FAQs

Where is your office located?

Honor Your Emotions is located at:

9260 Alcosta Blvd

Building A suite A5 San Ramon, CA 94583

We are located in building A office 5 (A5). There is plenty of free parking, so park anywhere you find a space.

What should I expect for my first session?

The first session is the first step for you to get to know your therapist and for your therapist to get to know you. During this time, we invite you to be as honest and transparent as you can about why you are seeking therapy and what you want to accomplish.

The therapist will also ask you various questions about your past/current experiences, symptoms, stressors, and other demographic information in effort to best understand how to help you improve your situation.

Based on the issues that bring you to therapy we will determine what goals you would like to accomplish.

How do I get started working with one of your therapists?

Easy. Just pick up your phone and dial (925) 577-4732 to speak with the intake coordinator and she will get you started with one of our licensed clinicians.

What are your office hours?

Honor Your Emotions office hours are extremely flexible. We can see client’s as early as 8am and as late as 8pm, Monday-Friday and Saturdays from 9am-5pm, depending on the availability of the therapist.

Please note, that not all therapist’s see clients on Saturdays. Saturday appointments are scheduled very quickly and may not be available.

How often do I need to attend sessions?

For best results regarding On-Going Therapeutic Work (Individuals/Couples/Families), we typically recommend that you attend weekly sessions, but you and your therapist will collaboratively determine the most appropriate session frequency and length of sessions.

Once you have obtained the tools and skills to manage your situation, you can talk with your therapist about decreasing your appointment times. If weekly sessions do not work for you, please discuss this with your therapist to figure out the best course of action considering your situation.

How long will my sessions last?

All sessions are typically scheduled for weekly 50-60 minutes intervals. However, couple’s and family sessions tend to need more time and attention and will initially need approximately 60-90 minutes or more.

I don’t want anyone to know that I’m seeking help. Is my information confidential?

Each individual is entitled to a confidential relationship with their therapist and we will not disclose any of your information without your permission.

There are some circumstances in which all therapists are required to break confidentiality to ensure your safety or the safety of others.

We will review these exceptions with all clients at the start of treatment. Please feel free to contact us in advance if you have specific questions regarding this matter.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Yes. Honor Your Emotions has a strict 24-hour cancellation policy. All clients will be charged the full fee of their session if they fail to cancel their appointment in advance.

How much are your services?

Our regular fee for an individual session is $170 per hour. Family and couples’ sessions are $220 per hour. Group therapy is $500 for 9 weeks.

Honor Your Emotions accepts all major credit cards and HSA/FSA insurance cards. A valid and up-to-date credit card is required and kept in our HIPPA compliant credit card system called Simple Practice.

Payments are charged the day of your appointment and checks or cash for services is expected at the beginning of each session.

Do you accept insurance?

We only accept Medicare and Medicaid (Alameda Alliance specifically) insurance and Lyra. We are considered an out-of-network provider for most PPO insurance plans, but we can help you bill your insurance company by providing you with a “superbill” or “medical receipt” to be potentially reimbursed for your payments. Please contact us for more information if needed.

Do you provide Tele-Mental Health Sessions “aka” (phone/skype/facetime) Therapy Sessions?

Yes. We utilize a HIPPA compliant tele-mental health service for individuals who may live far away, have limited availability, don’t want to travel, or simply prefer to discuss personal problems in the privacy of their own space. Please contact us to discuss further.

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all.

People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason aren’t working right now.

Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to assess your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or a family member?

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally.

A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way – teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself.

Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing your business.” If your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there’s the risk that once you’re feeling better, you could start avoiding that person, so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication alone cannot solve all issues. Medication treats the symptoms.

Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior, and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.

Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals, therapy will be different depending on the individual. Each therapist will tailor their therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

How long will it take before I no longer need to see a therapist?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in general. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take for you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

We’re so glad you’re dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication are crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week.

It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.

My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?

If you’re concerned about your relationship, and you would both would like to work with us, we would initially work with both of you together. After this work, if one of you would like to continue in individual sessions, we could work with only one of you.

It’s not helpful to move from individual into couple’s work with the same therapist because of potential trust issues.