FAQ

When you’re ready to take the first step, contact us at your convenience. We’ll then set up a time to talk via phone for about 15-20 minutes. This first conversation is an opportunity for us to get to know you a bit and to understand why you’re seeking therapy to determine if we’re a good fit.

You can leave a confidential message in the following ways, and we’ll respond within 24 hours:

Email: Info@WillowandSageTherapy.com
Phone: (562) 354-1510
Website: Just click the “Let’s Connect” link

Duration: Individual sessions are about 50 minutes, while couples and family sessions run 50–90 minutes depending on your needs.

Frequency: Consistent weekly sessions, particularly in the beginning, are associated with faster improvement and recovery. Regular meetings help establish a strong foundation and keep our work focused and progressive. Over time, as you begin to feel better, we can discuss adjusting the frequency to match your evolving needs.

Not at all. We use a variety of techniques that allow you to process trauma without needing to explicitly recount details–unless you want to. Our work together is paced to honor your comfort, so you feel safe and supported every step of the way.

Nope! We use an eclectic mix of both talking and experiential exercises. A few of the methods we use include: mindfulness, EMDR therapy, guided imagery, art therapy, somatic techniques, dreamwork, writing exercises, and more. If there’s a type of therapy you’re interested in exploring, let’s collaborate on how we can incorporate that into your treatment.

Here are the fees for our services:

• Individual Therapy (50 mins): Depending on the therapist, our sessions range from $150-$250 per session

• Family or Couples Therapy (50-90 mins): Depending on the therapist, our sessions range from $150-$300 per session

All major debit or credit cards, Zelle, Venmo, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) are accepted forms of payment. Payment is due at the beginning of each session.

For those who qualify, we also offer a limited number of sliding-scale spots. We’re happy to talk with you about options so that therapy feels as accessible as possible.

Navigating insurance can feel confusing. We’re here to help you sort through your options. Currently, several of our clinicians accept Aetna insurance.

PPO plans (Preferred Provider Organization)

• If we’re in-network: You’ll simply pay your plan’s copay or coinsurance at each session, much like a doctor’s visit.

• If we’re out-of-network: You would pay our private-pay rate each session ($150-$250/session depending on the therapist). We’ll provide you with a superbill (invoice) so you can submit it to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Many clients with PPOs receive 65–80% back, though amounts vary by plan.

HMO plans (Health Maintenance Organization)

• HMOs usually cover only in-network providers. Several of our clinicians are currently in-network with Aetna insurance.

• If we’re out-of-network, sessions are typically not reimbursed. Some clients choose to pay our private-pay rate in this case.

A note about coverage
Insurance requires a mental health diagnosis, which becomes part of your medical record, and not all diagnoses are reimbursable. If paying for therapy feels overwhelming, we also offer sliding-scale spots for those who need it.

A quick call to the member services number on the back of your insurance card can give you clarity about your coverage. When you reach a representative, you can ask the following questions:

1) Do I have out-of-network coverage for a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) providing therapy?
2) How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
3) What is the coverage amount per therapy session (percentage and monetary amount)?
4) Do I have a deductible or out-of-pocket amount that I have to pay before those benefits begin?
5) Is approval required from my primary care physician?
6) Where and how would I submit my monthly invoice (also known as a “superbill”) for reimbursement?

We currently only provide telehealth therapy in English and Spanish to individuals, families and couples who reside in California. The HIPAA-compliant video platform we use can be accessed from any computer, tablet, or phone.

Virtual therapy is proven to be as effective as in-person sessions, offering you the added benefit of flexibility without compromising quality. Whether you’re juggling class schedules, busy work days, or nap times for the kids, this approach is designed to give you the freedom to fit therapy into your life.

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA):

“There is substantial evidence of the effectiveness of telepsychiatry and research has found satisfaction to be high among patients, psychiatrists and other professionals. Telepsychiatry is equivalent to in-person care in diagnostic accuracy, treatment effectiveness, quality of care, and patient satisfaction. Patient privacy and confidentiality are equivalent to in-person care.”

According to a 2016 meta-analysis in the World Journal of Psychiatry:

“...telepsychiatry is comparable to face-to-face services in terms of reliability of clinical assessments and treatment outcomes . . .  telepsychiatry performed as well as, if not better than face-to-face delivery of mental health services.”

Absolutely! We’re available Monday through Friday during standard business hours, as well as early mornings and evenings. We know life can be hectic, which is why we offer flexible scheduling.

Call or email us anytime. We’re happy to answer your questions, discuss your needs, and help you get started. You can leave us a confidential message in the following ways, and we’ll respond within 24 hours:

Email: Info@WillowandSageTherapy.com
Phone: (562) 354-1510
Website: Just click the “Let’s Connect” link

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

Willow & Sage Marriage and Family Therapy

Effective Date: Feb 16, 2026

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

I. OUR LEGAL DUTY TO PROTECT YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION

Willow & Sage Marriage and Family Therapy (“Practice,” “we,” “us”) is required by law to:

• Maintain the privacy of your Protected Health Information (“PHI”).

• Provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices.

• Follow the terms of the Notice currently in effect.

• Notify you following a breach of unsecured PHI that compromises the privacy or security of your information.

