Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

How long will I need to attend therapy?

Therapy length is determined on a case by case basis. During your initial intake and clinical interview, each client will receive a tentative plan for addressing the goals for treatment.

Changes to the treatment plan may occur, however, all modifications to the plan will be discussed at length with the client. No changes to the treatment duration will occur without the client’s consent.

What is an “Associate” Professional Clinical Counselor or an “Associate” Marriage & Family Therapist?

An “Associate” Professional Clinical Counselor or an “Associate” is someone that has completed their master’s degree coursework, including a Practicum/internship experience, as outlined by their state and they have formally registered with the state to practice under a licensed supervisor.

Similar to the process of a doctor graduating medical school and performing an “internship” and “residency” to gain the required experience.

Does an “Associate” have less experience than a “Licensed” counselor?

Not necessarily. Many associates have worked in the mental health field for a long time. There are many roles in the mental health profession, such as a behavioral therapist, that may not always require the professional to be a licensed therapist.

Therefore, it is possible for associate-level therapists to have as much practical experience or more than a licensed therapist.

How does your military experience help me? I have never been in the military.

My 19 years of active duty military service provided me exposure to cultures and mental health practices all around the world. Through those experiences, I learned that there is not a one size fits all method for working with people because we are all raised in varying environments with different values and beliefs.

Bearing witness to the joys and sorrow of people around the world has equipped me with an ethical yet compassionate approach to working with clients from all walks of life. I whole-heartedly believe that every person embodies the capacity to heal and be healed through genuine love, respect, and kindness towards mankind.

Why don’t you accept insurance?

There is a process that all mental health providers must go through to accept medical insurance. You must apply to be on an insurance panel where the insurer (i.e. Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross, Tricare, Sharp, etc.) decides whether to approve the provider to accept their insurance. Unfortunately, as an associate, there are not any insurance panels in California that allow Associated Professional Clinical Counselor or Associate Marriage and Family Therapist to join their insurance panel. Once the associate completes their post graduate experience and receives their full licensure, they are eligible to apply to the various insurance panels. Once they are approved, they are allowed to accept insurance.

Additionally, many insurance companies require a counselor to submit a mental health diagnosis in order to provide treatment. In some cases, this diagnosis may negatively impact on the client. Certain diagnoses may not be covered under the insurance plan, may compromise employability, and/or become an ever-present component of one’s medical records.

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