Frequently Asked Questions
While each person is unique, we've found that many people have similar questions when starting their psychotherapy journey. Knowledge is powerful, and clear answers are empowering. Explore our FAQs below.
"A prudent question is one half of wisdom"
-Francis Bacon
Is psychotherapy really confidential?
Yes. Therapy is confidential; you can share anything and everything you need, and our therapists are bound by oath to maintain client confidentiality. However, there are certain, limited, exceptions to this confidentiality: first, if you give consent to your therapist to share information with others; second, when a minor is involved in treatment; third, when therapy is court-ordered; fourth, if there is a present danger to yourself or others - under these conditions confidentiality may be suspended. When you begin therapy at SALT your therapist will go over all of these conditions, and answer any questions you may have.
How do I know if I need therapy?
Seeking therapy is a personal choice; however, there are a few common indicators that you may benefit from therapy: your regular coping strategies don't seem to work as well as they used to; you feel a lack of meaning and purpose, or you no longer derive enjoyment from the things you used to; you find yourself struggling with intimacy or connection; you find yourself feeling persistently anxious or irritable; you have interpersonal conflict with people from various social or employment circles, or within your family; you struggle to manage your use of substances. These six indicators do not encompass all the reasons why a person might seek therapy, they are meant only as helpful signs. Many people seek therapy for reasons other than those listed, and some seek therapy because they feel something "is just off", but are unable to pinpoint exactly why. Regardless of the reason(s), therapy is an investment in yourself and we encourage you to explore therapy as a tool to achieve your abundant life!
How does psychotherapy actually work?
Psychotherapy works, foremost, by getting to know you, your struggles, strengths, and goals. It is a collaborative effort that moves at a pace comfortable to you. Our therapists and psychologists are empathetic and extensively trained in techniques to help you better understand yourself and improve your skills and abilities surrounding your specific needs and challenges. Even the most self-reflective person has blind spots in their thinking and behaviors; these may be implicit or explicit areas of growth. Our clinicians work with you to help identify these areas in a way that is solution-focused and tailored to your unique personality.
Do you accept Insurance?
We accept the following insurance plans:
- Aetna
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- ILWU
- MHN
- MHN / Health Net Medi-Cal
- Tricare
- All PPO plans
What if I don't like my therapist?
It is normal to have some reservations about your therapist, especially as you start your therapeutic journey. It sometimes takes a few sessions to develop rapport. If, however, you have concerns about your treatment or your therapeutic connection, we encourage you to discuss this with your therapist in session; doing so may be a healing and therapeutic step in and of itself. However, if after discussing this with your therapist you still feel like it is not a productive fit, please email [email protected] with your concerns.
What if I don't know what to talk about?
Your initial session will be an intake assessment. In an intake, your therapist will ask you questions about what brought you to therapy, what your goals might be, and other questions designed to help identify areas to explore. You need not know exactly where to start, or even what to address specifically. Our therapists are highly skilled and will work with you to coordinate a treatment plan to achieve your goals.
SALT Marriage and Family Therapy, Inc
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4401 Atlantic Ave, Suite 420, Long Beach, CA 90807
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