Question 1

Can I use my insurance?

Accepted Answer

We accept Medi-Cal (Partnership Health Plan) insurance and can provide superbills for all other insurance carriers. Services through Medi-Cal are 100% free.

Many health insurance plans – especially PPOs – offer reimbursement for psychotherapy with out-of-network providers. If you plan to seek reimbursement, we recommend contacting your insurance company to ask what percentage of the fee they cover and whether you must meet a deductible before coverage begins.

If you are not a Medi-Cal patient, payment is due at the time of each session via credit card, debit card, or HSA card. We're happy to provide monthly statements (superbills) that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement of a significant portion of the fee.

Question 2

How does payment work?

Accepted Answer

You and the intake coordinator will determine the fee before your first appointment.

Sliding scale fees are available upon request.

You then pay for each session via a credit card on file at the time of the session.

Question 3

How do I know which therapist at Big Life Change is best for me?

Accepted Answer

Explore each of our therapists' bios to see which provider feels like a good fit for you.

The intake coordinator will be happy to accommodate your choice of therapist, if they have availability.

Question 4

Should I focus on the type of license my therapist is pursuing when selecting them?

Accepted Answer

Not entirely, but partially. The most important aspect of therapy is the relationship you have with your therapist. Choose someone you feel comfortable being yourself with and who helps you understand your thoughts and feelings.

That said, understanding the general focus of different licenses can be helpful:

AMFT (Associate Marriage and Family Therapist): Often emphasizes couples and family dynamics when working with individuals, couples, and families. 
ASW (Associate Social Worker): May integrate social work elements such as advocacy and connecting clients to community resources.
APCC (Associate Professional Clinical Counselor): Tends to address a broad range of individual mental health concerns, with possible specialization in areas like career counseling, depending on their training.

Question 5

What's the next step after we have an intake call?

Accepted Answer

During your call with the intake coordinator, you will be scheduled with a therapist. You will then be sent forms via our electronic health record system Simple Practice. Please fill out the forms in Simple Practice before your first session.

Question 6

Do you offer both telehealth and in-person sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our primary physical office is in downtown San Rafael: 822 D Street San Rafael, CA 94901. Directions here. We also have offices in San Francisco, and offer telehealth to clients throughout California.

Please check each therapist's bio for details on their location and preferred methods.

Question 7

How long does therapy last? How often do I attend therapy?

Accepted Answer

Most often, we begin by scheduling an ongoing time and meet on a regular basis until you feel ready to stop.

Most of our sessions are 50 minutes in length, but we will schedule longer sessions if it is appropriate.

We find that most clients have the most success with weekly psychotherapy. There is no set length of time for therapy.

We will discuss your progress and goals, and as we work together, you will begin to internalize the therapy process so that it becomes a part of how you think, and how you take care of your needs. You’ll be able to identify the right time to end.

Question 8

What should I expect from our first session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is an opportunity to determine if it feels like a good fit between you and the therapist.

Typically, your therapist will ask some questions and invite you to share about yourself and what brings you to therapy at this time.

The first session can also be an opportunity to outline your goals together and your therapist can offer ideas and feedback. At the end of the session your therapist will discuss how to proceed, including scheduling future appointments.

Question 9

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please notify your therapist as soon as possible.

Each therapist has a different cancellation window.

No-show or appointments canceled after the cancellation window are charged your agreed-upon rate.

Question 10

What is an LMFT?

Accepted Answer

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) are licensed mental health professionals who work with individuals; couples whether or not married; and families of all types to cure or relieve mental, emotional, and relational concerns of all kinds.

LMFTs have minimally acquired two-year master’s degrees, 3,000 hours of supervised experience, and have passed two rigorous exams. For more information, visit www.camft.org.

Question 11

What is an AMFT?

Accepted Answer

Associate Marriage & Family Therapists have graduated from a master's program, have completed their traineeship, and are in the process of accumulating the 3000 necessary hours to be licensed.

Question 12

What is an APCC?

Accepted Answer

Associate Professional Clinical Counselors have graduated from a master's program, have completed their traineeship, and are in the process of accumulating the 3000 necessary hours to be licensed.

Question 13

What is an ASW?

Accepted Answer

An Associate Social Worker is a social work-trained therapist who takes a holistic approach and helps clients navigate challenges by recognizing their strengths and the impact of social and systemic factors.  ASW's have graduated from a master's program, have completed their traineeship, and are in the process of accumulating the 3000 necessary hours to be licensed.