Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is what I tell the therapist kept private and confidential?

Your privacy and confidentiality are highly valued in our therapeutic practice. Our clinicians adhere to the professional, legal, and ethical guidelines set by the American Psychological Association and the state of California. This means that any information discussed during therapy sessions is kept strictly confidential and will not be shared with anyone without your explicit written consent. However, there are a few exceptions to confidentiality. In situations where there is a potential risk of harm to you or others, or when cases of child or elder abuse are involved, we are legally obligated to report certain information to the appropriate authorities. During your initial session, our clinicians will carefully go over the guidelines of confidentiality with you and address any concerns or questions you may have.

2. What does it mean to be a "culturally humble" therapist?

Cultural humility means that the therapist takes the time to understand and appreciate the client's background, ethnicity, and belief system. This understanding allows the therapist to provide mental and emotional support that is relevant and respectful of the client's social and cultural background. A culturally humble therapist acknowledges and respects the differences in practices, traditions, values, and opinions of different cultures and incorporates those differences into their treatment. Our clinicians are committed to anti-racism, social justice, and providing culturally humble care to her clients. She celebrates and acknowledges people of color (POC), indigenous, queer and trans communities, and other marginalized groups, aiming to create a therapeutic space where open and honest dialogue can take place

3. How do I make an appointment?

To schedule an appointment, you may email us at wherrera@brighthorizonspsychology.com or call (707) 366 -0503. When calling, please leave a voice message, and we will return your call as soon as possible.

4. Can someone else make an appointment for me?

The person interested in the appointment must call to make the appointment. Because the initial call involves a brief assessment, appointments cannot be made on someone's behalf. However, if a parent wants to seek treatment for their adolescent minor, they may make the appointment as long as they have permission from the minor themselves.

5. When and where do sessions take place?

Sessions are available from Monday to Thursday between 9am to 8pm, and on Fridays from 9 am to 5pm. However, session availability may vary. These sessions are conducted via telehealth, so it is advised to find a quiet and private space in order to fully benefit from the session without any distractions. It's important to note that some of our clinicians do not offer in-person sessions. If you are interested in a in person appointment, you must call directly and inquire about in person sessions.

6. What can I expect from the initial session?

Our clinicians understand the importance of building a strong relationship with clients in order to provide effective treatment. By fully understanding our clients' needs, we can develop a personalized plan to help clients achieve their goals. To begin this process, clients are asked to complete forms and screeners that provide valuable information. Clients will have access to an online client portal to submit all relevant information. Once this information is gathered, our clinicians conduct an initial clinical intake session. During this session, we carefully listen and asks relevant questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the client's history and experiences. This allows us to identify any potential factors that may be contributing to their current psychological state. By taking these thorough steps, our clinicians are able to provide the most appropriate and effective treatment methods, whether it be psychological interventions or social skills training.

7. How long will I be in therapy?

Our clinicians offer goal-focused, brief therapy to address clients' immediate concerns using culturally responsive care. There is no specific session limit for therapy, allowing for flexibility in achieving the desired goals. The frequency of sessions is determined by the individual's needs. Some clients experience improvements after a few sessions, while others may require a longer treatment duration. Throughout the therapy process, our clinicians will have ongoing discussions with clients to assess progress and determine the appropriate course and length of treatment. This approach ensures that everyone receives personalized care and support tailored to their unique circumstances.

8. How can therapy help?

Perhaps the most important factor in determining whether therapy will be helpful to you is the quality of your relationship with your therapist. Feeling safe, valued, and respected during your sessions, as well as trusting your therapist, are crucial. It is also essential that you and your therapist are aligned on the goals of therapy and the approach to working together. Our clinicians are committed to fostering an open environment where you can safely explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and work collaboratively to make positive changes. Together, you will delve into and identify underlying beliefs and recurring themes that may contribute to unhelpful patterns. Our clinicians employ a range of techniques and strategies to help you translate your newfound insights and understanding into actionable steps, learn new coping skills, and enhance your emotional well-being.

9. How can I make the most of my therapy experience?

There is no specific formula for getting the most out of therapy. However, below are some ideas that can help.

It is important to be honest, open, and vulnerable during your sessions. Don't be afraid to discuss things that may feel embarrassing or scary.
Make sure you attend your sessions regularly and actively participate in them.
Be willing to explore new behaviors and solutions that may be suggested by your therapist.
It is also crucial to be open and honest with your therapist about how the sessions are going for you. If you feel like you are not being helped or have any concerns, don't hesitate to communicate them.
Asking questions is encouraged. If there is something you don't understand or are uncertain about, don't hesitate to seek clarification.

