FAQS
Is therapy confidential?
In accordance with professional ethics and California law, the information revealed in psychotherapy and all communications between a client and therapist are confidential and will not be revealed to anyone without your written permission, except as required by law. Some of the circumstances where disclosure is required by California law are:
- When there is a reasonable suspicion of child, dependent, or elder abuse or neglect (the therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately)
- When a client presents or intends to harm himself or herself or is gravely disabled (the therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety)
- When an individual presents a danger to others or to property (the therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim)
- When a client’s family member(s) communicate to the therapist that the client presents a danger to others.
How long are sessions and what are the rates?
Individual & Couples- 50 minute sessions
To inquire about therapy rates, please contact me at 858.888.3261
If needed, extended sessions may be available for individual or couples sessions for an additional fee, as long as scheduling allows.
What forms of payment are accepted and when is it due?
Unless we have made prior arrangements, payment is expected at the time services are provided. You may pay for services using cash or check (payable to Dr. Mary Spease) and depending on the circumstances, credit card.
*During COVID-19 and while TeleHealth sessions are being offered, if you do not wish to pay for services with cash, check, or credit card, please inquire about the possibility of alternative options during your initial consult call.
WHAT ABOUT Insurance?
I am considered an out-of-network provider and will provide a monthly super-bill upon request for you to submit directly to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. It is recommended that you contact your insurance company prior to our first session and inquire about their guidelines.
Flexible payments are available on a limited basis for qualifying individuals.
WHAT IS THE Cancellation Policy?
Occasionally, you may have to miss a scheduled appointment. Therefore, if you need to cancel, please notify me directly at least 24 hours in advance so that I might fill the hour. If you do not show up for your scheduled appointment and you have not notified me at least 24 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session as a professional time commitment has been set aside and held exclusively for you.
*For confidentiality purposes, cancellations must be communicated by you directly and not by friends, family members, or significant others.
Is psychotherapy right for me?
There are many reasons why individuals or couples decide to come to therapy. Many seek the support and guidance of a therapist to pursue personal exploration and growth by learning more about themselves or the dynamics of important relationships. Others seek therapy in response to unexpected life changes including the birth of a baby, the loss of a loved one, a significant work transition, or a shift in a significant relationship. In addition, couples may seek support in efforts to strengthen their connection, revitalize or enhance their intimate relationship, work through long-standing issues/concerns, heal from past hurts or infidelity, or maintain a healthy foundation while pursuing change such as beginning a family. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for a variety of circumstances and life challenges. Therapy can be a wonderful resource for anyone who is interested and motivated in getting the most out of themselves and/or their relationships and learning to live life more fully.
What can I expect from the therapy process?
The therapy process remains unique to each individual or couple as I tailor our work to meet your specific needs upon collaborating with you and reviewing current concerns, goals, and life history. However, therapy involves regularly scheduled sessions in order to develop our relationship and most effectively address your areas of concern. During sessions, it is common to discuss what has prompted you to seek support and anything that may be creating mental or emotional distress. Sessions range in length from 50 minutes for individual therapy and 60 minutes for couples therapy.
Sometimes, individuals or couples who are going through a particularly difficult challenge may request more time per session or more than one session per week. If my schedule permits, I am more than happy to accommodate these requests. Therefore, therapy can be short-term in which we focus on a specific issue or long-term where we may address more complex issues or ongoing personal exploration and growth. I also understand that therapy can be both an emotional and financial investment. Therefore, it is my belief that for you to have the best therapeutic experience, the client/therapist relationship needs to be the right fit. During our initial session(s), we will determine whether or not my style and approach will work best for you. Afterwards, I am happy to schedule subsequent sessions or assist you in finding a more suitable clinician.
What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist?
Therapy can provide insight and new perspectives into life’s challenges and can help you develop appropriate tools or solutions for difficult problems. Many people find that working with a therapist can enhance personal development, improve relationships and family dynamics, and can ease the challenges of daily life. Sometimes, simply having someone there to listen can be helpful. Overall, people in therapy tend to experience lower levels of anxiety and stress, decreased conflict, and an improved quality of life.
Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining insight into your personal patterns of thought and behavior
- Identifying and modifying unhealthy behavior and long-standing patterns
- Improving your ability to tolerate, manage, and soothe uncomfortable emotions or experiences
- Strengthening your ability to navigate life’s inevitable challenges more effectively
- Increasing your self-confidence, serenity, and emotional well-being
- Developing new skills for managing difficult situations or circumstances
- Discovering more adaptive ways to address and work through problems
IS Rescheduling POSSIBLE?
Rescheduling is permitted pending availability.
***Disclosure may also be required during a legal proceeding by or against you. For example, if you’re mental status is questioned during litigation, psychotherapy records and/or testimony by the therapist may be required by a Court Order. Your therapist will use her clinical judgment when revealing such information, and do her best to minimize disclosure unless absolutely necessary.
