Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
How do I get started with therapy?
We offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation call for prospective clients. This gives you a chance to share what you are interested in working on, and we can share how we might help you. We are happy to answer any questions you have to help you determine if you are interested in scheduling a first session. Reach out through our contact form.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Appointment availability varies by clinician. If your preferred clinician is full, we are happy to recommend another clinician on our team. We do our best to connect new clients to a clinician as quickly as possible and can most often offer appointments within one to two weeks.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy can be helpful if you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply want to better understand yourself. Whether you're navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, trauma, or simply want support with personal growth, therapy provides a space to work toward meaningful change. If you’re unsure and interested in specific treatment recommendations, you may be interested in our assessment and testing services.
I’m not sure where to start. Can you help?
Absolutely. Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already struggling. If you're unsure who would be the best fit or whether our practice is right for your needs, reach out. We'll answer your questions and help you determine the next step, whether that's scheduling with one of our clinicians or connecting you with other resources.
Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis or a referral to begin therapy. Some people come to therapy because they're experiencing significant symptoms, while others are looking for support through a life transition, relationship challenge, or personal growth.
What happens during the first appointment?
Your first session focuses on getting to know you. We'll discuss your concerns, history, strengths, goals, and what you're hoping to gain from therapy. Together, we'll begin developing a plan for treatment.
Insurance and Fees
How does payment work?
At the time of service, you are responsible for the full payment. We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, HSA/FSA cards, and other electronic payment methods through our secure payment system.
How much does therapy cost?
Our rates are comparable to those of other empirically trained practitioners. Fees vary depending on the clinician’s level of training and type of service. Please view provider profiles for their rates. We are also happy to discuss fees before scheduling your first appointment.
Do you bill insurance?
We are an out-of-network practice and do not bill insurance directly. This allows us greater flexibility to provide individualized, confidential care without the limitations often imposed by insurance companies.
Can I still use insurance?
Often yes! Many insurance plans offer reimbursement for out-of-network therapy. We recommend contacting your insurance company to ask about your mental health benefits. Upon request, we will provide you with a Superbill, an itemized form that contains the information most insurance companies need for an out-of-network claim.
I have Medicare/Medi-Cal insurance. How does that work?
Unfortunately, we are currently unable to service clients with either Medicare or Medi-Cal insurance. If you have either or both of these insurances, please let us know so we can direct you toward other care resources.
If I contact my insurance to learn about out-of-network benefits, what should I ask?
Does my insurance plan have benefits for out-of-network outpatient therapy?
What is my deductible amount? (A deductible is an amount you pay out-of-pocket in a calendar year before your health plan begins to pay. For example, if your deductible is $1,000, you must pay that amount for health services before your insurer starts paying your health care costs.)
Has my deductible been met?
Do the cost of my out-of-network therapy sessions count toward my deductible?
What is the allowable amount or percentage of reimbursement per session? (e.g., insurance may cover 50% up to $200 per session or 80% up to $350 per session, etc.)
Is there a limited number of sessions covered per year?
How do I submit a claim? What specific information is required to submit a claim for reimbursement?
My insurance company asked me for the service billing code(s). What do I tell them?
The common billing codes (also known as CPT codes) used in our practice include:
Initial Intake, 60 minutes: 90791
Individual Therapy, 50 minutes: 90834
Individual Therapy, 60 minutes: 90837
Group Therapy: 90853
Couples Therapy: 90847
Family Therapy, with patient present: 90847
Family Therapy, without patient present: 90846
Family Education Sessions: 90846
Services
What services do you offer?
We offer several services, including:
Individual therapy for adolescents, teens, and adults
Couples/relationship therapy
Family therapy
Family psychoeducation
Psychological assessment and testing
What makes Palim Health different?
We combine highly specialized clinical expertise with warm, individualized care. Our therapists have advanced training in evidence-based and insight-oriented therapies and experience working with both common concerns and complex mental health conditions. We believe effective therapy should be collaborative, affirming, and tailored to each person's unique goals.
Who do you offer therapy for?
