Q: How much does therapy cost?

Our fees vary by clinician level and session type: Associate (pre-licensed, supervised): Individual $100–150 | Couples/Family $150–225 | Group $60–80 Licensed Clinician (fully licensed): Individual $225–300 | Couples/Family $275–350 | Group $90–110 Licensed Expert (10+ years, specialty): Individual $300–400 | Couples/Family $350–450 | Group $90–125 We also offer a sliding scale for clients with financial need. Please ask about this during your consultation.

Question 1

How do I begin therapy?

Accepted Answer

The first step is booking a free 20-minute consultation call. During this call, we'll learn about what brings you in, answer any questions you have, and match you with the therapist whose expertise and style best fits your needs. From there, you'll schedule your first full session — typically a 50-minute intake appointment where your therapist gets to know you in depth.

Question 2

What can I expect at the matching appointment?

Accepted Answer

Our matching appointment is a brief, no-pressure conversation — not a therapy session. We'll ask about your goals, what you've tried before, your schedule, and any preferences you have for a therapist. We take matching seriously because the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of outcome. You'll leave knowing exactly who you'll be working with and why.

Question 3

What can I expect at my first session with my therapist?

Accepted Answer

Your first session is an intake — a chance for your therapist to understand your history, current struggles, and goals. You'll talk about what's brought you in, how long it's been going on, and what you hope to get out of therapy. Your therapist will also explain their approach and how they work. By the end, you'll have a sense of the direction your treatment will take. There's no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with — this is your space.

Question 4

Do you offer a free consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we offer a complimentary 20-minute phone or video consultation. This is your opportunity to ask questions, share what you're looking for, and get a feel for whether Bay Area CBT Center is the right fit. There's no obligation to book, and no pressure. We want you to feel confident before you commit to anything.

Question 5

How long are sessions?

Accepted Answer

Standard individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes. Couples and family sessions are typically 50–80 minutes depending on the therapist and treatment plan. Intensive sessions and extended sessions can be arranged for specific treatment approaches like EMDR or ERP. Your therapist will discuss the ideal session length for your goals during your intake.

Question 6

How long does therapy last?

Accepted Answer

The length of therapy varies depending on your goals and the nature of what you're working on. Some clients find significant relief in 8–16 sessions. Others working on deeper patterns, trauma, or complex conditions may benefit from longer-term work. We use evidence-based approaches that are designed to be effective and efficient — we don't believe in keeping clients in therapy longer than necessary. Your therapist will regularly review your progress with you.

Question 7

What if I don't like my therapist?

Accepted Answer

The therapeutic relationship is everything — and fit matters. If after a few sessions you feel the match isn't right, please tell us. We will work to find you a better-suited therapist within our practice at no additional cost. We take this seriously and will never take it personally. Your comfort and progress come first.

Question 8

Do you offer online therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we offer secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions for clients anywhere in California. Online therapy is just as effective as in-person for most conditions, and it offers added flexibility for busy schedules. All of our therapists are trained to deliver evidence-based care via video. You can also switch between in-person and online as your schedule requires.

Question 9

How much does therapy cost?

Accepted Answer

Our fees vary by clinician level and session type:

Associate (pre-licensed, supervised): Individual $100–150 | Couples/Family $150–225 | Group $60–80
Licensed Clinician (fully licensed): Individual $225–300 | Couples/Family $275–350 | Group $90–110
Licensed Expert (10+ years, specialty): Individual $300–400 | Couples/Family $350–450 | Group $90–125

We also offer a sliding scale for clients with financial need. Please ask about this during your consultation.

Question 10

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

We are an out-of-network provider, which means we do not bill insurance directly. However, many PPO insurance plans provide out-of-network mental health benefits that can reimburse a significant portion of your session costs. We provide a monthly superbill (an itemized receipt) that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement. We recommend calling your insurance company to ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits before starting therapy.

Question 11

How can I find out if my insurance covers out-of-network therapy?

Accepted Answer

Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask: "Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?" Key questions to ask include: What is my out-of-network deductible? What percentage do you reimburse after the deductible is met? Is there a session limit per year? You can also use the Mentaya tool below to check your benefits instantly.

Question 12

Do you offer a sliding scale?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We believe quality therapy should be accessible. We offer a limited number of sliding scale spots for clients who demonstrate financial need. Please mention this during your free consultation and we'll do our best to accommodate you. Our associate-level clinicians also offer lower rates while providing the same evidence-based care under expert clinical supervision.

Question 13

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We require 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule a session without charge. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged the full session fee. We understand that emergencies happen — if something unexpected comes up, please reach out as soon as possible and we'll do our best to work with you. Consistent attendance is one of the strongest predictors of therapy success, so we encourage you to protect your session time.

Question 14

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), as well as HSA and FSA cards. Payment is collected at the time of service. We do not accept cash or checks. If you have questions about payment, please ask during your consultation.

Question 15

Is therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes — everything you share in therapy is strictly confidential. Your therapist is legally and ethically bound to protect your privacy. There are a small number of exceptions required by law: if there is imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected child or elder abuse, or a court order. Your therapist will explain these limits of confidentiality during your first session. Our telehealth platform is fully HIPAA-compliant.

Question 16

Can I see a therapist if I'm not in San Francisco?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We offer telehealth therapy to clients anywhere in California. Whether you're in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, or anywhere else in the state, you can access our full team of expert therapists via secure video. In-person sessions are available at our San Francisco (Hayes Valley) and Oakland offices.