FAQ
Q. DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?
A. Good question. I am not an in-network provider with any insurance companies; however, if you have a PPO it may provide out-of-network mental health coverage. Upon your request, I can provide you a monthly “superbill,” which you would submit to your insurance company for partial reimbursement. Click here for a list of questions to ask your particular PPO to determine 1) if they provide out-of-network coverage, and 2) How much they will reimburse you per session. Outside of insurance, if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or “flex account” through your employer, you may be able to receive reimbursement from that account.
Q. WILL YOU GIVE ME ADVICE?
A. This may come as a surprise, but it’s not super helpful for a therapist to offer advice to a client. Often, clients are struggling with questions and find clarity just talking about it with a therapist. Other times clients know exactly what the answer is, but they’re struggling with ambivalence about going forward. Only on very rare occasions will I tell you want to do. It’s remarkably deeper and more powerful when you yourself come to a conclusion, or have a change in perspective, versus when someone else gives you their opinion. I’ll ask you questions, I’ll offer information that I think would be helpful, when appropriate. I’ll never just “leave you hanging” or feeling like I’m withholding information. I will help you develop personal goals throughout our work together, I’ll point things out that appear to be working or not working, and I’ll make suggestions, but you ultimately make the decisions. Whatever decisions you make, I will not judge or be upset with you.
Q. WILL YOU THINK I’M WEIRD?
A. Definitely not. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life—from severely mentally ill and chronically homeless people, incarcerated folks, to very high functioning typical adults dealing with stressors of everyday life. I’ve seen it all—stuff you can’t make up if you tried! Truth is, without a doubt, stranger than fiction. I encourage you to express yourself fully, as unique as that may be. As long as you’re not hurting anyone, and you feel good about yourself and your decisions, then it’s all good. If for whatever reason, you are I feel that we are not working well as a therapeutic alliance, I can refer you to another therapist who might be a better fit.
Q. WHERE IS YOUR OFFICE LOCATED?
A. I am in northeast Los Angeles, CA— in the historic Highland Park neighborhood.
Q. HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
A. It’s best to meet once a week, and the duration totally depends on your goals. By meeting weekly, you and I will get to know each other and develop a working rapport fairly quickly. To be honest, therapy is usually an ongoing thing, and you may find that you continue to get stronger and stronger as you learn about yourself, try new things, and let go of perceptions or behaviors that no longer serve you. It’s possible that after meeting for a few months and making significant progress, you and I might decide that coming every other week is okay.
Q. WHAT ARE YOUR RATES & HOURS?
A. My rate is $160 for a 55 minute therapy session. Payment is due at the time of the session, and I accept cash, checks, Venmo, PayPal, and Ivy Pay. My hours are constantly changing; just email or call to see what’s available.
Q. HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
A. The best thing to do is email me at jimmythetherapist@gmail.com or use the Contact form to schedule a free initial phone consultation. I like to speak with potential clients first for about 15 minutes or so to get an idea of what you’re looking for, and to make sure I’m a good fit for you. From there we can schedule our first face to face session in my office, or through my online tele-therapy platform.