FAQs

This section answers common questions about therapy, confidentiality, scheduling, cancellations, telehealth, and what therapy with us is like. If you don’t see your question here, please feel free to reach out.

Do I need therapy?

Many people wonder this. Therapy can be helpful whether you’re navigating a specific challenge (such as anxiety, relationship stress, grief, or trauma) or simply wanting greater clarity, support, and personal growth.

You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. If something in your life feels heavy, stuck, or overwhelming, talking with a trained professional can provide support and direction. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to help you discern whether therapy might be a good fit.

How do I choose a therapist?

Finding the right fit matters. We encourage you to consider:

  • The therapist’s areas of specialty
  • Your comfort level with their style
  • Scheduling availability
  • Whether you prefer in-person or telehealth

At TVCC, we’re glad to help match you with a clinician based on your needs and preferences. If the first match doesn’t feel quite right, we can help you explore other options — your comfort and trust are important to the process.

What ages do you work with?

TVCC provides counseling for children, teens, adults, couples, and families. If you’re unsure whether we’re the right fit for your situation, please reach out and we’ll be happy to guide you.

What is therapy with TVCC like?

Therapy at TVCC is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique goals and story. Our therapists use evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches in a supportive and respectful environment.


In your first session, your therapist will spend time getting to know you, understanding what brings you in, and discussing your hopes for therapy. Together, you will develop goals and a plan that fits your needs and pace.

Do you offer telehealth?

Yes. TVCC offers secure telehealth sessions for clients located in California.
Telehealth can be a convenient and effective option if you prefer to meet from home, have a busy schedule, or live outside the immediate Tri-Valley area. You’ll receive simple instructions before your first virtual session to help you prepare.

How long are sessions?

Most individual, couples, and family therapy sessions are 50 minutes. Longer sessions may be available in certain situations — your therapist can discuss options if needed. Younger children sometimes require shorter sessions. Many therapists have longer sessions for work with couples.

How often will we meet?

Many clients begin with weekly sessions, especially at the start of therapy. Over time, some clients shift to biweekly or maintenance sessions depending on their goals and progress.

Your therapist will collaborate with you to determine the rhythm that best supports your care.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask for at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. We require 24 hours, if a cancellation is made or a sessions missed, it may be subject to the full session fee.

We understand that unexpected situations arise and aim to handle each situation with fairness and care.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Protecting your privacy is very important to us. What you share in therapy is kept confidential with a few legal exceptions, which your therapist will review with you at your first appointment.

These exceptions generally include:

  • Risk of serious harm to yourself or others
  • Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult
  • Court orders requiring release of records

We are happy to answer any questions you have about confidentiality.

What’s the difference between a Trainee, AMFT, and LMFT?
All of our clinicians are trained in providing quality care but are at different stages of their professional journey:

What’s the difference between a Trainee, AMFT, and LMFT?

All of our clinicians are trained in providing quality care but are at different stages of their professional journey:

Trainee
A graduate-level counseling student completing supervised clinical hours as part of their degree program.
AMFT (Associate Marriage and Family Therapist)
A registered associate who has completed their master’s degree and is working toward full licensure while receiving ongoing supervision.
LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
A fully licensed clinician who has completed all required education, supervised hours, and state licensing exams.

All trainees and associates at TVCC are closely supervised to ensure high-quality, ethical care.

What is a Supervisor?

A clinical supervisor is a licensed and experienced therapist who provides oversight, consultation, and guidance to trainees and associate therapists.
Supervisors review cases regularly and support clinicians in providing ethical, effective care. This collaborative model helps maintain high standards while also supporting the development of the next generation of therapists.

Do you accept insurance?

TVCC is predominantly a private-pay practice. This allows us to offer greater flexibility, protect your privacy, and focus fully on individualized care.

However, many clients are able to use out-of-network benefits. Upon request, we can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.

We are currently on the insurance panels for Aetna and are working to get on additional panels for your convenience.

We also offer sliding-scale and scholarship options when available to help increase access to care.

Can faith or spirituality be part of therapy?

We honor each client’s values and beliefs. Faith or spirituality can be thoughtfully integrated into therapy only if you would like it to be.

Our goal is to create a space that feels respectful, safe, and aligned with your preferences and comfort level.

Is TVCC affirming and supportive of LGBTQ+ clients?

Tri-Valley Counseling Center is committed to providing a respectful, compassionate, and clinically sound environment for people of all identities and backgrounds. Our therapists strive to create a space where every client feels safe to explore their experiences, questions, and goals without fear of judgment.

We honor each person’s story and work collaboratively with clients in ways that support their well-being, dignity, and personal values. If you have specific questions about fit, we welcome you to reach out so we can help connect you with the most appropriate clinician.

Still Have Questions?

We know starting therapy can bring up many questions. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please contact us — our team is here to help you take the next step with confidence.

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