Q: What kinds of challenges do you work with?

A: Each of our therapists has different specialty areas. Collectively, we work with individuals presenting with an array of concerns, including stress related to school/career, relationships, life transitions, and decision-making; body image and eating-related challenges (e.g., bingeing and restricting); anxiety and perfectionism; challenging family dynamics; depression; trauma; difficulty with assertiveness/communication; poor productivity and procrastination; and women’s mental health related to fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. We are happy to listen to your goals and make personally tailored recommendations for which therapist would be best for you.

Q: I’ve been in therapy before where the therapist just sat and stared at me. The therapist also didn’t understand many of the things I was talking about, like my startup job or online dating. Is that what therapy with you would be like?

A: No! We work very interactively with our clients. Therapy involves a relationship, and like all relationships, the therapeutic one requires give and take. A stereotype of therapists is that we are “blank slates” and respond to questions about ourselves with answers such as “Therapy is about you. Let’s focus on you.” Although the focus of therapy certainly does center on you, we may disclose details about our feelings or experiences if we believe they would be therapeutic or helpful. We communicate with clients in a down-to-earth and relatable way. We have worked with a number of individuals who have had negative previous experiences in therapy, and we have been heartened when they express that working with us is a considerably different experience. See here for more information on what therapy with us is like!

Q: What age group do you specialize in?

A: We specialize in working with adolescents (ages 12+), college students, and adults. All of our therapists have substantial training in both adolescent and adult psychotherapy.

Q: I’ve considered hiring a life coach because I want to take an active approach to solving my problems. Do you do any coaching?

A: In short, yes. A common misconception about therapy is that it is passive and aimless. We believe that in order to be an ethical clinician, it is necessary to set goals and focus on solving problems, regardless of whether that is achieved through exploratory or skills-based methods. We work as licensed psychologists (which requires extensive education and passing licensure exams) rather than life coaches (which does not require any education or credentials). Based on your goals (initially and as they evolve over time), we will collaboratively decide on the ideal approach to take in addressing your problems. Contact us to learn which therapist would be best suited to your interests.

Q: Do you accept insurance? How does payment work?

A: We do not accept insurance. Session fees are paid directly to the practice. If you have out-of-network mental health benefits through your insurance company, you are welcome to submit our monthly statements to your insurer to seek partial reimbursement for sessions. Please see here for more information and questions you might want to ask your insurance company.

Q: How will I know if you’re a good match for me?

A: The fit between therapist and client is remarkably important! Research shows that the most powerful predictor of therapeutic success is the quality of the therapeutic relationship. Take a look at our therapists to see who might be a good match, or contact us so we can make a personalized recommendation. During your complimentary 15-minute phone consultation, you’ll begin to develop a sense of whether the therapist is a good match for you in terms of your goals, concerns, personality, and preferences. If you determine that it feels like a good fit, we’ll continue discussing these matters in an initial session. If after that, or at any point in our working relationship, we decide you would be better served by someone else, we will work with you to identify another therapist.

Q: What’s the difference between LCSW, LMHC, Psy.D., and Ph.D. degrees?

All four degrees allow therapists to deliver psychotherapy. Therapists with an LCSW or LMHC degree attended a master’s program for 2 years and then accrued supervised hours for licensure. Psychologists with a Psy.D. or Ph.D. degree attended a doctoral program for 5-7 years and typically complete a postdoctoral fellowship afterwards. Psy.D. programs are clinically focused, and Ph.D. programs integrate clinical work, research, and teaching. All of our psychologists have doctoral degrees and have been providing clinical services for at least 7 years.

Q: Do you do sessions in person or via phone?

A: We exclusively meet with clients via phone or videoconference using a secure platform. Our clients have overwhelmingly shared that video sessions feel surprisingly normal! The two concerns they have expressed are: (1) worrying about privacy in their home; and (2) not having separation between home and therapy. Given that during this time, people’s homes are also serving as workplaces, gyms, and medical offices, it can be helpful to change your environment for therapy, such as by moving to a different part of your home, sitting in your car, finding a quiet place outside, or even taking a short walk for a mental break before returning home. Read our blog post about teletherapy to learn more.