Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT MAKES OCEANSIDE PSYCHOLOGY CLINIC DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS?

I believe it’s essential that each client receive the appropriate level of attention and care to truly address the issues at hand successfully. The practice utilizes evidenced-based psychological therapies that have been widely researched for addiction, trauma, depression, and anxiety concerns. Oceanside Psychology Clinic provides therapy services utilizing cognitive behavioral therapies and Smart Recovery techniques.  If AA has not worked for you in managing your addiction, you may need a different approach to treatment or need this alongside AA to help with relapse prevention.  Living your best life happens when you receive quality therapy combined with compassionate care for mental health concerns.  I aim to help you identify the road blocks that are in the way from living as your best self.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST, LCSW, AND MFT?

The term each professional utilizes depends on the individual license that has been attained.  There are different license requirements by each state (educational, clinical training, and the organization that distributes their license to practice). California psychologists have a doctorate level education in psychology (Psy.D. or Ph.D.), 3000 clinical hours supervised by licensed psychologists and/or board certified psychiatrists, and successful completion of board and state ethics/law exams prior to receiving their license to practice from the board of psychology. Licensed counselor of social work (LCSW) and marriage and family therapist (MFT) both require a masters degree and are licensed through the board of behavioral sciences (BBS).  Both degrees also require around 3000 hours of supervised experience and exams through their specific licensing board.  All three types of professionals deliver counseling or therapy services.

WHAT IS COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT) AND WHAT IS IT USED FOR?

Therapists will have different theoretical orientations based on their training and experience.  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on helping clients attain the skills to manage their symptoms over time through techniques that promote healthier thinking and behavioral strategies. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one form of therapy that has been researched and validated as an effective treatment approach for many mental health problems such as substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem issues among others.

WHAT IS SMART RECOVERY?

SMART stands for self-management and recovery training.  SMART recovery utilizes researched psychological principles to help patients learn concrete skills to manage their addiction.  It is a non-12 step approach to managing addiction.

HOW LONG WILL I NEED TO BE IN THERAPY?

The length and intensity of therapy is dependent on many factors, such as diagnoses, goals for treatment, and progress. Generally, therapy is terminated once all treatment goals have been achieved or if it is clear the client is not benefiting from treatment any longer.

IS WHAT WE DISCUSS COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL?

It is central to therapy that we create a trusting relationship in which there are no surprises.  Mental health professionals are legally required to ensure that your confidentiality is not compromised.  However, there are a few exceptions to confidentiality that all therapists are legally and ethically required to uphold.  These exceptions will be discussed with you along with the practice’s privacy policies at the start of treatment.

DO YOU ACCEPT HEALTH INSURANCE?

I ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING INSURANCE PLANS: 

Aetna

Health Net (MHN Network)

Cigna

The practice is currently working toward becoming an in-network provider with other health insurance companies in order to expand care to those who may otherwise not be able to receive it.  Some health insurance companies (PPO’s with out-of-network coverage) offer behavioral health coverage or will reimburse a portion or full fee for an out-of-network provider. Carefully read your policy to understand which services and diagnoses are covered.  If there is a lapse in your policy or you fail to inform us of changing your policy, you will be responsible for the fee directly to the practice.

Many health insurance companies provide mental health benefits especially for those struggling with substance abuse or mood disorders. If you are out of network, you will still be responsible for your session fees directly to the practice, regardless of reimbursement. We will assist by providing you with a monthly super bill that you will need to submit to your insurance company if you have out-of-network coverage, and your insurance company will then reimburse you directly.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

Once you have accepted an appointment time/date a 24-hour cancellation policy will be in effect.  In other words, we will need you to give us 24 hours notice from the time of your appointment for any cancellations or changes to your appointment day/time.  If we are not notified, and you miss your appointment please note that you will still be charged a late cancellation or no show fee of $100. We reserve the right to charge your card on file for missed appointments. The practice utilizes this policy due to the fact that we reserve this appointment block for only you, and we are unable to schedule any other appointments during this time.