We work with adolescents and teens (ages 12+), adults, couples (and those in alternative relationship structures), and families. Our clinicians have experience supporting people from diverse backgrounds, identities, and life experiences, and we strive to provide affirming, individualized care.
Do you work with LGBTQIA+ clients and relationships?
Yes! We welcome and affirm people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship structures. We strive to provide care that is respectful, inclusive, and responsive to each person's lived experience. For couples/relationship therapy, we welcome people in monogamous, consensually non-monogamous, polyamorous, and other relationship structures. Our goal is to provide affirming care that respects your values and relationship goals rather than making assumptions about what relationships should look like.
Do you offer crisis services?
Our practice is not a crisis service, and we are not able to provide 24/7 support. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or believe you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you are having thoughts of suicide or need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are an existing client experiencing an urgent, but not emergency, concern, please contact your provider directly for guidance about available support.
Do your assessment services include ADHD and Autism testing?
No, we are currently unable to offer assessment services specifically related to assessing whether a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is appropriate.
Will you coordinate care with other providers?
Most often, yes. With the client's written permission, we regularly collaborate with primary care physicians, psychiatrists, schools, and other members of a client's treatment team.
Therapy
Do you provide therapy in-person or online?
We are committed to providing online therapy to residents across California, ensuring services remain accessible and flexible. We utilize user-friendly, HIPAA-compliant software for online sessions. We also have office space located in Redwood City, California.
Do you provide therapy outside of California?
Our therapists provide telehealth services to clients located anywhere in California. Currently, we do not offer services for individuals outside of California.
How often do you meet with clients?
We most often recommend that therapy clients start with weekly sessions. Sometimes, longer sessions or more frequent sessions are indicated, and this can be discussed with your provider. We do not offer therapy less than once per week, as we value building a strong therapeutic relationship and setting clients up for success in making progress on their goals.
How long are therapy sessions?
Most therapy sessions are 50 minutes. Some clinicians also offer extended sessions when clinically appropriate.
How long does therapy usually last?
The length of therapy varies for each person. Some clients seek short-term support around a specific concern, while others choose longer-term therapy to work on deeper patterns, relationships, or ongoing personal growth.
What types of therapy do you offer?
Our clinicians draw from evidence-based and insight-oriented approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Somatic Experiencing (SE), and other approaches. Treatment is individualized to each person's needs.
Will therapy be tailored to me?
Yes. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Together, you and your therapist will develop a treatment plan based on your goals, strengths, preferences, and the approaches that are most likely to be helpful for you.
What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help?
Many people come to us after feeling disappointed by previous therapy experiences. Sometimes the difference is finding the right therapist, a different treatment approach, or a better understanding of what you need. We'll work with you to develop a treatment plan that feels collaborative and meaningful. If you’re interested in a deep dive investigating why therapy has previously felt stuck, a psychological assessment can be a useful tool.
Can I switch therapists if it doesn’t feel like the right fit?
Often yes. Finding the right therapeutic relationship is important. If you feel another clinician on our team may be a better fit, we'll work with you to make that transition as smooth as possible, if clinically indicated.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Therapy is confidential except in limited situations required by law, such as concerns about imminent safety, suspected abuse or neglect, or when records are ordered by a court. Your therapist will review confidentiality and its limits with you during your first appointment, and details are provided in our informed consent paperwork.
Assessment
Do you provide assessment in-person or online?
Many components of psychological assessments, and sometimes full assessments, can be completed virtually. However, some tests require meeting in person. Please reach out for an initial consultation to learn more.
Do you provide assessments outside of California?
Currently, we do not offer services for individuals outside of California.
How long do assessments take?
It depends on the assessment service. Briefer assessments are usually completed over a couple of weeks. Comprehensive assessments most often take two to three months. This allows time for multiple testing sessions, interpretation of all data, and writing a comprehensive report.
Do I receive a written report after an assessment?
Yes. All assessment services include a written report for you to keep and share with other providers as you please.
What types of assessments do you offer?
We offer comprehensive psychological assessments, screening evaluations for psychosis, and assessment consultations. You can learn more about each of these services on our assessment and testing page.
Will the assessment be tailored to me?
