FAQs

General Questions

Is Irvine Family Counseling accepting new clients?

Yes, we are accepting new clients! The quickest way to connect with us is by completing our online questionnaire. Once we receive your inquiry, it will be addressed in the order it arrives, and one of our therapists will reach out to you directly. We look forward to supporting you on your journey.

Does Irvine Family Counseling take insurance?

We are considered "out-of-network" providers, which means we do not bill insurance directly. However, if you have PPO insurance, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement. After you pay us directly for our services, we provide a detailed receipt, known as a super-bill, which you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.

Reimbursement depends on your insurance plan's specific criteria, so we recommend checking with your provider for details. For more information and helpful resources, please visit the "Insurance" tab on our website.

What is the cost of individual, couples or family therapy?

Our session fees range from $150 to $250, depending on the clinician's level of experience and expertise. Each session lasts 50 minutes.

We accept credit card payments exclusively and require a credit card to reserve your first appointment. Rest assured, your card will not be charged until the day of your scheduled session.

Does Irvine Family Counseling offer sliding scale fees?

Yes, we offer a limited number of sliding scale fee options to make our services more accessible to clients with varying financial circumstances. To determine eligibility, we ask that you come prepared to share your ideal “high” and “low” payment range. This information helps us work together to find a rate that fits within your budget, based on availability.

Can I start at a bi-weekly frequency?

We generally recommend meeting once a week for individual, couples or family sessions, as this provides the most consistent support and progress. While bi-weekly sessions may not be ideal for optimal therapeutic results, we can discuss your specific needs and goals to determine the best approach. If a less frequent schedule is necessary, we’re happy to collaborate with you to adjust the plan, keeping in mind the importance of continuity and momentum in therapy. Ultimately, we want to ensure that the frequency of sessions aligns with your journey and supports your growth.

What kind of clinicians work at Irvine Family Counseling?

At Irvine Family Counseling, we are proud to have a team of carefully selected clinicians who embody our core values and uphold the highest standards of care. Our clinicians are chosen based on several key qualities:
1. Their strong adherence to ethical and legal standards
2. Their commitment to delivering an unmatched quality of service
3. Their deep respect for diversity in all forms
4. Their dedication to personal growth, both professionally and personally
5. Their natural empathy, emotional intelligence, and ability to connect with others

Above all, our clinicians treat each individual with the utmost care, respect, and compassion, responding thoughtfully to the unique mental health needs of every client. At Irvine Family Counseling, you can trust that you will be met with warmth, understanding, and a genuine commitment to your well-being.

What happens if I don’t feel comfortable or connected with my therapist?

If you don’t feel comfortable or connected with one of our therapists, we encourage open communication about your experience. A strong therapeutic relationship is at the core of effective therapy, and we want to ensure you feel safe, understood, and supported throughout your journey with us.

We believe in working collaboratively to address any concerns you might have, and our therapists are open to adjusting their approach to better meet your needs. If, after discussing your feelings, you still feel that it’s not the right fit, we’re committed to helping you find a therapist—either within our practice or externally—who aligns more closely with your preferences. Your well-being is our top priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Can I book one appointment only to see how I like it?

Yes, absolutely. While we typically schedule appointments on a recurring basis, you are not committed to any ongoing sessions if you decide to discontinue therapy at any point. As long as you cancel within our 48-hour notice period, there will be no charge for the session. We want you to feel comfortable and confident in your choice to continue therapy with us. 

What is the cancellation policy?

When you book an appointment, we reserve that specific time exclusively for you, which means we are unable to schedule other clients during that time. To avoid a charge, we require at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations.

