Frequently Asked Questions Including Fees

Questions that individuals and couples might have for their San Francisco therapist

Do you provide free consultation?

Free 20-minute meeting to see if I'm the right therapist for you. We'll decide together if I'm the right fit. Contact me for info on therapy session prices. Call (408) 219-6676 or email llramos@lilianalramos.com.

How does online therapy work?

Online therapy is similar to in-person therapy. We meet weekly at an agreed upon day and time. The difference is that you are in the comfort of your home or some private space. You don’t have to commute. You can be anywhere in the state of California or Montana.

If you are a busy adult or couple, we can meet for online counseling sessions. Research shows that online counseling can be just as effective as in-person therapy. Rest assured that I put in the same level of effort and care, whether we meet in person or through video.

The difference between in-person and online counseling is that at the beginning of the session, I will ask for your location (for your safety), and you need a good internet connection and a private space. Otherwise, as your online therapist, we will work together on helping you cope and manage your challenges so that you can begin believing in yourself again.

By safety, I mean that the law requires a therapist to know where a client is located should an emergency occur during the session. You would have shared with me which police department and hospital is closest to you when you first start seeing me. Should something happen during session, I am able to contact the police or hospital to assist you in whatever emergency you are experiencing.

I live outside of California. Can I still see you?

I am licensed in California and Montana. I can see you if you are physically located in one of these states.

What is your fee?

Individual sessions (60 minutes): $180

Couples (75 minutes): $220

I have a couple of sliding scale slots for those who do not have the financial resources to pay my regular fee.

Immigration Evaluations: Please contact me or have your lawyer contact me for pricing.

Cancellations

Please cancel appointments at least 48 hours in advance. Failing to do so will result in being charged the full fee for a missed appointment.

I accept major credit or debit cards (American Express, Discover, Master Card, and Visa) using an online invoice. When you first complete your paperwork, I ask you to provide a credit card that will be charged after each therapy session.

 Do you work with insurance?

I do not work with insurance companies. However, I see Lyra clients. I can also give you a superbill that you can send to your insurance company.

Does insurance cover marriage counseling?

It’s best to check with your insurance company. However, some insurance companies cover couples therapy / marriage counseling. Tell them that it is for CPT code 90847.

What is therapy?

Therapy is not only a joint partnership between the client and the therapist, but also a sacred space where the client can fully immerse themselves in self-exploration. Within this safe and non-judgmental environment, clients have the freedom to openly express their deepest emotions, thoughts, and behaviors without the fear of any criticism or condemnation. This unique opportunity for genuine self-disclosure fosters a sense of trust and vulnerability, ultimately paving the way for personal growth and healing.

I believe people are influenced by their past experiences, culture, family, relationships, beliefs, identity, and society. We will explore these factors and how they affect your behavior and emotions in order to help you achieve your goals. I adapt my therapeutic approach to fit your needs, typically using psychodynamic, trauma-focused, and culturally sensitive techniques. I may also incorporate self-compassion and mindfulness if you are comfortable with them. Alternatively, if you prefer a faster approach, I can utilize Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), or Brainspotting (BSP) to help you change your behavior or deal with your thoughts and emotions.

As your guide, I may question your assumptions or perceptions to help you improve your life. If you ever feel uncomfortable with the techniques I introduce, please let me know. I'm not here to give you direct advice or judge you. You know what's best for you. Honesty with yourself and with me is important. Together, we can work collaboratively. I'm here to assist you. You can use what you learn to grow and become more resilient.

How do I find a therapist?

According to a Psychology Today article, it's advised to identify the areas you need help with (such as personal issues, relationship problems, trauma, anxiety, grief, etc.). Deciding whether you prefer in-person or online therapy sessions is important (considering travel distance and therapist's location). Determine the time and date you can commit to regular therapy sessions. Lastly, think about desirable qualities in a therapist, such as gender, race, religion, and therapeutic approach.

How do I begin?

After you contact me, we'll set up a 20-minute session by video or phone. We'll find a time that works for both of us. During this session, you can tell me about your worries and how I can help you. The purpose of this meeting is to see if we're a good match. If we agree, we'll plan a 50-minute session and you'll fill out some initial forms.

How long will it take?

The duration for therapy is different for everyone as it depends on various factors, such as the nature of the issues being addressed, your personal goals, and the progress made throughout the sessions. Therefore, we will regularly review your progress every few sessions to ensure that we are on track and to determine where you are in the therapeutic process. By doing so, we can effectively gauge if any adjustments need to be made in terms of the frequency or focus of our sessions.
It's important for you to know that you have the autonomy to terminate therapy at any time if you feel it's necessary. Your comfort and well-being are paramount, and I want to ensure that you have complete control over your therapeutic journey. However, if you do decide to terminate therapy earlier than anticipated, I would kindly request that you consider attending one more session. This last session will provide an opportunity for us to discuss your decision and explore any lingering concerns or unresolved matters. Additionally, I can offer you valuable referrals to other professionals or resources that may continue to support you during your transition.
Ultimately, the goal is to make your transition out of therapy as smooth and seamless as possible. This collaborative approach empowers you to take charge of your therapeutic experience and ensures that you have the necessary guidance and support throughout the entire process.

How often do I come to therapy?

I see my clients once a week.

What are the risks and benefits?

Therapy can help many people. It gives you new skills and ideas to help you in the future. But it can't promise results right away; changes take time. There's a chance therapy might bring up uncomfortable feelings or surprise you. People close to you might struggle with the changes you make. We'll face these challenges together. It might feel worse before it feels better, but many people find the benefits of therapy outweigh the risks. They gain self-awareness, new perspectives, and achieve their goals.

Good Faith Estimate - What Is It?

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. 

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. 

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. 

You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. 

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

 For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.