FAQs

Marriage & Family Therapy is a mental health practice based on research and theory that involves individual emotion and mental health, as well as problems affecting individuals and families that is best treated in the context of family and other relationships. This perspective makes family therapy particularly appropriate for many culturally distinct communities.

WHAT TRAINING IS REQUIRED OF MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPISTS?

Marriage & Family therapists are often credentialed as licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT). Professionals from related mental health fields including psychiatry, psychology, social work, professional counseling and psychiatric nursing may also be trained as family therapists. A licensed marriage and family therapist will have either a Master’s degree, or a Doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or postgraduate training in marriage and family therapy, as well as a minimum of two years of supervised clinical training. They should have passed a rigorous licensing exam and should be involved in on going Continuing Education in the field.

WHAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPISTS?

Marriage & Family Therapists are trained to diagnose and treat mental disorders and provide individual psychotherapy as well as therapy for couples, children, families and groups. Some family therapists also provide premarital education and counseling. LMFTs are able to help with depression, substance abuse, domestic violence, anxiety, emotional trauma and other family and mental health problems.

DOES WHAT WE TALK ABOUT IN THERAPY REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.

WHAT SHOULD I ASK TO DETERMINE IF A THERAPIST IS QUALIFIED?

a) You should ask questions to determine whether the therapist is grounded in and has an orientation.
b) It is also appropriate to ask whether the therapist is comfortable with working in the context of your Spirituality if that is important to you.
c) You also want to know whether the therapist is a member of any professional organization such as the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT).
d) You should ask about the therapist’s educational and training background and whether they are licensed to practice in your State.
e) Are they experienced in working with the kind of problem you are facing?
f) You also may want to know the cost of therapy, methods of payment accepted and the average number of sessions that you might expect to attend.

DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE, AND HOW DOES THAT WORK?

To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers. Some helpful questions you can ask them:

• What are my mental health benefits?

• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

• How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?

• How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?

• Is approval required from my primary care physician?

WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?

All sessions are $130 to 140 per hour. Group therapy is $40 per person attending groups.

WHAT IS TELETHERAPY?

Counseling and psychotherapy via the use of secured and confidential electronic media. Teletherapy happens through web-based video conferencing that is safe, secure and HIPPA compliant.

HOW DO I SET UP A TELETHERAPY APPOINTMENT?

1. Call or email us
Byrdseyeviewpcs@gmail.com, or 408-471-7421.
2. Set Up a Free Consultation
Set up a free initial consultation to determine if teletherapy is appropriate for your situation.
3. Paperwork
Sign the teletherapy treatment contract and intake forms.
4. Get Started
Set up the initial treatment session and lets begin the healing process.