Frequently Asked Questions
Call for a free 15-Minute Consultation?
The free 15-minute phone consultation helps determine if we are a good fit. You'll provide a brief summary of why you're seeking treatment. If I can help, I'll explain my therapy approach and any limitations. If we decide to proceed, we'll discuss fees, check your insurance benefits, and schedule an appointment. Finally, I'll guide you through setting up your online profile for remote sessions and completing the intake paperwork.
Although the conversation is meant to be brief, it is important that you paint a picture of your current stressors and symptoms. Usually, individuals share any previous diagnosis, any life current stressors, goals they have for therapy, what type of therapy they are looking for, and/or any past or present suicidal ideations, self-harm, substance abuse or domestic violence. It is important to provide all relevant information so that the therapist can make an informed decision on whether or not they can treat you effectively.
Tell me more about your sessions
The intake session begins with the therapist going over the documents you signed and answering any questions you may have. Unless something is pressing that needs to be addressed right away, often we then review the forms that you filled out exploring the symptoms listed and any relevant history provided. If time permits, we will discuss your goals for therapy and create a treatment plan together, otherwise, this will occur on the second session.
Sessions typically last 45-50 minutes. It is advised that you carve out an hour of your time for the appointment in case we start late or go over.
Intake sessions are conducted online to be seen sooner. I am only in the office 2-3 days per week and therefore, in person slots are limited.
Remote sessions are performed using an app called Spruce Healthcare. It is a HIPAA compliant app and is secure for medical purposes. We will do our sessions through this app using video, we can text and send attachments. Learn more about this App
Learn more about Good Faith EstimatesFor private paying individuals and couples, sessions cost up to $180. If finances are a factor, it is important to discuss this during the initial consultation call to see if a sliding scale slot is available.
If you are using insurance, your insurance benefits dictate the amount that you pay for each session. It is important to discuss this during the initial conversation.
I am in network with Blue Shield Magellan/MHSA, Cigna Behavioral Health and Aetna.
Please note that many of the Blue Shield plans and Covered California plans are in network with Magellan, but it does not say it anywhere on your ID card. We can check during the initial consultation call.
The Legal Stuff
Family Counseling with Karine, Inc. is A Marriage and Family Therapy Corporation. This corporation is owned and operated by Karine Echighian, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT83963). This business also performs under the following DBAs: “Counseling with Karine”, “Helping with Heart”, and “Helping with Heart Counseling”.
Here are a few of the important things to know before scheduling a telehealth session.
To participate in telehealth sessions, a patient must be a good fit for remote sessions. For example, patients must be emotionally stable and not require immediate or intensive interventions or be a danger to themselves or others. Individuals must have sufficient experience and access working with technology to be able to engage in video sessions. They must have the privacy and motivation to engage in remote sessions. Each case is unique and must be assessed by both the therapist and the patient.
Therapists are licensed by the state and can only practice with patients located in that state at the time of the session. For this practice, all patients must be physically located in California for every session. At the time of the session, the physical address for each patient must be provided in case of an emergency.
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.
You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
Whether you are utilizing insurance benefits or paying privately for services, this office is a HIPAA covered entity and in such, it is required to follow specific privacy practices. The attached notice describes how medical information about you may be used to and disclosed and how you can get access to it so please read it carefully.