Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thervo.
How much does therapy cost?
Therapy costs$50 to $250 per session if not covered by insurance, depending on your location. Prices are on the high end of the range in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and New York. The average cost of therapy with insurance is $20 to $50 per session for the copay.
Online therapy membership plans cost $40 to $70 per week and typically include 24-hour support through texting, phone, video, or online chat.
Can therapists prescribe medication?
Therapists are licensed psychologists or counselors but are not medical doctors, and in most states in the U.S. they are not allowed to prescribe medication. Only five states allow licensed psychologists to prescribe medication—Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, and New Mexico—and psychologists in these states must complete additional psychopharmacology training and certification.
In the rest of the U.S., only a medical doctor can prescribe medication. Psychiatrists attend medical school and can prescribe medication, but they typically do not provide talk therapy or counseling services.
Can a therapist diagnose ADHD, autism, depression, or other conditions?
A licensed therapist can give a mental health diagnosis in all states except Indiana and Maine. However, the therapist must refer clients to a psychiatrist or other medical doctor if the condition requires medication. Consult a therapist near you if you have concerns about ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, or other mental health conditions.
Can I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) for therapy?
You can use your HSA or FSA for therapy if you have a billable diagnosis—such as depression or bipolar disorder—and the therapy is deemed medically necessary. You can't use your HSA or FSA for marriage or family counseling, grief counseling, or therapy for stress management.
Can I see my therapist while traveling?
You can see your therapist while traveling only if your therapist is licensed or legally permitted to practice in the state you're physically located in at the time of the session. Not all states allow interstate therapy practice. Check with your therapist before you leave to confirm they can provide telehealth services across state lines.
How often should I go to therapy?
Most therapists recommend starting with one session per week. After your first session, your therapist will work with you to decide on a schedule that will most benefit you. Some issues require only a few sessions, while others require more extensive treatment.
How can I choose the best therapist near me?
When seeking therapy or mental health care, follow these tips to help you find the right therapist for you:
First consider the type of therapy you'd prefer. Common therapy styles and modalities include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
Psychodynamic therapy
Humanistic therapy
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
Choose therapists who specialize in treating your condition. Then:
Ask for recommendations from your medical provider.
Read reviews on Thervo and Google.
Confirm the therapist is licensed to practice in your area.
Meet with the therapist for an initial session to make sure their personality and treatment style is a good fit for you.
What questions should I ask therapists?
Ask these questions to help you find a therapist who is the best fit for you:
How long have you been practicing, and what are your certifications?
What therapy style or modalities do you practice?
What is your philosophy as a therapist?
What does a typical therapy session look like?
Are you more directive or guiding as a counselor?
Do you give homework or reading assignments?
How do you determine success in therapy?
What is your success rate in treating past clients with this issue?
Will you see me if I run into problems between sessions?
Reviews for San Diego therapists
Recent success stories from people in the San Diego area.
Jessica P.
I loved working with Angie, discussions along with slides. She was very easy to talk to.
Maze of Life Resource Center
Ashley P.
It has been a true blessing finding Kali. I have worked with several counselors over the past few years, and Kali stands alone. After experiencing a series of (traumatic) events that left me feeling devastated and seriously impacting my health, I found myself feeling like a complete outsider in my life, like I didn’t know or recognize myself anymore. I felt broken. Along with this, I’ve had some topics that have been extremely difficult for me to speak about, even to myself at times. Never have I felt so heard or understood as I felt when speaking with Kali. I couldn’t believe how well she seemed to understand what I was saying, because I myself didn’t even understand a lot of it - and no other counselor that I have worked with was able to grasp what I was trying to put into words that way she has. She has helped me see that it was/is ok to have felt all of what I have felt - shame, fear, anger; she helped me understand that it’s all part of the healing journey and that I have a right to feel the way I feel, something I have struggled with for a very long time. She has a gentle, confident approach to helping me face issues from a different, and sometimes more difficult angle. I appreciate that she is not afraid to challenge me; I always seem to benefit from the perspectives she suggests, no matter how difficult or different from mine they are. She is helping me to see that this dark period of my life is filled with light, and that I AM NOT ALONE. And she does it all with a warmth that makes my soul feel taken care of. I am so grateful for Kali!
Korogy Spiritual Counseling and Coaching
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