Information For New Clients
What is therapy?
Psychotherapy (or “talk therapy”) is a form of treatment to help manage an array of mental health ailments. These ailments can be influenced by our biology/physiology (nature) or may result from life experiences (nurture), and everything in between. Identifying the source of and addressing the ailments can be challenging and unpleasant. However, it can produce positive outcomes; such as improvements in overall mood, improvements in how we perceive ourselves and others around us, feeling empowered and safe, gain a greater tolerance for stressful situations, and increased resilience towards the things we cannot change.
How does therapy work?
You will identify the source of your ailments. Once identified, a uniquely tailored treatment plan will be developed to target your predominant goal. One, or more, approaches may be used for your treatment plan. The intervention and how they are intended to help you accomplish your goals will be discussed. We will also discuss what to expect from the process. Some therapy experiences may include discussions related to past trauma, opportunities for self-reflection, efforts to challenge unhealthy behaviors and thoughts, learning new ways of dealing with emotions, and even include different modes of therapy (such as individual, family, couple’s, and group therapies). This information will ensure you are fully informed of what to expect before agreeing to your treatment.
How do I pay for treatment and how does insurance work?
In order to receive mental health services through your insurance company, you must ensure that the mental health therapist is enrolled as a provider with your insurance company. You may contact the mental/behavioral health department of your insurance provider to inquire about providers under their contract. The contact information of the mental/behavioral health department can be provided by your insurance company, if it is not already provided on your insurance card. Each insurance company provides individuals with different plans for mental/behavioral health services, so direct questions for your plan and coverage to your insurance provider.
What if I don’t have insurance or Dr. Garcia is not a provider with my insurance company?
Dr. Garcia can meet with individuals without insurance with clients paying out¬-of-pocket for services. If you are unable to afford Dr. Garcia’s full-fee, please discuss your financial concerns with Dr. Garcia.
What if I can’t afford sessions anymore?
We can discuss the challenges you are facing to collaborate on identifying the best solution.
What do I need for my first session and what should I expect?
You will need to bring your insurance card and a form of identification (e.g. California ID, Driver’s license or passport – Dr. Garcia is permitted to work with clients who are permanent residence of California, only). Dr. Garcia will provide you with documents that detail what to expect from treatment and discuss the expectations with you. Once you have been fully informed and agree to proceed, Dr. Garcia will conduct an assessment that includes a variety of questions about you and your history to get to know you better, as well as what brought you into treatment. The assessment process will be comprehensive and may require a long duration of time so that Dr. Garcia can develop an accurate mental health diagnosis, identify potential sources to the factors bringing you into treatment, and develop a treatment plan that can sufficiently address your mental health needs. The more Dr. Garcia knows about you and your circumstances, the better she can help you.
Will people know what I discuss with my therapist?
Your involvement in therapy and the discussions taking place with Dr. Garcia are kept confidential, unless Dr. Garcia is legally compelled to discharge her duties as a mandated reporter to protect you and the public.
What if I don’t feel comfortable with sharing details in session?
Dr. Garcia (and all therapists, for that matter) is not permitted to force you to share anything that you do not feel comfortable sharing. You have the right to refuse to discuss anything you do not want to.
How long are sessions and how often do I have to meet with my therapist?
The duration and frequency of sessions is uniquely tailored to the client’s mental health needs and the expectations will be discussed prior to the start of treatment. Traditionally, sessions are conducted once a week for 50 minutes per session.
What if my treatment doesn’t work or I want to stop treatment?
Dr. Garcia will periodically obtain feedback of the services you are receiving to ensure that you are receiving treatment that is helpful to you; after all, it’s your time and money. If you do not believe it is helpful, you have the right to inform Dr. Garcia and she will collaborate with you on identifying potential solutions. You also have the right to a second opinion. If you continue to believe the services are not helpful, despite the efforts that are made by you and Dr. Garcia, you have the right to discontinue services at any time.
What steps are being taken to protect me against COVID-19?
Dr. Garcia provides services virtually.