Frequently Asked Questions
+ Why the name Luna Counseling?
Luna Counseling represents all of the phases that I had to pass through in life to get to where I am today. It has not been a comfortable journey; it took a lot of courage and faith to show up in this field and claim space for myself as a Latina and a professional. I had to dig deep within myself to believe that I have something to offer and deserve to be in professional spaces like this. Luna counseling represents healing, strength and growth.
+ Where are you located?
I am in Sacramento, California.
+ Do you offer in-person appointments?
Luna Counseling is offering online and in-person sessions. Please note, on-line sessions are only available to clients who are physically located in the state of California and is not appropriate for clients traveling out-of-state or out-of-country.
+ How does online therapy work?
I use a confidential online secure video system, to provide psychotherapy. I will send you the invite via text or email depending if you will be using a phone or a computer for your sessions. Click To Learn More +
+ Does online therapy work for everyone?
No, Depending on your needs, online therapy may not be the best option.
+ How will I know if online therapy is a good fit?
During an initial appointment, I will complete a basic assessment with you to determine if online counseling with me is a good fit. In the event that online counseling with me is not the right fit for you, I will make clinical recommendations and provide you with referrals.
+ What is your intake process?
Upon our initial communication, I will ask for your email address and send you a link to my online portal through Simple Practice so that you can conveniently complete the intake paperwork before our first appointment. The intake process is our "digital paperwork." It will ask for the necessary information about you (your address, demographic information, and some personal history). You will also have an opportunity to review and sign off on your therapist's business policies and procedures, as well as the informed consent and confidentiality agreements. We keep your credit card information securely on file so that the payment process is convenient for both you and your therapist.Completing this step before your first session will allow me to review the information you'd like me to know about you before we meet.
+ How often will we meet?
We will meet weekly same day and time. Consistency is an important component to building a therapeutic relationship and maintaining any progress achieved in your sessions.
+ How long do appointments last?
Appointments are 50 minutes. This is the standard length of a counseling session.
+ How Long Will I Be in Therapy?
It depends on your needs. Some people only need therapy for a short time or only attend a few appointments. Other people use therapy as a long-term resource. Ultimately, you and the therapist will determine when it is time to end.
+ What is your cancelation policy?
Your appointment must be cancelled or rescheduled 48 hours in advance. You will be responsible for the entire fee if cancellation is less than 48 hours. This is necessary because a time commitment is made to you and is held exclusively for you.
+ Do you offer reduced rates for therapy?
Yes, I have a limited amount of slots available. Please inquire during your consult, and I will advise if there is current availability. Please note Sliding scale spots are reserved for people facing financial distress and are temporary assistance and not designed to be long-term.
Note: Those who pay my full fee make it sustainable for me to provide sliding-scale services to those facing financial hardship.
+ Do you take insurance?
No, I do not accept any insurance. I will collect payment in full from you at the time of service. I am considered an Out-of-Network therapist for PPO insurances and can provide you with a medical receipt for reimbursement purposes.
*Please note not all PPO insurances have out-of-network benefits. It is your responsibility to call your insurance to ask about these benefits. Reimbursement is not guaranteed, and I am not responsible for denied claims. It is important to note that Submitting an insurance claim means I will need to give you a mental health diagnosis.
+ Why don’t you take insurance?
Joining insurance panels limits my ability to provide Anti-Oppressive care to the folks I serve.
+ What do I ask when I call my insurance to inquire about benefits?
You may find the following questions helpful when speaking to an insurance provider:
- When do benefits start & renew? Are my benefits running on a calendar (Jan-Dec) or fiscal year (July-June)?
- What is my individual out-of-network deductible? and has it been met?
- What is my reimbursement rate/percentage for an out-of-network provider once the deductible is met (for individual counseling)?
- Is there a limit on the number of sessions my plan covers in a year?
- Is telehealth covered? For how long? Video and phone?
- How do I submit my "superbill"/medical receipt?
+ Why is Therapy Expensive?
Running a sustainable Therapy Practice costs money, including the fees for licensing, continuing education/certifications running, and maintaining business expenses such as paying for a website, software to manage billing/ video sessions, rent for physical office space, etc. Working with a therapist is an investment and a professional relationship. For that relationship to be sustainable, the therapist needs to be able to afford the cost of living and expenses to run a business and receive compensation for your individualized services.