However, if you need to cancel within 48 hours due to unforeseen circumstances, you will not be charged. These circumstances include:
● Illness or medical issues (either your own or a dependent’s)
● COVID exposure
● A death in the family or a family emergency
● A car accident or car issue (e.g., flat tire, engine failure)

Cancellations made within 48 hours for foreseeable reasons, such as the following, will incur a charge:
● Forgetting the appointment
● Failing to communicate the need to reschedule in advance
● Not understanding or remembering the cancellation policy
● Changing the frequency of therapy sessions without prior discussion
● Financial difficulties not communicated ahead of time
● Deciding to discontinue therapy or change your mind about attending
● A child booking an appointment without your knowledge

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us manage our schedule and provide the best care possible to all our clients.

How long will therapy take?

The length of therapy varies depending on your individual needs and goals. Therapy is a process that takes time, as personal growth and change require reflection and consistent effort. It involves uncovering deeper issues, building trust, and integrating new insights. We respect your time and resources, so we focus on what’s necessary for your progress and avoid extending therapy beyond what is needed.

Do you offer emergency or crisis services?

We do not offer emergency or crisis services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent support, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For ongoing support during a crisis, we can help connect you with appropriate resources.

Do you prescribe medication?

No, we do not prescribe medication. If you believe you may benefit from medication, we can refer you to a licensed psychiatrist or another medical professional who can assess and provide medication recommendations.

Can you provide a letter for my workplace or school?

We do not typically provide letters for work or school, unless it is related to your therapy treatment. If you need documentation for accommodations or other purposes, we can discuss this within the context of your therapy sessions.

Can I contact my therapist outside of sessions?

We ask that communication outside of therapy sessions be limited to scheduling or administrative matters. If you need additional support between sessions, we can discuss other resources or strategies that may be helpful. Please keep in mind that our therapists may not be available for phone or email communication outside of scheduled appointments.

What if I don’t feel comfortable talking about certain topics in therapy?

It's completely normal to feel hesitant or uncomfortable discussing certain topics. Our therapists are here to guide you through the process at your own pace. You are in control of what you choose to discuss, and we encourage you to share concerns with your therapist if there’s something you’d prefer to avoid or explore at a later time.

Legal Questions

Do you testify in legal proceedings?

We understand that sometimes legal proceedings are part of what you're going through. However, our role as therapists is to focus on your emotional and mental well-being, so we do not testify in legal proceedings or provide services like psychological assessments, custody evaluations, or legal advice. Our primary goal is to support you in your healing and personal growth.

Do you work with court-ordered clients?

Yes, we do work with court-ordered clients and are here to provide the support you need during this process. We can also provide the necessary documentation and work collaboratively to meet any legal requirements while prioritizing your mental health and well-being.

Can I be seen virtually from another state?

Unfortunately, due to licensing laws, we can only provide virtual therapy to clients located within the state of California. While we can't offer services outside the state, we're here to support you as much as we can within the scope of our licensing.

Are you mandated reporters?

Yes, as mandated reporters, we have a legal responsibility to take action if certain safety concerns arise, including reporting when necessary. Our goal is always to ensure that you feel safe and supported, and we are here to guide you through any difficult situations with care and compassion.

Are our sessions confidential?

Yes, our sessions are confidential, but there are a few exceptions. These include situations where there is risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected abuse or neglect, or if I am legally required to disclose information (such as in a legal case or subpoena). Please see our “Privacy Policy” tab in the footer of our website for additional details.

Will you provide documentation or reports for legal purposes?

While our primary focus is to support your emotional and mental well-being, we understand that sometimes documentation is needed for legal purposes. Typically, we do not provide reports for things like custody evaluations or legal disputes. However, if it becomes necessary, we can discuss how we might be able to support you within the bounds of legal requirements and explore the best path forward together.

Can you provide a letter or testimony for court?

Our main priority is to provide a safe, supportive space for your mental health, which is different from acting as an expert witness in legal matters. As a result, we do not typically offer court testimony or letters for legal purposes. That said, we are always here to support you in your healing journey and can help guide you to additional resources if needed.

Can I request a refund if I’m not satisfied with the service?

We strive to provide high-quality therapy and ensure that you feel supported throughout the process. If you are dissatisfied with the service, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with your therapist. While we don’t typically offer refunds, we are open to exploring how we can better meet your needs, including referring you to another therapist if necessary.

