FAQ’s

Get Clear Answers Common Their Mental Health Questions

800-464-4709

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What is therapy?

Therapy is a safe and secure space to speak with a trained professional about personal challenges, with the ultimate goal of increasing your happiness.

Yes. Online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy, with the added benefit of flexibility. Schedules and personal preference often make telehealth sessions convenient and the first choice for many clients.

The relationship you have with your therapist is the best determinant of therapy’s success. We strive to match new clients with therapists based on expertise and the client’s goals. Unfortunately, there is no sure-fire way to ensure a match will be successful. Because of this, we make it easy to switch therapists when needed.

You can give us a call at 800-464-4709 to speak with a staff member, or submit a request through our Contact page.

Yes. All information shared during your session is kept confidential, with the limitations of confidentiality related to safety of self and others. More details are outlined in the opening paperwork, and we are happy to answer any questions at any time. Sessions are not recorded without explicit permission, and all records and Protected Health Information (PHI) are kept secure to industry standards.

What happens during therapy?

Clients meet with their therapist via telehealth, phone, or in person. During the first session, you’ll share what brings you into therapy and your goals. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions about the process, expectations, and approach. Your therapist will work to understand your unique situation in order to create a treatment plan. While sessions are flexible, future appointments generally focus on the goals outlined in that plan, which can be adjusted at any time as therapy evolves.

Yes. We accept most major insurances, including Medi-Cal and Medicare. Accepted plans include: Optum, UnitedHealthcare, Sutter Health, Kaiser, Blue Shield, Blue Cross Medi-Cal, Molina, Tricare, TriWest, Cigna, Western Health Advantage, HealthNet, and Carelon.
Our private pay rate is $130 per session. If you do not see your insurance listed, please reach out.

Yes. You can cancel by contacting the office or your therapist directly. We will offer other times within the same week to reschedule or confirm for the following week. We have a 24-hour cancellation policy to avoid late fees. If an appointment is canceled within 24 hours but rescheduled within the same week, the fee is automatically waived.

We can often schedule a first appointment within 3–5 days. We typically schedule weekly recurring appointments and work with you to find a time that fits your schedule consistently.

Getting Started with Therapy

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If you have any questions, just book a 15-minutes call with us.

Therapy is a collaborative process where you work with a licensed mental health professional to understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through evidence-based mental health therapy, you can develop healthier coping skills, improve relationships, manage stress, and build long-term emotional well-being in a safe, confidential setting.

Therapy begins by understanding your concerns, personal experiences, and goals. Your therapist uses proven therapeutic approaches to help you identify unhelpful thought patterns, improve emotional awareness, strengthen coping strategies, and support lasting positive changes in your daily life.

If stress, anxiety, sadness, relationship difficulties, grief, or major life changes are affecting your work, relationships, or daily routine, therapy may help. Seeking mental health counseling early can improve emotional resilience and prevent challenges from becoming more overwhelming.

Your first therapy session focuses on getting to know you. Your therapist will discuss your concerns, personal history, goals, and any questions you have. Together, you’ll begin creating a personalized treatment plan designed to support your emotional well-being and long-term mental health.

Therapy provides a supportive, confidential environment where you can openly discuss your concerns without judgment. Over time, you’ll gain practical coping skills, improve emotional awareness, strengthen relationships, and work toward meaningful personal growth.

The length of therapy depends on your personal goals, concerns, and progress. Some people benefit from short-term therapy, while others continue with ongoing mental health therapy for deeper emotional healing, personal growth, or long-term support.

Many people begin with weekly therapy sessions because consistency supports steady progress. As your goals evolve and symptoms improve, your therapist may recommend adjusting the schedule to fit your individual treatment plan.

You can talk about anything that affects your emotional well-being, including stress, work, relationships, family, anxiety, life transitions, or personal goals. Therapy is a safe space where every conversation is focused on helping you move forward.

No. A therapist won’t make decisions for you or tell you how to live your life. Instead, they help you explore your options, understand your emotions, and develop practical skills so you can make confident, informed decisions for yourself.

