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.

If you’re paying privately (out-of-pocket, without insurance), here are the fees for our services:

• Individual Therapy (50 mins): Depending on the therapist, our sessions range from $150-$200 per session

• Family or Couples Therapy (50-90 mins): Depending on the therapist, our sessions range from $150-$225 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. All our therapists at Willow & Sage Therapy Collective accept a few in-network insurance plans, including Aetna and Cigna.

Maria Denardo, LMFT, accepts additional insurance plans:

• Aetna

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

• Carelon Behavioral Health

• Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey

• Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania

• Optum

• Oxford (Optum)

• Quest Behavioral Health

• United Healthcare (Optum)
  

PPO plans (Preferred Provider Organization)

• If we’re in-network: You’ll simply pay your plan’s copay 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-$225/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.

• If we are not in-network with your HMO, 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