How do you ensure that therapy remains focused on my needs?

We regularly check in with clients about the progress of therapy to ensure that it continues to meet your goals. We also encourage ongoing communication about your experience in therapy. If your needs change, we will work with you to adjust the focus of therapy accordingly, ensuring that it remains a supportive and effective space for your growth.

These questions and answers aim to help clients feel informed, respected, and confident in their therapy journey. Ethical clarity is key to building a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship.

Faith-Based Questions

Do you incorporate Catholic values or teachings into therapy?

At Irvine Family Counseling, we respect the individual spiritual journey of each client. While we do not mandate or impose Catholic values on our clients, we welcome the opportunity to incorporate your faith into therapy, should that be important to you. If you desire support that aligns with Catholic principles, we are happy to provide a space where those values can be integrated into your healing process.

Can I receive therapy while maintaining my Catholic faith?

Absolutely. We deeply respect your Catholic faith and encourage you to continue practicing it. Our therapists are here to support you in balancing your faith with your mental health needs, and we can incorporate aspects of your spiritual life into therapy as you feel comfortable.

Will you respect my religious beliefs if they differ from Catholicism?

We are committed to providing respectful, non-judgmental care to all clients, regardless of their religious background. Whether you are Catholic or practice a different faith, we respect and honor your beliefs, and we tailor therapy to meet your unique needs while fostering an inclusive and compassionate environment.

Are the therapists at your practice trained in integrating faith with therapy?

Yes, many of our clinicians are experienced in integrating faith into the therapeutic process, whether from a Catholic perspective or with a broader spiritual framework. We understand that faith and mental health can go hand-in-hand for many clients, and we’re equipped to approach your therapy in a way that aligns with your personal beliefs.

Do you offer spiritual guidance or counseling alongside therapy?

While we primarily focus on mental health, we do offer spiritual support in alignment with your needs. If you're seeking spiritual guidance alongside therapy, we are open to incorporating your religious beliefs into your sessions. However, we do not offer formal religious counseling but will gladly work alongside your priest or spiritual advisor, should you desire.

Will my therapist pray with me during sessions?

If prayer is important to you, we are open to including it in your therapy sessions. Our therapists can pray with you or help you explore your spirituality in a way that supports your mental health journey, but only if that is something you feel comfortable with.

How do you address moral or ethical concerns from a Catholic perspective?

At Irvine Family Counseling, we honor the Catholic faith’s moral teachings, and we are sensitive to the ethical dilemmas you may be navigating. If your therapy involves moral concerns, we can explore them in light of Catholic values, or help you navigate them based on your personal values and needs. We aim to provide compassionate, thoughtful guidance to help you make decisions that align with your beliefs.

Can I discuss spiritual or religious struggles in therapy?

Yes, absolutely. We understand that spiritual struggles are a significant part of many people’s mental health journey. Whether you’re grappling with doubts, challenges, or conflicts between your faith and mental health, we’re here to provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to explore and discuss those concerns.

How do you support clients in dealing with conflicts between faith and mental health?

We recognize that conflicts between faith and mental health can be challenging. Our therapists are equipped to help you navigate these difficulties by exploring both your mental health concerns and spiritual beliefs, ensuring that both are addressed in a way that promotes healing, growth, and peace of mind.

Are you affiliated with a particular Catholic denomination or organization?

While we draw from Catholic values, Irvine Family Counseling is an independent practice and not formally affiliated with any specific Catholic denomination or organization. Our primary focus is on providing compassionate, high-quality therapy that respects and integrates your individual beliefs, regardless of denomination.

What happens if my therapist and I have differing beliefs or values?

We are committed to providing respectful, client-centered care, even if there are differences in beliefs or values. If you feel that your therapist’s views do not align with yours, we encourage open and honest communication. Our goal is to provide a supportive, safe environment where your beliefs are respected, and we will work with you to ensure you receive the care that feels right for you.

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