Therapy often leads to gradual improvements such as reduced stress, healthier relationships, better emotional regulation, stronger coping skills, and increased confidence. Your therapist will regularly review your progress and adjust your treatment plan when needed.

Therapy Process

Book A 15 Min Call

If you have any questions, just book a 15-minutes call with us.

Online Therapy

Yes. Research shows that online therapy is effective for many mental health concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. Secure virtual sessions offer the same professional support while providing greater flexibility and convenience.

Professional online therapy uses secure, encrypted platforms that protect your personal information and privacy. Licensed therapists follow strict confidentiality standards whether sessions are conducted online or in person.

Both online and in-person therapy provide evidence-based mental health care. The best option depends on your comfort level, schedule, location, and personal preferences, while the quality of care remains focused on your individual needs.

Choosing a Therapist

Choose a licensed therapist whose experience, treatment approach, and communication style align with your needs. Feeling comfortable, respected, and understood plays an important role in building a successful therapeutic relationship.

A qualified therapist should be licensed, professionally trained, and experienced in providing evidence-based mental health care. Continuing education and ethical practice help ensure clients receive safe, effective, and compassionate treatment.

Yes. Building trust with your therapist is important for successful treatment. If you don’t feel comfortable or believe another therapist may better meet your needs, you can request a change without interrupting your mental health journey.

17. Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Therapy is confidential, and your personal information is protected by privacy laws and professional ethics. Your therapist will only share information in rare situations required by law, such as concerns about immediate safety, and will explain these limits during your first session.

Your therapist will not share your personal information without your written consent unless disclosure is legally required to protect your safety or the safety of others. Confidentiality is a fundamental part of professional mental health care.

Privacy & Confidentiality

Book A 15 Min Call

If you have any questions, just book a 15-minutes call with us.

Appointments

Book A 15 Min Call

If you have any questions, just book a 15-minutes call with us.

Scheduling your first therapy appointment is simple. Contact our office by phone or request an appointment online, and our team will help match you with a therapist based on your concerns, preferences, and availability.

Appointment availability depends on therapist schedules, but we strive to see new clients as soon as possible. Contact our team to learn about current openings and begin your mental health journey without unnecessary delays.

Yes. If your plans change, you can cancel or reschedule your appointment by contacting our office in advance. Providing adequate notice helps us accommodate other clients who may be waiting for an appointment.

Before your first session, think about the challenges you’d like to discuss, your personal goals, and any questions you may have. You don’t need to prepare perfectly—being open and honest is the best way to begin therapy.

23. Do I need a referral to start therapy?

In most cases, you do not need a referral to begin therapy. However, some insurance plans may require one before covering mental health services. Our team can help you understand your options before your first appointment.

Many health insurance plans include benefits for mental health therapy, but coverage varies by provider and policy. We recommend verifying your benefits before your appointment, and our team can help answer insurance-related questions.

You can still access therapy even if you don’t have insurance. Many clients choose self-pay options, allowing them to receive professional mental health care without relying on insurance coverage.

The cost of therapy depends on the type of service, session length, and insurance coverage. Contact our office for current fees, payment options, and information about the services that best meet your needs.

Insurance & Payment

Book A 15 Min Call

If you have any questions, just book a 15-minutes call with us.

General Mental Health

Book A 15 Min Call

If you have any questions, just book a 15-minutes call with us.

Therapy can benefit anyone looking to improve emotional well-being, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or navigate life changes. Adults, teens, couples, and families often seek therapy to build healthier coping skills and improve their quality of life.

No. Therapy isn’t only for diagnosed mental health conditions. Many people seek therapy for personal growth, stress management, relationship concerns, career challenges, self-confidence, or major life transitions before problems become more serious.

Yes. Therapy and medication often work well together for certain mental health conditions. If medication is appropriate, your therapist can collaborate with your healthcare provider to support a comprehensive treatment plan.

Lumen Health & Psychological Services provides compassionate, evidence-based mental health services in California for individuals, couples, teens, and families. Our experienced therapists create personalized treatment plans in a supportive, confidential environment to help clients achieve lasting emotional well-being.

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