CBT is a type of psychotherapy that has been scientifically tested and found to be effective for many different conditions. In contrast to other forms of psychotherapy, CBT is generally more present-focused, time-limited, and goal-oriented. In addition, it emphasizes learning and practicing specific skills that can be used to effectively manage difficult situations and emotions. These skills usually involve identifying and understanding the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and modifying patterns that can keep us feeling stuck. There are many different types of cognitive behavioral therapies, and at SFBayCBT we choose the right type of therapy based on your condition, preferences, and needs.

We accept Lyra Health (Drs. Gordon, Kagan, and Leoni) and Modern Health (Dr. Kagan).

We do not accept other types of insurance directly. However, many insurance companies provide reimbursement for out-of-network psychotherapy services. Upon request, we are happy to provide superbills that can be used to seek reimbursement from your insurer. We recommend that you contact your insurance company to inquire about the availability of reimbursement for out-of-network psychotherapy. Here are some questions that may be helpful to ask your insurance:

• Do I have mental health insurance benefits?

• What is my deductible and has it been met?

• How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?

• What is the coverage amount per out of network therapy session, CPT code 90834?

• How do I access the form(s) needed to submit a request for reimbursement?

Our fees are based on the usual and customary rates for psychologists in the Bay Area. A limited number of sliding scale slots are available based on financial need. Payment is made at the time of session by check, cash, or credit card. We ask current clients to keep a current credit card on file to facilitate billing. Please contact us for current fees.

Research shows that one of the most important determinants of therapy effectiveness is the relationship between the provider and client. It’s important to find a provider that you feel comfortable with and who feels confident in their abilities to address your concerns. For this reason, we work closely with our clients to ensure that we thoroughly assess the fit before commencing work together. We start this process with a free phone consultation, where we explain our approach and answer any questions you may have. Then we meet for an extended intake and consultation process, which typically takes 2-4 sessions. During these appointments we will learn more about your concerns and about you as a human being. We also answer any questions you may have about how we work. If for any reason it doesn’t feel like a good fit, we will work closely with you to refer you to providers who may be a better fit for your needs. We are invested in making sure that you feel comfortable, supported, and heard by us.

At this time, we are offering video sessions only, but we will update this page if that changes. Research shows that telehealth treatment is equally effective as in-person care at addressing the concerns we most often see in our practice. During the phone consultation and intake phase, we will further assess your condition to ensure that we can appropriately and effectively treat you over telehealth. If for any reason we determine that you require in-person care we will provide you with appropriate referrals.

During the early stage of treatment, we typically recommend meeting on a weekly basis. Meeting more frequently at the outset allows us to develop a strong working relationship and to start alleviating your most challenging symptoms. As symptoms improve, we may reduce session frequency to biweekly or monthly as clinically appropriate. All changes in treatment frequency are agreed upon by both the provider and the client.

We treat adults 18 and older in our practice. We do not treat couples, families, or children. We are happy to provide referrals upon request.

Treatment looks different for everyone, and it’s difficult to offer a general estimate. However, CBT is designed to be a short-term treatment, and a typical course usually takes between 12-24 sessions. For some people, the symptom relief that they achieve during this short term period is enough, and they may choose to terminate treatment. For others, new goals may emerge during the therapeutic process and there may be a desire to continue meeting to work on these new goals. Some clients find that continuing to work with a therapist long term can help them to continue to make progress on their goals and control their symptoms. We strive to be flexible and responsive, and we are happy to work with our clients for as long as they feel they are benefitting from treatment. We value the experiences and preferences of our clients and work collaboratively to make these decisions.