Help & FAQs

Therapy sessions are 50 minutes long, although longer times may be reserved if requested in advance. Sessions are typically once or twice a week, by appointment only.

Many people believe that they need to be suffering from “mental illness” or serious “psychological problems” in order for therapy to be appropriate. This is not the case. Anyone can benefit from therapy—not just those in crisis. Some people begin therapy to get to know themselves better.

Some want to regain balance after a life-altering event, including loss and grief. There are many benefits to engaging in therapy. Some of these include: attaining a better understanding of oneself; figuring out life goals and prospects; improving personal relationships; learning new ways to cope with anxiety; managing anger, grief, depression and other emotional pressures; improving communication and listening skills; changing old problematic behavior patterns and developing new positive ones; enhancing problem-solving abilities; and boosting self-esteem. Your therapist is here to work with you throughout this process and offer new insight. The benefit that you gain will ultimately depend on how committed you are to the treatment.

There is no specific time frame, as each person’s therapy is inherently unique and personal. Depending on the type of changes that you are looking to make and the variety of issues that you are attempting to work on, the simple answer is that therapy ends when you feel that you have completed the work you came to therapy to do. The decision is ultimately in your own hands and one that we can explore together when you feel ready to discuss it.

Confidentiality is the bedrock of therapy; it protects your privacy to share freely and openly in your sessions. Your sessions and all information you disclose are confidential, unless permission is given by you, after signing a release of information, to convey information to a third party. However, there are specific exceptions to this policy:

• When there is a reasonable suspicion of child abuse, dependent-adult or elder abuse.
• When a client threatens violence to an identifiable victim.
• When a client presents a danger of violence to others.
• When a client is likely to harm him/herself unless protective measures are taken.

Disclosure may also be required in certain legal proceedings. If you have concerns about the content of our sessions and any legal proceedings in which you are involved or expect to be involved, please let your therapist know. Before such disclosure is made, every reasonable effort will be made to appropriately resolve these issues and to notify clients.

We are out-of-network providers. Many of our clients with insurance plans are able to get reimbursed for treatment, but it is not guaranteed. The percentage of reimbursement depends on your provider, and your plan, so please call them in advance of our session to ask about your out-of-network benefits. We can provide you with an invoice—also known as a “superbill”— at the end of every month, that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Our associate therapists are post-graduate clinicians, working towards licensure. They work with a limited number of appointments available at sliding scale rates. Sliding scale rates are based on financial need, income, and availability. These are determined and decided on a case-by-case basis. Feel free to contact us to discuss.

We do! Due to COVID-19 the Menachem Psychotherapy Group is currently offering telehealth services for individuals throughout the state of California. All sessions will be conducted virtually utilizing HIPPA compliant technology.