Frequently Asked questions/ Rates
Rates
Individual Therapy
$200 for 50 minutes
$275 for 80 minutes
Couples and Family Therapy
$250 for 50 minutes
$325 for 80 minutes
EMDR Therapy
$275 for 80 minutes
Does your therapy practice accept insurance?
I do not take insurance at this time. Here is why: In order to use health insurance for reimbursement, therapists would need to provide a mental health diagnosis. I do not believe solely labeling and depending on a diagnosis in therapy, instead, when warranted, I utilize diagnosis as a touchstone in finding suitable treatments and therapeutic approach . People should not live being bound by labels. Also many of my clients prefer not to have a diagnosis on their medical record, especially if they are worried about their privacy being compromised.
Furthermore, I believe if you use insurance for sessions, it takes away from the important time you may need to work through your experiences. Ultimately, I want therapy to be about you getting help, instead of fitting treatment into what an insurance company decides to be deemed valid. This may limit the number of sessions you receive and takes away from the whole therapeutic process.
Lastly, if you have out-of-network benefits and would like to submit a record of our sessions to your insurance company for possible reimbursement, you may request a Superbill for services provided. A Superbill is a receipt that says how much you were charged and what you’ve paid for therapy, with some additional information that tells the insurance company what type of service you received. Before beginning out of network counseling, I recommend checking with your insurance provider about their reimbursement policies regarding therapy and mental health services.
How do I pay for therapy?
Self Pay options include the use of a HIPAA protected mobile application in which credit card charges can be conducted safely and privately.
IVY Pay is a simple secure, HIPAA-compliant credit card self-pay system. At your first session, you will receive an text invitation from IVY Pay to input your payment information. Each charge will result in a text confirmation. You will then be asked to input payment info only one time at the end of your initial session and may withdraw at any time. You will access a secure link through a text and receive receipts in case you need it for your own records. I want you to know that I do not retain the information, in fact, I will never see the confidential payment information. Other options include cash or check.
Do you have sliding scale appointments available?
Yes, I do provide a sliding scale for appointments, based on financial need of potential clients to provide accessible therapy. However, there are a limited number of spots that are available. Please contact me for more information.
At this time, I am unable to take new sliding scale clients, however will update when openings for new sliding scale spots are available here.
Cancellation Policy
As part of my services, If you are unable to attend a session, please make sure you cancel at least 24 hours beforehand. Otherwise, you may be charged for the full rate of the session.
Will our sessions be confidential?
Yes, under most circumstances the material discussed in in-person and online therapy sessions is held in the strictest confidence. If I feel that it is in your best interest to consult with another professional (such as your medical doctor) I will do so only with your express written permission. Your privacy and safety matter to me and I will not violate your information unless they go against what I can keep confidential.
The following exceptions to confidentiality need to be understood:
California state law requires that all mental health workers must report suspected child abuse, elder or dependent adult abuse, and serious threats of physical violence to another person. These laws apply whether or not the therapist believes that making a report is in your best interest. All mental health workers are also required to take whatever steps are deemed necessary to prevent harm or suicide attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can therapy in Long Beach, CA help me?
The short answer is yes. Therapy can help. Talk therapy, CBT, EMDR, and Narrative Therapy are great tools that have been shown to improve people’s quality of life. You will have the space to process what you’re going through at the pace that works for you. You will not be judged or pushed to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.
How long does therapy take/ do I have to go to therapy for the rest of my life?
No, you don’t have to go to therapy for the rest of your life. In fact, everyone’s circumstances are unique to them. The length of time therapy can take depends on your goals, commitment, your desire for personal development, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
I usually recommend one session per week. This is the best to help you gain and maintain steady progress. Sometimes, if someone is suffering from very severe symptoms, I will recommend therapy twice per week. Alternatively, if symptoms are mild, less frequent sessions are also appropriate.
What I hope you’ll gain from your therapeutic experience, is an improved perspective, better mental wellness, and to have the tools you need to reduce burnout.
I don’t feel like I have a major problem. Can I still benefit from therapy?
Yes, therapy can still help. Most therapists would agree that therapy can help as a wellness checkup or to prevent a large scale mental health issue from arising. At some point or another therapy may be something you need. If you notice that problems are starting to come up, don’t wait to begin counseling.
What if I don’t feel that my problems are that big of a deal with everything going on?
You may also feel that with everything in the world going on, that your problems do not matter as much. In fact, you may think going to counseling, would be seen as dramatic. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Everyone needs therapy at some point regardless of how big or small the issue is. By scheduling a consultation with me, you will have the opportunity to decide if therapy is right for you. If you get to the meeting and realize maybe this isn’t for you, then I can refer you to a more appropriate resource.
How will I know therapy worked?
While working with me, we won’t measure your results numerically. I don’t diagnose and I don’t want to put a limit on how slowly or quickly therapy can work. If you come into therapy with an idea of what is going on such as dealing with anxiety or trauma, I typically use this as a stepping stone to help you and understand your thoughts and actions. But, I don’t want to box you into a label.
What I do want for you is to appreciate and love yourself. I want you to have a better outlook on life and develop healthier connections with others. Ultimately, I want you to leave therapy with a toolbox of resources you can use in case life switches directions. I will not put a limit on you and we go at your pace.
Safety with COVID and online therapy in California
I conduct most of my sessions online I use teletherapy appointments through video and/or phone sessions through a secure private online platform. I also offer a limited number of appointments in my counseling office in Long Beach, CA for those who prefer in-person sessions. I am very conscious and committed to optimizing my office for the health and safety of my clients. Therefore, we are stringent in our cleaning/sanitizing the office & waiting room space between appointments and having arranged the office to maintain safe social distance between client and therapist. My office also uses an air purifier.
What if I don’t want to talk about something?
I will never make you discuss a topic until you’re ready. I am your guide, not the driver. You have control over the pace of counseling. If you’re not ready to talk about a tough situation, I will wait until you decide you want to address each topic.
Will you think I’m “crazy”?
I’m not here to judge, I am here to understand and empathize. I want to help you see your situation from a different perspective, My purpose is to help you heal and live a happier life.
If you have any further questions feel free to contact me via my contact page, or if you’re ready to begin counseling with me, go check out what services I offer or schedule your free consultation today.
Begin Therapy In Long Beach, CA
If you’re ready to begin counseling, I am honored to be your guide on this journey to better wellness and appreciation of self. I am an empathetic therapist who specializes in EMDR therapy. Take the next step and schedule your free consultation or to get started with counseling in Long Beach, CA, follow these simple steps:
Meet with me! Connie Hsu, your guide and therapist
Begin your healing journey to better mental health!
Other Mental Health Services at Healing Generations Counseling
At my therapy office, I offer limited in-person and online therapy in my Long Beach, CA counseling office. Other mental health services at Healing Generations Counseling include individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, life transitions, divorce recovery, trauma therapy, and EMDR Therapy. I also specialize in cross-cultural issues. If you’re dealing with hurt across generations, this may be a helpful service for you and your loved ones. Get in touch today.