Frequently Asked Questions

Many people seek therapy for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or high stress. Others come for trauma therapy — if you’ve experienced something frightening, hurtful, or abusive, having a safe place to process what happened and begin to move forward can be very healing. Parents often look for teen therapy in Orange County when they notice challenges at school, conflict at home, difficulty with friendships, or concerns about self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. We also support teens struggling with self-harm or substance use, and we specialize in working with neurodivergent teens and adults. Therapy can help in a few different ways. Having a safe, neutral space to explore what you’re going through can bring clarity and insight. A therapist can also teach practical skills for managing emotions, improving communication, building healthier relationships, and setting boundaries. Our goal is for you to gain tools that support lasting growth and positive change.

In your first therapy session, your therapist will review important information like confidentiality and practice policies. Then, you’ll work together to clarify your goals for therapy, why you’re seeking support, and how your therapist can best help. They’ll ask questions about your current concerns, past experiences, and emotions, and begin shaping a personalized treatment plan. The first session doesn’t always feel like a “typical” therapy session — there are often more questions and less time to go deep on any one topic. This is completely normal. Most people find it takes 2–3 sessions to settle into the “working phase,” when you’ll begin learning coping tools, exploring concerns in more depth, and gaining meaningful insight. If you’re looking for therapy in California, know that the process is designed to help you feel supported from the very first session.

Most therapy sessions in California are 50 minutes, and many clients choose to come once per week. As you begin feeling better, you may decide to switch to every other week — this is something you and your therapist can decide together. Some clients prefer starting with twice-weekly sessions, especially if they want more immediate support and symptom relief. For EMDR therapy or trauma counseling, some clients find that longer “intensive sessions” — usually 90 minutes — are especially helpful. If this is something you’re interested in, you can discuss it with your therapist. Please note that insurance typically does not cover extended sessions, but these options may accelerate progress for clients seeking deeper work.

We currently accept Cigna insurance (Cigna HMO, Cigna PPO, and Cigna EAP), and expect to be in-network with Aetna insurance by around October 2025. If you have a different provider, many of our clients use out-of-network benefits and we can provide a superbill to submit for reimbursement. Happy to answer any questions about using a superbill! If you have a PPO, you likely have some out-of-network benefits. Our fees vary by clinician and range from $165–$250 per session. We also have a limited number of reduced-fee spots available, because we’re committed to making therapy accessible and affordable in Orange County. If cost is a concern, please reach out — we’ll do our best to work with you.

Yes — we offer both! Many clients choose online therapy in California through our secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform, which makes it easy to access therapy from the comfort of home. We also provide in-person therapy in Irvine, CA, at our conveniently located office near John Wayne Airport — making it central for anyone seeking therapy in Orange County. You’re welcome to choose the format that works best for your needs, and many clients even combine telehealth and in-person sessions for flexibility.

Our practice is trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and affirming. We prioritize creating a safe space where clients can be their most authentic selves, and we support people in discovering who they are and what kind of life they want to build. We specialize in trauma therapy for adults, young adults, and teens, including support for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, or abuse. We frequently work with teens and young adults navigating school, family, or social stressors, as well as challenges such as bullying, friendship and relationship issues, and identity development. We also work with families and do family therapy in Orange County. We also specialize in women’s issues, including relationship concerns, balancing emotional or mental labor at home, career uncertainty, and life transitions. In addition, our team has extensive experience supporting neurodivergent clients — including those who are Autistic, ADHD, or AuDHD — with therapy tailored to their needs. Each of our clinicians also brings their own areas of focus in addition to these practice specialties. You can learn more by visiting each provider’s page.

EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based approach that helps people heal from trauma, anxiety, and other difficult experiences. It works by using guided eye movements or bilateral stimulation to help your brain process memories in a healthier way, so they feel less overwhelming. If you’d like to learn more, visit our EMDR Therapy page for a full overview of how it works and who it can help.

The easiest way to get started is to fill out our contact form on the website. We’ll respond within 2 business days. You can also call us at 949-667-0854 and leave a message. If you already know which clinician you’d like to work with, mention that in your message and they’ll reach out directly to schedule a consult. A consult is a brief 15-minute phone call where you can share what you’re looking for, ask questions, and see if the therapist feels like a good fit before booking your first intake session. Not sure where to start? That’s okay — we’ll talk with you about your goals, confirm which therapists have availability that fits your schedule, and help you find the best match. If we’re not the right fit, we’ll connect you with trusted colleagues and local agencies so you can still get the support you need.