Yes. While there are several standard components of assessments, in addition to the standard components, your clinician will determine what additional tests will best answer your question(s).
Medication
Do you prescribe medication?
We are excited to share that a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication is joining our team soon! Check back in September for more information.
Can I see both a therapist and a psychiatrist?
Absolutely. Many people benefit from combining psychotherapy with medication management. As part of treatment planning, your provider can help you decide which service(s) make sense for you.
How is seeing a psychiatrist different from seeing a therapist?
Therapists and psychiatrists play different but complementary roles in mental health care. Therapists primarily provide psychotherapy, helping people develop insight, learn new coping skills, and work toward meaningful life changes. Psychiatrists specialize in evaluating whether medication or other medical treatments may be helpful as part of your overall care. Many people benefit from working with both a therapist and a psychiatrist.
Do I have to take medication if I see a psychiatrist?
No. Meeting with a psychiatrist does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication. The first appointment is focused on understanding your concerns, reviewing your history, and discussing treatment options. Medication is only recommended when it is likely to be helpful and aligns with your goals.
What happens during my first psychiatry appointment?
Your psychiatrist will ask about your current symptoms, mental health history, medical history, medications, family history, lifestyle, and treatment goals. Together, you'll discuss possible diagnoses and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Will medication change my personality?
No. Psychiatric medications are not intended to change who you are. Their goal is to reduce symptoms—such as anxiety, depression, mood instability, or difficulty concentrating—that may be preventing you from feeling like yourself. Many people find that effective treatment helps them feel more present, engaged, and able to live the life they want.
What if I'm nervous about seeing a psychiatrist?
Many people feel anxious before their first psychiatry appointment, especially if they've never met with a psychiatrist before. It's common to worry about being judged, receiving a diagnosis, or feeling pressured to take medication. Our goal is to provide a warm, collaborative environment where your questions are welcomed, your experiences are taken seriously, and treatment decisions are made together.
Training & Consultation
Do you provide clinical supervision/consultation?
Yes. We offer clinical supervision for associates and consultation for licensed mental health professionals seeking support with complex cases, psychodynamic therapy, DBT, evidence-based trauma therapies, psychosis, or general professional development.
Do you provide training or workshops?
Yes. We offer training and workshops for mental health professionals and organizations on a variety of topics, including DBT, psychosis, psychodynamic psychotherapy, suicide risk assessment, personality disorders, clinical supervision, and other areas of expertise. Please contact us if you're interested in bringing a training to your organization.
For Referring Providers
How do I refer a client?
You can submit a referral through our contact form or email Dr. Adams at connoradams@palimhealth.com.
Resources
Crisis Hotlines
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call: 988
Crisis Text Line
Text: 741-741
CalHOPE (secure, emotional support for Californians)
Call: 833-317-4673
Teen Line
Text TEEN to 839863
Peer Support (non-emergency warm line)
Call: 855-845-7415
Trevor Lifeline for the LGBTQIA+ Community
Call: 1-866-488-7386
Text: 678678
Trans Lifeline
Call: 877-565-8860
Veteran’s Crisis Line
Call: 988, then press 1
Call: 838255
Sexual Assault Support
Call: 800-656-4673
Domestic Violence Support
Call: 800-799-7233
Human Trafficking Hotline
Call: 888-373-7888
Text: 233733
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Call: 1-877-726-4727
Poison Control
Call: 800-222-1222
Low-cost and sliding-scale therapy:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Connect with your local NAMI chapter for support groups, hotlines, and more. Search NAMI and your county to link to your local chapter.
Open Path Collective
Mental Health America
Call: 1-703-684-7722
Psychosis-specific supports:
Podcast: 3 Moms in the Trenches
Informative podcast hosted by three moms who have sons with schizophrenia.
Annie Ditiberio, LCSW
Social Worker who empowers individuals and families with expertise related to psychosis.
Instagram: @youneedasocialworker
Facebook: http://facebook.com/youneedasocialworker
Online course Loving Someone with Mental Health Issues
Back to Life, Back to Normality Book
Book by Douglas Turkington and Helen M. Spencer
Ready to take the next step?
If you have questions or would like to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation, please reach out.