What types of therapy does CFMHE offer?

We specialize in evidence-based individual, couple, and family therapy. Our team provides support for a range of mental health concerns, including stress, relationship challenges, and various life transitions.

Do you offer telehealth services?

CFMHE is an online counseling service. While our headquarters is located in San Diego, we conduct our mental health services online throughout California via our secure telehealth platform.

Please note that due to licensing regulations, our therapists are only able to provide online therapy sessions to clients who are located in California during their appointments. If you are not located in California, we encourage you to seek support from a qualified mental health professional licensed in your state or the state where you will be located.

In-person visits to our San Diego office are by appointment only.

Can I work with a student therapist or pre-licensed associate?

Absolutely. The majority of our therapist team consists of trainees. We offer the option to work with student therapists or pre-licensed associates, all supervised by our licensed therapists. This provides affordable care while maintaining high standards of quality.

How do I schedule an appointment?

To get started, you can:

1. Request a Free Consultation by completing our Therapy Preferences Survey. This helps us connect you with the most appropriate therapist for your FREE 15-minute consultation.
2. If you’re ready to book, you can email or call your preferred therapist directly.
3. Use the contact form on our website to reach us.

What is the process for starting therapy with CFMHE?

Our process includes:

1. Schedule a Free Consultation: Book a 15-minute phone or virtual call with one of our therapists to discuss your needs and determine if we’re a good fit.
2. Schedule Your First Session: Choose a convenient time for your initial therapy appointment and receive information about our secure telehealth platform.
3. Complete Intake Forms: Fill out necessary paperwork online, providing basic information about yourself and your concerns.
4. Attend Your First Session: Meet with your therapist via our secure telehealth platform to discuss your goals and create an initial treatment plan.
5. Engage in Ongoing Therapy: Attend regular sessions, work towards your goals, periodically review progress, and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

What can I expect during my first session?

Your initial session will involve a comprehensive assessment to understand your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re seeking individual, couple, or family therapy, this session allows you to discuss your concerns and for the therapist to outline a tailored treatment plan.

How long are therapy sessions?

Individual sessions typically last 50 minutes, while couple or family sessions may extend to 75 minutes.

How much does therapy cost at CFMHE?

As a nonprofit, we’re committed to affordable care. Our fees vary based on whether you’re working with a licensed professional or a pre-licensed therapist. We offer a range of options to fit different budgets.

Do you accept insurance?

We do not bill insurance directly. However, we will happily provide superbills that clients can submit on their own for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, and Health Savings Account (HSA) payments.

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate detailing the expected cost of your therapy. This applies if you don’t have insurance or aren’t using insurance for your services.

Can I request a Good Faith Estimate before starting therapy?

Yes, you can ask for a Good Faith Estimate before scheduling any non-emergency healthcare services, including therapy.

What if my bill is higher than my Good Faith Estimate?

If your bill is $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the charge. Make sure to keep a copy of your estimate.

For more information, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 985-3059.

What therapeutic approaches do you use?

We utilize evidence-based therapies tailored to each client’s needs. Our therapists integrate research-supported methods to create personalized treatment plans for individuals, couples, and families.

Is therapy only for people with diagnosed mental health conditions?

Not at all. We welcome anyone seeking personal growth, stronger relationships, or support in navigating life’s challenges, regardless of whether they have a diagnosed condition.

How do you ensure client confidentiality?

We adhere to strict confidentiality policies in line with legal and ethical guidelines. Your privacy is a top priority, and we’ll discuss our confidentiality policy in detail during your first session. For more information, please review our Privacy Policy at https://cfmhe.org/Privacy-Policy/ and our Terms of Use at https://cfmhe.org/terms-of-use/.

Does CFMHE offer training for therapists?

Yes, we’re committed to advancing the field of mental health through comprehensive clinical training. We support therapists at every stage of their career, from student interns to clinical supervisors.

How experienced is your team?

Our leadership team has 55 years of combined experience in mental health and family therapy. Our therapist trainees complete over 500 hours of training in one year.

What is your cancellation policy?

We kindly request a minimum of 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to accommodate other clients and adjust our schedule accordingly.

How many sessions will I need?

The duration of treatment varies based on individual needs and goals. Your therapist will discuss this with you during your initial sessions and regularly review your progress.

For any additional questions or to start your journey towards wellness, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

What should I do in case of a mental health emergency?

IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is facing a life-threatening emergency, including a threat of injury to self or others, call 911 immediately.

Do you provide resources for immediate mental health support?

Yes, we have a National Mental Health Resources Page that provides information on crisis hotlines, support groups, and other immediate assistance options. While CFMHE does not provide emergency services, we want to ensure that anyone in crisis has access to immediate help.

Where can I find these emergency resources?

Please visit our National Mental Health Resources page for information on national crisis hotlines, text lines, and other immediate support options.

Can I still reach out to CFMHE if I’m having urgent (but not emergency) concerns?

While we encourage you to use emergency services for immediate crises, you can always reach out to us for urgent concerns during our business hours. However, please understand that we may not be able to respond immediately, and in cases of emergency, it’s crucial to use the appropriate emergency services.