Thinking about starting therapy — or just curious how it all works? You're in the right place. We've gathered the questions we hear most often, from what happens in your first session to how we handle insurance and privacy, so you can find what you need and feel confident about your next step. And if your question isn't here, we're always just a call or message away.

Your Therapy Questions Answered

Getting Started

What To expect

Understanding Your Therapist

Who We Help

  • Getting started is simple. Request an appointment online, or via phone or email and we'll match you with a therapist suited to your needs, schedule, and goals. Your first session is a relaxed chance to share what's bringing you in and begin building a plan together. You don't need to have everything figured out before you reach out — that's what we're here for.

  • The right therapist is one you feel comfortable with and can build trust with over time — and you'll usually get a sense of that fit within your first few sessions. It also helps to weigh a therapist's qualifications (education, training, and experience), their areas of specialty, their session fees, and whether their location or online availability works for you. At TherapyWorks, our experienced Client Care Coordinator will help match you with a provider suited to your specific concerns, and if the fit isn't right, we'll help you find one that is.

  • Session fees at TherapyWorks can be found here. We're happy to review fees and payment options with you before your first appointment, so there are never any surprises.

  • TherapyWorks is an out-of-network provider and does not contract or bill directly with insurance companies. This allows you and your therapist to make decisions about your care together, based on your needs and goals rather than the requirements of a specific insurance plan.

  • Yes. TherapyWorks offers secure, confidential online therapy through our e-Connect telehealth service, so you can meet with your therapist by video from anywhere in California. For most concerns, online sessions are just as effective as in-person care — and many clients love skipping the commute. We also offer in-person sessions at our Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley offices.

  • TherapyWorks has three convenient California locations — Los Gatos, Scotts Valley, and Capitola — serving clients throughout the Bay Area, including Campbell, Saratoga, San Jose, Capitola, Soquel, and Aptos. We also offer online therapy for clients across California who prefer to meet virtually.

  • Psychotherapy — often called counseling or therapy — is a collaborative process that helps you feel better and work through the challenges you're facing. It usually begins with an initial session where your therapist gets to know you and your history, then builds a plan tailored to your needs. Therapy can happen one-on-one, as a couple, as a family, or in a group, depending on what will help you most.

  • Your first session is all about getting to know you. Your therapist will ask about what brought you in, a bit of your background, and what you'd like to get out of therapy — then work with you to shape a plan for moving forward. There's no pressure to share more than you're ready to. The first session is simply the start of the relationship.

  • Therapy sessions typically last 45–50 minutes. How often you meet depends on your needs and goals, though many clients start with weekly or twice-weekly sessions. You and your therapist decide together, and therapy continues until you've met your goals or are feeling better.

  • Most clients begin with one session per week, and some benefit from meeting twice weekly early on. The right frequency depends on your goals, your concerns, and what's realistic for your life. Your therapist will recommend a rhythm that fits you and adjust it as you make progress.

  • A Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is a licensed mental health professional trained to treat mental, emotional, and relational concerns in individuals, couples, families, and groups. In California, a licensed MFT (LMFT) holds a master's degree, completes 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and passes rigorous state exams before earning licensure. MFTs work in a wide range of settings, including private practices like TherapyWorks.

  • All four are trained mental health professionals, but they differ in their education, focus, and whether they can prescribe medication:

    • LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist): Holds a master's degree in psychology, counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Focuses on counseling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups.

    • LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker): Holds a master's degree in clinical social work. Focuses on assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and connecting clients with resources and support.

    • Psychologist: Holds a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology. Provides therapy and is also trained to conduct psychological testing and assessments.

    • Psychiatrist: A medical doctor (MD) who specializes in mental health. Primarily prescribes and manages medication, and sometimes also provides therapy.

  • No. Our therapists provide counseling and psychotherapy, not medication — only medical doctors, such as psychiatrists, can prescribe psychiatric medication. If medication might be helpful for you, your therapist can talk through your options and coordinate with a prescribing provider. Many clients find therapy alone is enough; others do best with a combination of therapy and medication.

  • TherapyWorks is a full-service practice supporting children, teens, adults, couples, and families, plus group therapy. Whether you're navigating everyday stress, a major life transition, relationship challenges, addiction, or something harder to name, our therapists are here to help.

  • Our therapists support a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, relationship and family conflict, life transitions, grief, trauma, and more. We tailor care to each client's individual needs — so whether your challenge is a day-to-day struggle or a bigger turning point, we'll meet you where you are.

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If you are ready to take a step toward feeling better, we are here to help you begin.

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