Here are some key points to consider when navigating insurance coverage for psychological testing:

▪️ Coverage Verification

Contact your insurance provider and ask about coverage for psychological testing. Inquire if it falls under your mental health benefits or if it requires a separate authorization or pre-approval process. Make sure to check whether your insurance plan covers a specific number of sessions or has any limitations on testing services.

▪️ Cost Sharing and Deductibles

Determine the details of your policy’s cost-sharing arrangement. Find out if you have a copayment, coinsurance, or if you’ll be responsible for the full cost until you meet your deductible. Understanding these financial factors will help you plan for any out-of-pocket expenses.

▪️ Procedure Codes

Ask your insurance provider about the specific procedure codes associated with psychological testing. These codes provide a standardized way for insurance companies to identify the services provided. Having this information will allow you to discuss coverage with your psychologist and avoid any surprises regarding insurance reimbursements.

▪️ In-Network Providers

Inquire if your insurance plan requires you to work with an in-network psychologist or if there is flexibility to choose an out-of-network provider. Choosing an in-network provider may result in lower out-of-pocket costs, but it’s essential to weigh this against your needs and the availability of qualified professionals.

▪️ Prior Authorization

Some insurance plans require prior authorization for psychological testing. If this is the case, ask how to initiate the authorization process and obtain any necessary forms or documentation. It’s crucial to start this process well in advance to avoid delays in accessing the services.

▪️ Timeline for Reimbursement

Understand the typical timeline for reimbursement from your insurance provider. Ask about any required documentation or forms that need to be submitted for processing your claims. This information will help you manage your finances and plan accordingly.

Below is a list of insurance codes that we use for therapy, psychological testing, and assessment. You can inquire with your insurance to see about reimbursement rates for the following:

o 90837 (Psychotherapy, 60 minutes)

o 90834 (Psychotherapy, 45 minutes)

o 90832 (Psychotherapy/Consultation, 30 minutes)

o 90839 (Psychotherapy for crisis, 60 minutes)

o 90840 (Psychotherapy crisis each additional, 30 minutes)

o 90791 (initial diagnostic evaluation)

o 96130 (first hour of testing)

o 96131 (each additional 1 hour of testing)

o 96136 (first ½ hour of testing/scoring)

o 96137 (each additional ½ hour of testing/scoring)

o 96138 (testing by technician)

o 96146 (tests administered by a computer)

List of Insurance Codes

Ultimately, being well-informed about your insurance coverage for psychological testing will help facilitate a smoother and financially feasible process. Remember to keep track of phone conversations, names of representatives, and relevant reference numbers for future reference.

Good Faith Estimate

If you don’t have health insurance or you plan to pay for health care bills yourself, generally, health care providers and facilities must give you an estimate of expected charges when you schedule an appointment for a health care item or service, or if you ask for an estimate. This is called a “good faith estimate.”

A good faith estimate isn’t a bill

The good faith estimate shows the list of expected charges for items or services from your provider or facility. Because the good faith estimate is based on information known at the time your provider or facility creates the estimate, it won’t include any unknown or unexpected costs that may be added during your treatment. Generally, the good faith estimate must include expected charges for:

• The primary item or service

• Any other items or services you’re reasonably expected to get as part of the primary item or service for that period of care.

The estimate might not include every item or service you get from another provider or facility, even if some items or services may seem connected to the same service. For example, if you’re getting surgery, the good faith estimate could include the cost of the surgery, anesthesia, any lab services, or tests.

Your right to a good faith estimate

Providers and facilities must give you the good faith estimate:

• After you schedule a health care item or service. If you schedule an item or service at least 3 business days before the date you’ll get the item or service, the provider must give you a good faith estimate no later than 1 business day after scheduling. If you schedule the item or service OR ask for cost information about it at least 10 business days before the date you get the item or service, the provider or facility must give you a good faith estimate no later than 3 business days after you schedule or ask for the estimate.

• That includes a list of each item or service (with the provider or facility), and specific details, like the health care service code.

• In a way that’s accessible to you, like in large print, Braille, audio files, or other forms of communication.

Providers and facilities must also explain the good faith estimate to you over the phone or in person if you ask, then follow up with a written (paper or electronic) estimate, per your preferred form of communication.

Keep the estimate in a safe place so you can compare it to any bills you get later. After you get a bill for the items or services, if the billed amount is $400 or more above the good faith estimate, you may be eligible to dispute the bill.

Source: CMS.gov