Frequently asked questions.

Is therapy right for me?

Therapy presents the opportunity for change in one's life.  Media has unfortunately misrepresented why people go to therapy. It doesn't have to be a last resort or a desperate attempt to fix something (usually a relationship). Therapy is a space to explore the more challenging things in a relationship or someone's life; but also to process a transition, develop a relationship with one's self, or heal from the wounds of an old relationship. No issue is too big or too small to address. Too often individuals wait to seek therapy until they've exhausted all other options for support and have reached a point of crisis. Therapy can instead be the starting point towards leading a more fulfilling life where you can receive unbiased and judgment-free support catered to your unique needs.  

Do you offer in-person sessions? 

Yes, we offer both in-person and teletherapy services. Your comfort and privacy are paramount to us and we offer services in both venues to meet your needs in whatever therapeutic setting you feel most comfortable and at ease.

How does teletherapy work? 

For each session we use a secure HIPPA compliant video platform. During your intake process you will receive a unique recurring link that you can use to join a video chat. All that is required is a private and quiet space, with good internet service, where you can experience 50-mins of dedicated self-care. Clients have reported that meeting online has decreased stress related to commuting and improved their abilities to make weekly appointments. Teletherapy allows you to participate in therapy from a space where you feel safe and secure, whether that’s your living room, bedroom, or home office. Research indicates that clients often feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics in a familiar environment, leading to increased disclosure and therapeutic progress. With teletherapy, you have the freedom to explore your thoughts and feelings in a setting that feels most comfortable to you, enhancing the therapeutic experience.

I’m new to therapy, what should I expect? 

It is our great pleasure to be the first providers granted the privilege to offer support to newcomers to therapy. Your experience with Golden Gate Counseling Services will begin with a 15-20 minute telephone consultation with one of our founding licensed therapists during which you will be asked various standard questions regarding what has brought you to therapy. This is a sensitive time where you may feel vulnerable and uncomfortable sharing intimate details with a stranger for the first time, and we take great care to make this first meeting point a safe and positive experience. Depending on your unique needs, you will be matched with one of our therapists. This initial consultation is also a time where you can ask questions about our process and therapeutic approach. If you feel we are a good fit, we will then schedule your initial 50-min session. Before this session you will receive our standard practice paperwork including our informed consent forms and policy practices.  

We believe the first few sessions with each client is a trial period where you and your therapist will begin to get to know one another and assess the relationship. It is important during these initial sessions that you feel comfortable sharing your feelings about how the process is going. You and your therapist will collaborate and set goals for future sessions, building the trust and care that will help this relationship thrive. At times throughout therapy you may experience discomfort as you address challenging thoughts and feelings from your past and present. This level of unease is a normal part of the therapeutic journey and your therapist is there to help you build the scaffolding that will allow you to move through these tough moments. If at any time you feel the experience is too overwhelming or uncomfortable, sharing this with your therapist will allow them to discuss alternative tools designed to help you with the process. Our fundamental goal is to move at a pace that feels supportive and safe for you. 

Do You Take Insurance? 

Each clinician in our practice is considered an out-of-network provider for most major insurance companies and can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance provider. When accessing services out of your insurance network, you may be eligible for at least partial reimbursement. In our research, many of the clients we serve qualify for 20 - 80% reimbursement. Please contact your insurance provider for specific information.  

What is the Cost Per Session?

Our clinic fees range from $200-$300 for a 50-min individual psychotherapy depending on provider licensure, experience, and expertise. Couples therapy rates range from $250-$325, and family therapy begins at $300 per 50-min session. 

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost as a result of the “No Surprises Bill” which took effect in January of 2022.

Under the law, health care providers are required to give patients an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. When we book a first appointment with a clinician in our practice, your will receive a “Good Faith Estimate.” If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right dispute the bill. You will always have access to your specific GFE on your online portal. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises

What types of issues or concerns do your clinicians address? 

Our clinicians each have unique areas of specialty, and we serve a diverse range of conditions with a deep passion for supporting and providing relief for those issues related to perinatal mental health, couples and relationship counseling, ADHD and neurodivergence-affirming care, life transitions, substance abuse, anxiety and depression, stress and burnout, teens, and men’s issues.  Our practice prides itself on maintaining a personalized and intimate approach to the mental health experience between therapist and client.  

Our goal is to provide a prompt reply to all inquiries within a 72-hour window, and even if our practice is full we will contact you to inquire if you’d like to remain on our waitlist as well as provide you with alternative referrals. If you feel you are in need of urgent services you can call the national suicide and crisis lifeline at 988, or text the word TALK to 741714 which will connect you to the crisis hotline.