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Join Our Team!

  • Can I use my insurance?
    We do not accept insurance, but 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. Payment is due at the time of each session via credit, debit or HSA card. We’re happy to provide monthly statements, also known as superbills, which you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement of a significant portion of the fee.
  • How does payment work?
    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.
  • How do I know which therapist at Big Life Change is best for me?
    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.
  • Should I focus on the type of license my therapist is pursuing when selecting them?
    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.
  • What's the next step after I contact you via text or we have a intake call?
    During the text conversation or 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.
  • Do you offer both telehealth and in-person sessions?
    Yes! We have a physical office in downtown San Rafael: 822 D Street San Rafael, CA 94901. Directions here. We offer telehealth to clients in California. Please check each therapist's bio for details on their location and preferred methods.
  • How long does therapy last? How often do I attend therapy?
    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.
  • What should I expect from our first session?
    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.
  • What is your cancellation policy?
    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.
  • What is an LMFT?
    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.
  • What is an AMFT?
    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.
  • What is an APCC?
    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.
  • What is an ASW?
    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.
Pink Oyster Mushrooms
Ali is a warm and thoughtful supervisor with an effective approach based in a wealth of knowledge and professional experience.
 
She is a trusted colleague with demonstrated expertise and a genuine care for those who work with her.
 
I highly recommend her!

Jenny Werba LMFT, LPCC

graduated associateship in 2024

Ali is a warm, insightful, and highly adept supervisor. Her approach to consultation is collaborative and empowering, instilling in her associates the necessary skills for clinical development and organizational success in the sphere of private practice. I have learned so much during my associateship with Ali and recommend her practice without reservation.

Erin McQueen AMFT, APCC & current associate

I highly recommend Ali.
 
Her warm, relational style and accommodating approach have been crucial in my career shifts and skill acquisition.
 
She helps normalize the human experience and embraces "good enough," making her an exceptional therapist and supervisor.

Katelyn Vandever, ASW

& current associate

Ali provides a supportive, nurturing environment for associates.
 
She instills confidence while also remaining accessible at all times for issues as they arise.
 
She is supportive and warm with a keen eye for context.
 
She uses her deep experience to guide and foster growth.

Lucy O'Dwyer, AMFT, APCC

& current associate

Working with Ali as a supervisor has been incredibly rewarding. Her extensive expertise and ability to provide insightful feedback, while fostering a supportive, open environment, has enhanced my growth. She is empowering and constructive, making her an invaluable mentor in my professional development. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking an inspiring & knowledgeable supervisor.

Ashlyn Acikalin AMFT, APCC

& current associate

Apply
to join our team of
Associate Therapists!

Apply to be an Associate

The Big Life Change team is passionate about helping therapists develop into confident clinicians and successful business owners.

 

We want associates to establish strong practices that deliver the best possible care to their clients.

 

Additionally, we focus on equipping associates with real-world skills and mentorship for running a private practice. Big Life Change serves as an incubator for emerging private practices.

 

This means that while associates are part of the Big Life Change group practice, they also have the opportunity to market their own practices through their own websites, collateral, and contacts.

 

This incubator model fosters growth, enabling associates to become both confident clinicians and competent business owners.

 

At the end of their associateship, they can transition smoothly into their own private practices.

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