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3223 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland, CA 94610 | 2023 N Street #100, Sacramento, CA 95811 | All Counties, Oregon
FAQ
When you’re seeking therapy, there may be many questions you have about the process. It is important that you get your questions answered in a way that makes sense to you. Here is my attempt to answer the basics, but definitely feel free to contact me should you have other questions.
Why would I want therapy?
If you’ve made it here, you probably understand why therapy is important and helpful. However, if you still have doubts, feel free to read my article here: http://blog.holisticgardner.com/why-would-i-want-therapy/
What is holistic psychotherapy?
Holistic psychotherapy is a modality of therapy where the whole person is taken into account: mind, body and spirit. For more information, please see my article here: http://blog.holisticgardner.com/what-is-holistic-psychotherapy/
What’s the difference between an MFT, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist?
There is a lot of confusion out there about the various mental health providers. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D.) who specializes in mental health. Psychiatrists are the only professionals in this group that can prescribe medication. They often schedule short 15-minute appointments for medication management.
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A psychologist is someone who has gotten their Ph.D. or Psy.D. degree. While they practice talk therapy, doctoral-level psychologists are also trained in psychological testing and assessment, and often receive their clinical training in psychiatric facilities. Psychologists are also more research-oriented, and can have careers without clinical practices.
MFT (Marriage and Family Therapists) are Masters-level clinicians. For the MFT to be licensed in California, the individual must complete three thousand hours of supervised professional experience and successfully complete two licensing examinations. MFTs are licensed to provide counseling on interpersonal relationships. Coursework includes diagnosis, psychological testing, sexuality, addiction, individual development, couples, trauma, working with children, and much more.
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Generally speaking, MFTs charge 60% of what psychiatrists do, and 80% of what psychologists do.
Do you accept insurance?
I am in-network with Anthem and Aetna for a few existing clients, although I am not accepting new in-network clients. Though I do not accept insurance directly, your PPO insurance carrier may pay for out-of-network providers. I am happy to provide a monthly superbill (receipt) which you can submit to your insurer or to your Healthcare Reimbursement Account (HRA), although this is in no way a guarantee of coverage.
How long will it take?
This is a question I hear often. Of course, you’d like to know how long treatment will take, but there are so many factors that impact it. How long have you had the problems? How ingrained is your thinking about them? How willing are you to be vulnerable in therapy? How willing are you to work together with me? Generally speaking, I do depth therapy to really get at the root of the problem. There are other modalities that address symptom reduction, which can be helpful, but I prefer to help you make deeper changes through our relationship together.