• PHI includes information that identifies you and relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition, the provision of health care to you, or payment for that care.

This Notice applies to all records created or maintained by Willow & Sage Marriage and Family Therapy, including records created by our clinicians, associates, trainees, and administrative staff.

We reserve the right to revise this Notice. Any revised Notice will apply to all PHI we maintain and will be available in our office and on our website.

II. HOW WE MAY USE AND DISCLOSE YOUR PHI

A. For Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations

We may use and disclose your PHI without your written authorization for:

Treatment:

Providing, coordinating, or managing your mental health care. For example:

• Consultation with other healthcare providers.

• Referral to another provider.

• Clinical supervision within the practice.

Payment:

Obtaining payment for services, including:

• Submitting claims to insurance.

• Verifying benefits.

• Collection activities.

Health Care Operations:

Practice operations such as:

• Quality assessment and improvement.

• Supervision and training.

• Licensing and credentialing.

• Compliance and auditing activities.

Disclosures for treatment purposes are not subject to the “minimum necessary” standard because providers need full access to provide safe and effective care.

B. Uses and Disclosures Required or Permitted by Law

We may disclose PHI without authorization when required or permitted by law, including:

• Reporting suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or dependent adult abuse.

• Preventing or reducing a serious and imminent threat to health or safety.

• Health oversight activities (audits, investigations, licensure reviews).

• Judicial or administrative proceedings (court orders, subpoenas).

• Law enforcement purposes as required by law.

• Coroners and medical examiners.

• Workers’ compensation claims.

• Specialized government functions (military, national security, correctional institutions).

• Certain public health activities.

C. Appointment Reminders and Treatment Alternatives

We may contact you for:

• Appointment reminders.

• Information about treatment alternatives.

• Health-related benefits or services.

You may request restrictions on how we contact you.

III. USES AND DISCLOSURES THAT REQUIRE YOUR WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION

We will obtain your written authorization for:

• Uses or disclosures not otherwise described in this Notice.

• Most uses or disclosures of psychotherapy notes (see below).

• Any sale of PHI (we do not sell PHI).

• Marketing communications (we do not use PHI for marketing).

You may revoke an authorization at any time in writing.

Psychotherapy Notes

We maintain psychotherapy notes as defined by 45 CFR §164.501. These notes receive special protection and will not be disclosed without your written authorization except for:

• Our use in treating you.

• Training or supervision within the practice.

• Defending ourselves in legal proceedings brought by you.

• Investigation by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

• When required by law.

• To avert a serious and imminent threat.

IV. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE PRIVACY PROTECTIONS

We will not use or disclose your PHI for the purpose of investigating or imposing liability on any person for the seeking, obtaining, providing, or facilitating of lawful reproductive health care.

If we receive a request for PHI that may relate to reproductive health care, we may require a signed attestation that the request is not for a prohibited purpose before making any disclosure, as required under federal law.

V. SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER RECORDS

If you receive substance use disorder treatment services, certain records may be protected under additional federal confidentiality laws (42 CFR Part 2).

In some circumstances, these records:

• May require specific written authorization before disclosure.

• May not be redisclosed without additional consent.

• May carry additional penalties for unauthorized disclosure.

We will inform you if these protections apply to your treatment.

VI. DISCLOSURES TO FAMILY MEMBERS OR OTHERS INVOLVED IN YOUR CARE

We may disclose PHI to a family member, friend, or other person involved in your care or payment for care unless you object.

In emergency situations, we may use professional judgment to determine whether disclosure is in your best interest.

VII. YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR PHI

You have the following rights:

1. Right to Access and Obtain Copies

You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your PHI, excluding psychotherapy notes.

• We will respond within 30 days.

• We may extend once for an additional 30 days with written explanation.

• If maintained electronically, you may request an electronic copy in the form and format you request, if readily producible.

• We may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee.

2. Right to Request Restrictions

You may request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures. We are not required to agree except:

If you pay out-of-pocket in full for a service, you have the right to request that we not disclose information about that service to your health plan. We must agree to that request.

3. Right to Confidential Communications

You may request that we contact you in a specific way (e.g., at work, via portal, at a specific email). We will accommodate reasonable requests.

4. Right to Amend

If you believe information in your record is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment. We may deny the request but will provide a written explanation within 60 days.

5. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures

You may request a list of certain disclosures made in the past six years (excluding treatment, payment, operations, and certain other disclosures).

We will respond within 60 days.

6. Right to a Copy of This Notice

You may receive a paper or electronic copy of this Notice at any time.

VIII. BREACH NOTIFICATION

We are required by law to notify you without unreasonable delay if there is a breach of unsecured PHI that compromises the privacy or security of your information.

IX. COMPLAINTS

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:

Privacy Officer:

Willow & Sage Marriage and Family Therapy

(562) 354-1510

info@willowandsagetherapy.com

You may also file a complaint with:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Office for Civil Rights

You can file electronically at: https://www.hhs.gov/ocr

You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.

Acknowledgement of Receipt of Privacy Notice

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), you have certain rights regarding the use and disclosure of your protected health information. By agreeing to this form, you are acknowledging that you have received a copy of HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.