Questions about what it’s like to work together?Here are some of the most common questions I get about working together.
If you don’t see your question listed, or are ready to start your free consultation, contact me. |
Smadar Salzman, MA, LMFT, (she/her/hers) Licensed Psychotherapist & Certified Complex Trauma Professional
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Where are you located? |
I'm in San Francisco, California. I offer online psychotherapy sessions to individual adults throughout California.
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Do you offer online or in-person sessions? |
I'm currently conducting video sessions using Zoom, which offers a HIPAA-compliant encrypted platform.
I have a beautiful office in the historic Flood building in downtown San Francisco but have not yet resumed in-person sessions. |
How does online therapy work? |
Online therapy is just like office-based therapy, but we connect via HIPAA-secure Zoom to protect your confidentiality and privacy. On your end, it'll look like any other Zoom call.
What are the advantages of online therapy?
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How much do sessions cost? |
The initial 15 minute video consultation is free.
My fee is $210 per 45 minute session, payable by debit, credit, or FSA card at the time of service. I adjust my fees annually, usually in January, and provide at least 30 days advance notice to my ongoing clients. |
Do you offer couples, relationship, or family counseling? |
While much of the work I do with clients centers around themes and issues that arise in intimate relationships, at this time I only see individuals.
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Do you offer evening or weekend appointments? |
I'm available for psychotherapy sessions Monday through Thursday from 9am to 3pm. I don't accommodate requests for sessions outside of my normal client hours.
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How often do we meet? |
My approach to this is generally a bit more flexible than most therapists'. The traditional therapy structure is to have weekly sessions. In my experience, however, meeting every other week also works well for some people. We can talk about what works for you at any point in your therapy, and finances may play a role. Some clients meet weekly for a while, then taper after we make some progress. Others end therapy for a while, and come back for as-needed maintenance sessions, or come back if a new issue flares up. Regardless of frequency, consistent attendance helps to keep the momentum going so that you get the most out of your therapy sessions.
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How long do I need to be in therapy? |
Therapy is a process where what you put in is what you get out. Your length in therapy will depend on your particular background and how motivated you are to grow and heal. Generally, my clients continue to meet regularly for at least a few years in order to see lasting changes.
Many people with trauma histories find that having an ongoing therapeutic relationship is critical for their self-care. You may find it helpful to meet on an ongoing basis indefinitely. Or schedule regular maintenance sessions a few times a year as needed. |
What can I expect during my first appointment? |
During your initial free 15-minute consultation, we’ll discuss the specifics of your situation and what you're hoping to gain from therapy. We'll cover logistics and scheduling. I'll answer your questions about working together. You'll get a feel for what it's like to meet virtually. And we'll take the time to begin getting to know each other.
The first few psychotherapy sessions are an assessment period to make sure we're a good fit for long-term work together. In these sessions, we'll gain a more complete understanding of your needs and how I can help you. Every session will be 45 minutes long. I recommend at the beginning that we meet once a week for at least the first few months to a year to establish momentum. |
What is your cancellation policy? |
No-shows and cancellations with less than 24 hour notice are charged the full session fee, regardless of the reason. If you arrive late to your appointment, your session will consist of the time remaining that was reserved for you. If you have frequent cancellations we'll put therapy on hold until attendance can be more consistent.
I collect payment automatically on the day of your appointment and for late cancellations via Credit Card or HSA card on file in my practice management software, Sessions Health. If you need to reschedule your free 15-minute consultation, send me a secure message in Sessions Health as soon as possible. There is no charge for this. |
Why don't you accept insurance? |
There are several reasons why I, like many other therapists, don't contract with health insurance companies, which are for-profit companies that put us at odds with our ethical codes in order for them to profit financially. Some common concerns include:
Confidentiality: Insurance companies use your confidential information for billing, training, auditing, and other purposes. I believe your confidentiality is of the utmost importance in order to get the most benefit out of therapy. Diagnoses: The insurance company requires therapists to provide a mental health disorder diagnosis after the first session. I find that many clients benefit from therapy and do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis. Not taking insurance allows clients to have therapy without a mental health diagnosis. Freedom and Flexibility: Insurance companies can dictate how long they'll pay for psychotherapy, and it's generally not long enough. I can directly collaborate with you on the frequency of therapy you need in order to see long-lasting changes in your life. While I don't accept insurance, some clients submit receipts (called superbills) to their insurance companies to receive out-of-network benefits. I can provide you with monthly superbills. However, please note that if you decide to submit a superbill, the insurance company will require a mental health diagnosis, and all of the above concerns will apply. It's your responsibility to check your benefits and to submit paperwork for possible reimbursement. |
Are we a good fit? |
We might be a good fit if some of the following statements resonate with you:
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What if we're not a good fit? |
The first few sessions are an assessment phase. If it doesn't seem like a good fit after a few sessions, I'd be happy to give you referrals for therapists who may be more suitable for you once I know you better. Finding a therapist is one of the most vulnerable things you can do. Having a therapist who you feel safe and comfortable with is an important first step.
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What is a Good Faith Estimate? |
As of January 1, 2022, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. The "Good Faith Estimate” explains how much your medical and mental health care will cost. It will be included in your initial intake documents. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
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Ready to begin your journey to healing from Complex Trauma and CPTSD?
Click the button below to request your free, confidential 15-minute consultation for online therapy for Complex Trauma (CPTSD) in San Francisco, the Bay Area, and throughout California.