPAA compliant electronic health record system. That being said, you may choose to communicate with your therapist via text or email and your privacy can’t be guaranteed with those systems. We highly recommend that any communication using text or email be limited to scheduling only and that all other matters be discussed in session.
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The session content and all relevant materials to the client’s treatment will be held confidential unless the client requests in writing to have all or portions of such content released to a specifically named person/persons. Limitations of such client held privilege of confidentiality exist and are itemized below:
If a client threatens or attempts to die by suicide or otherwise conducts themself in a manner in which there is a substantial risk of incurring serious bodily harm.
If a client threatens grave bodily harm or death to another person.
If the therapist has a reasonable suspicion that a client or other named victim is the perpetrator, observer of, or actual victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse of children under the age of 18 years.
Suspicions as stated above in the case of an elderly person who may be subjected to these abuses.
Suspected neglect of the parties named in items (3) and (4).
If a court of law issues a legitimate subpoena for information stated on the subpoena.
If a client is in therapy or being treated by order of a court of law, or if information is obtained for the purpose of rendering an expert’s report to an attorney.
Occasionally your therapist may need to consult with other professionals in their areas of expertise in order to provide the best treatment for you. Information about you may be shared in this context without using your name.
If you are a parent who is sending your child to therapy, you can expect to consult with the therapist but the therapist will not be telling you all that was said in session. This is vital for creating trust and rapport between the client and therapist.
Find the Right Therapist for Your Needs
Foothills Psychotherapy offers online therapy across California and in-person counseling in Burbank and La Crescenta. Schedule your free 15-minute consultation to get matched with a therapist and start your path toward deeper healing.