Getting Started & FAQ

Question 1

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Accepted Answer

If something is getting in the way of how you want to feel, function, or show up in your life — that's a good enough reason to try therapy. You don't need to be in crisis. Many people come to therapy to work through something specific, understand themselves better, or simply have a dedicated space to process what's going on.

Question 2

How do I choose between Melissa and Neil?

Accepted Answer

Both clinicians work with trauma, anxiety, grief, and life transitions, so there's meaningful overlap. The bigger factor is often fit — communication style, personality, and approach. Melissa's style is warm, calm, and collaborative. Neil's is warm, direct, and a little irreverent. If you're not sure, just tell us that in your inquiry and we'll help you figure it out. You can also schedule consultations with both before deciding.

Question 3

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

We are private pay and do not bill insurance directly. Session fees are $175 for telehealth and $200 for in-person. We can provide a superbill — a detailed receipt — that you can submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement. We recommend calling your insurance provider to ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits before starting.

Question 4

What is a superbill?

Accepted Answer

A superbill is an itemized receipt that includes the diagnostic and procedure codes your insurance company needs to process an out-of-network claim. You pay for the session upfront, then submit the superbill to your insurance for potential partial reimbursement. Not all plans cover out-of-network services, so it's worth checking with your provider first.

Question 5

What is Brainspotting?

Accepted Answer

Brainspotting is a brain-based therapeutic approach that works by identifying specific eye positions — called brainspots — that correlate with where trauma, emotional pain, and stuck patterns are held in the brain and body. It allows the brain to access and process material that can be difficult to reach through conversation alone. Both Melissa and Neil are trained in Brainspotting and use it when it's a good fit for the person and the work.

Question 6

How long does therapy take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you're working on and what you want from the process. Some people come for a focused period of a few months to work through something specific. Others find ongoing therapy valuable for longer-term growth and support. We don't believe in keeping people in therapy longer than is useful — our goal is to help you get to a place where you don't need us anymore.

Question 7

Do you offer in-person and telehealth?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer in-person sessions at our office in Folsom, CA and telehealth sessions for clients anywhere in California. Many people find telehealth just as effective as in-person, and it offers more flexibility. If you're not sure which is right for you, we're happy to talk through it.

Question 8

What if I'm not sure therapy is what I need?

Accepted Answer

That's completely fine. The free consultation is exactly the right place to start. You can ask questions, get a sense of the clinician, and decide from there. There's no pressure and no commitment involved in reaching out.

What to expect.

How it works

Common questions

Fees at a glance

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