We use the word counseling and therapy interchangeably.  The main difference, if any, is that people seeking therapy (vs. counseling) often are looking for longer term, on-going support.  You can call us counselors or psychotherapists.  We are licensed psychotherapists and registered interns, who have been trained extensively and are qualified to provide counseling/psychotherapy by the licensing board.

Q: How long is a counseling session?
A: Individual session is 50 minutes.  Couples and Family session, depending on the needs, sometimes might need to be scheduled for 90 minutes.

Q: How long will counseling take?
A: It all depends on what has brought you here in the first place.  If you are looking for a supportive environment where you can safely explore your hopes and fears, this might be on-going until we both decide that it's time to terminate the sessions.  Some people come to counseling because of one specific problem such as stress and anxiety.  In these cases, when you are highly motivated, and complete your homework between session, you might only need 6 - 10 sessions, or even shorter.

Q: How do I know I am cured?
A: We don't think you are ill.  So it's not about being "cured."  However, we understand you are here because you want whatever is bothering you to go away, thus you want a “cure.”  Let's first agree on your treatment goals, that is, at what point would you feel you no longer need to come.  Once we reach those goals, we can safely say that, you are "cured."

Q: Do you accept Insurance?
A: Yes, we do!  We are providers for Aetna, Blue Shield, Magellan, MHN, and Compsych (EAP).  We are also happy to call on your behave to check with your insurance even if we are not on your insurance panel.  Your health insurance may also allow you to choose a provider outside of your network.  However, you are responsible for your co-pay at the session.  Please note that not all insurance will accept billings by interns.

The insurance world is a huge maze, it's not easy to understand or navigate through it.  Please note that just because your have insurance does not mean that it will cover your counseling sessions.  Depending on your insurance company, you might need to be pre-authorized before you can be seen in our office.  So please call your insurance before our scheduled session. Or contact us so we can help you get through the maze.

Q: What kind of counseling do you do?
A: We have all been trained at excellent schools and counseling agencies for what we do.  Our training includes marriage and family therapy, addiction and recovery, systems, EMDR, and art therapy.  We are also familiarity with other theoretic approaches.  We strive to find the best approach that works for you.  Peiying is also a certified clinical hypnotherapist who can help you to eliminate test anxiety, increase self-discipline, and get better sleep.

Q: How do I know you are THE counselor for me?
A: Good question!  Studies have shown that therapeutic relationship is a determining factor in the success of counseling.  So it is one of the most important criteria that you find the right person as your counselor.  Please see the criteria of a good counselor/therapist.