Starting therapy doesn't have to be confusing.Here are some of the most common questions I get about working together. Click the button below to schedule a time to talk if you don’t see your question listed, need help understanding my policies, or if you're ready to get started.
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Smadar Salzman, MA, LMFT, (she/her/hers) Licensed Psychotherapist & Certified Complex Trauma Professional
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Diverse populations are always welcome in my practice, including all cultures, sexual orientations, genders, and relationship structures.
Where are you located? |
I'm based in San Francisco, California.
I offer online therapy for California residents. |
What is online therapy and how does it work? |
Online therapy is just like office-based therapy, but we connect via Zoom from the comfort of your own home or office. I use HIPAA-secure Zoom Pro for Healthcare to protect your confidentiality and privacy. On your end, it'll look like any other Zoom call.
Online therapy is just as effective as office-based therapy, and it offers more convenience and flexibility.
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What are your fees and how does payment work? |
I encourage you to see therapy as an investment in yourself, your life and your well-being. It will take a significant commitment of your resources, money and time, for you to see the results that you want in your life.
Individual Therapy: $210 per 45 minute session Couples/Relationship Therapy: $385 per 55 minute session Group Therapy: $125 per 90 minute session I require a credit card to hold an initial appointment. The card on file is charged at the time of service. The card will also be charged for no-shows and cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance regardless of the reason. I adjust my fees annually, usually in January, and provide at least 30 days advance notice to my ongoing clients. |
Can I use my health insurance for therapy? |
I don't accept health insurance. However, many of my clients are able to obtain whole or partial reimbursement through their insurance providers. I strongly urge you to contact your insurance carrier to see what the reimbursement rate for mental health is for your specific plan. I can provide you with a monthly superbill upon request that you can then submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
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What's your availability? |
I'm available Monday through Thursday from 9am to 3pm. I do not accommodate requests for sessions outside of these times. I do not offer evening or weekend appointments.
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How frequently will we meet? |
I offer more flexibility around frequency than most therapists. Traditionally, therapy sessions are held once or twice weekly. However, in my experience meeting less frequently also works well for some people. Progress is slower, but can be steady. And there is more time to integrate between sessions, which suits some people’s needs.
Most clients meet weekly to start. Some taper to every other week for maintenance. Others end therapy for a while, then return as-needed. Others find that having regular ongoing maintenance therapy appointments on their calendar indefinitely is what’s needed to maintain their mental and emotional health. Regardless of frequency, consistent attendance helps to keep the momentum going. It's like exercising. If you don't exercise a muscle regularly, it’s difficult to see progress. If you have frequent cancellations we'll put therapy on hold until attendance can be more consistent. |
How long will therapy take? |
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. |
How much experience do you have? |
I've provided emotional support for people in various professional capacities for nearly two decades. I began facilitating bereavement and chronic/terminal illness support groups in 2004. My first one-on-one counseling experiences were as a volunteer Planned Parenthood counselor, also in 2004. I completed my official supervised hours for licensure between 2006 and 2009. And I opened my private practice in 2008, one year prior to obtaining full licensure. In 2011, I discovered my passion for mentoring and supporting other therapists. Over the past 15 years I've maintained a small, highly-specialized private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area & online throughout California.
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How do we get started? |
The first step is to have a video call to meet each other, discuss your goals, determine if I can be of assistance, and align on schedule/availability.
The initial consultation is free of charge and lasts between 10 and 15 minutes. Get started now by scheduling your consultation online here. |
What if we're not a good fit? |
The first few sessions are an assessment phase. After a few sessions, if it doesn't seem like a good fit, I'm happy to refer you to therapists who may be better suited to your needs.
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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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Are you ready to have strong and satisfying relationships with yourself and others?
I hope this has helped answer your questions. Schedule a free initial consultation if you need any help understanding my fees or policies, how I work with insurance, or if you have any other questions.