Frequently Asked Questions | California Relationship Clinic

What type of payment do you accept?

Credit card payments through the online client portal are preferred.

Do you accept insurance?

Please ask your health insurance company about your coverage. We do not directly bill insurance for therapy sessions. But if you have a PPO, you may be eligible for a partial reimbursement of your session fee. We can provide you with a “super bill,” which has everything your insurance company would need to reimburse you. You would then be responsible for submitting the super bill to your insurance provider for partial reimbursement.

What is your cancellation policy?

All clients are asked to cancel no later than 24 hours prior to their appointment time. A less-than-24-hour cancellation will result in your being charged the full session fee, as a professional time commitment has been set aside, especially for you.

Where is your office located?

We are located in Los Angeles and have offices in West LA and also on the east side in Atwater Village.

What times are you available?

We have weekday as well as weekend availability, depending on the clinician.

What is the length of sessions?

Typically, sessions are 50 minutes, however, your clinician may recommend longer sessions for couples’ therapy.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Click here to get in touch about scheduling your initial consultation to match you with a clinician or call/text (424) 274-7745 or email [email protected].

What is a good faith estimate and how can I get one?

You have the right to receive a “good faith estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, healthcare providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a good faith estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

Make sure your healthcare provider gives you a good faith estimate in writing at least one business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your healthcare provider and any other provider you choose for a good faith estimate before you schedule an item or service.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your good faith estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your good faith estimate.

Will I get reminders of my appointment?

Yes, our online system will send you email a reminder 36 hours before your appointment.

Do I have to fill out paperwork?

Yes, we have some practice policies and consent forms to sign and a questionnaire so that we can get to know in more detail what you are looking for help with.

With whom do you work best?

We work best with people who are committed and motivated to make meaningful changes in their lives. Sometimes, the therapeutic process can feel challenging, but we want you to know that sticking with it and giving it a chance to work will serve you best.

What types of problems do you work with?

We work a lot with couples who are going through hard times, whether it’s adjusting to being a family, dealing with the fallout of an affair, thinking about getting married, looking for communication skills, or looking to deepen their connection.

We also work with women whether they are looking to resolve their unhealthy relationship patterns, feel more empowered in their lives, work on boundaries, or become more in touch with their feelings. Women who are experiencing a transition with perimenopause and menopause are reaching out more and more, so if this is you, please know that we are well-equipped to support you in finding some inner peace.

Can I choose which therapist I see?

Yes, if there is a therapist you believe would be a good fit, we can schedule you with them if they have an opening.

If you are unsure whom you want to see, we will discuss your needs in our first phone call. Based on what you are looking for, we will match you with the therapist who would be the best fit for you and your situation.

What if I don't like my therapist? Who do I talk to?

We understand that occasionally this can happen. We want to help you find the person with whom you feel most comfortable working. If this happens, just call the office number (424) 274-7745 or email [email protected], and the director (Annabelle Safinia) will call you back and match you with a new therapist.

How long does therapy continue?

It really is case-by-case; however, our goal is to get you to a place where you feel able to navigate your challenges by yourself with only the occasional check-in with your therapist. The process usually will look like a gradual tapering off from weekly appointments to bi-weekly, then monthly, and eventually as needed.

Do you see men?

Yes, we do. While our practice is geared mostly toward couples and women, we also see men.

Are you going to try to make me cry every session?

We don’t force anyone to cry. However, it is common for tears to come up when talking about difficult things. If you aren’t used to crying, it can feel overwhelming to feel so much all at once.

Your therapist will work with you at your pace to ensure you feel safe to feel your feelings and will not push you excessively beyond your comfort zone. Tears are a release of cortisol, which is our stress hormone. If you happen to cry, you can think of crying as a release of this stress that you are carrying around.

What do you know about recovery and addiction?

Some of our therapists are experienced in recovery and addiction and al-anon. Please be sure to specify your needs when you reach out to us for a consultation.

What else can you tell me about you?

While we are a group of therapists, we are also people who have a lot of life experience between us! We are all parents who understand first-hand the joys and trials of family life and bring our wealth of that life experience to our work. We are also deeply invested in our community at California Relationship Clinic and enjoy spending time together, whether it’s consulting or having fun together.