Frequently Asked Q's
How Much Do Sessions Cost?
What will my first session be like?
I'm Ready, how do I️ get started?
Sessions for individuals: $200 per 50 minute session.
Sessions for couples: $225 per 50 minute session.
- Payment is due at the time of session and I️ accept credit card, HSA or FSA.
- If this is not affordable, occasionally I️ offer a lower fee on a sliding scale for a limited number of sessions.
We start with a check-in to assess how you are doing currently, I'll gather background information and history, I️ will answer any questions you have, and then we will collaboratively come up with a treatment plan and determine your goals and action steps to get you there.
Book your initial free consultation under my "Client Resources" tab. You can also contact me through the contact form on my website, call me at (949) 423-6329 or email me at info@therapywithmarylou.com and let me know times you can be reached.
Do you Accept Insurance?
How Long Will Therapy Last?
Are you offering in-person services?
I️ am not contracted with insurance, and am considered an out of network provider.
I️ do offer documents that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
I'm happy to report most clients with PPO plans receive about 50-80% of their costs reimbursed.
My system automates those documents monthly, but can provide them more often if it's helpful to you.
Why I️ Don't Accept Insurance
Intentional reasons I️ choose not to contract with insurance:
1. It allows me to treat clients however I️ see fit. When contracting with insurance they attempt to control and often limit treatment (diagnosis required, session limit per year, forms of treatment limited, etc.)
2. It allows me to see less clients per week and be paid fairly for my work. Insurance grossly underpays therapists for their time and expertise, while also demanding extensive paperwork, billing and chasing down our payment.
3. I️ value work/life balance. Outside of seeing clients I️ consider it part of my job to read field-related books, keep up with current research, attend conferences, and collaborate with colleagues in consultation groups so I️ can provide the best care to my clients. I️ show up refreshed and focused- not scattered or stressed.
How Does The Superbill Work?
The Superbill is a receipt I️ provide monthly that includes:
- Your diagnosis
- The dates we've met
- Proof of your payment for service
The process:
1. You pay me in full for service at the time of session. I️ accept CC, HSA and FSA.
2. You submit the superbill to your insurance.
3. They process your claim and reimburse you based on your plan and insurance benefits package.
4. You receive a check or direct deposit with your reimbursement amount within a few weeks/months of filing your claim.
Most clients with PPO plans receive on average 50-80% reimbursed per session. However, this is dependent on your exact plan and how your "out of network" benefits work.
It depends on the severity of the issues you are dealing with as well as what your goals are for treatment. Therapy can last several sessions or be long-term for years. My goal is to equip you with skills so you can function without long-term therapy treatment.
What Are Therapy Intensives?
I hold therapy intensives for:
- Couples and individuals who want to work through significant issues more quickly
- Clients who are unable to commit to ongoing weekly therapy due to scheduling or financial constraints
- Intensives allow us to make more progress in a shorter amount of time.
- This option is ideal for high-achievers seeking clarity, problem-solving, and tangible results around anxiety, burnout, work-stress, decision-making, life transitions, or relationship issues.
Intensive Rates:
- $750 for 2.5 hrs for individuals
- $900 for 2.5 hrs for couples
How Will I️ Know if You're the Right Therapist For Me?
I️ offer a free 15 minute phone consultation so that we can determine together if my services are a fit for your needs. During this time, you can ask questions and get more of a sense of my therapeutic style and if it is a fit for you.
The only way to know for sure is to come in for a session, and by the second session you should have a better feel if you are feeling comfortable, supported and are starting to see results or feel more hopeful about the outcome of treatment.
The biggest predictor of client success in therapy are two things:
- Do you feel confident this person can help you?
- Do you actually like this person and want to be around them?
I always remind clients of this when they are cross-comparing therapists. Use this as your guiding principle and you will find the perfect fit for you.
How Do I️ Know What I'd Be Reimbursed Using the Superbill?
- You can call the number on the back of your insurance card, and tell them, "I️ want to see an LMFT (CA clients) or LPC (VA clients) who is out of network. What would I️ be reimbursed per session if I️ see this person for therapy?"
- They should be able to give you an exact quote and number you would receive as reimbursement.
- That way you know the cost up front.
Good Faith Estimate Statement
You have the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don't have insurance or are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy. You can ask for this before you schedule services. If you receive a bill more than $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or photo of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises
I am re-opening my Irvine, CA office in 2026. I'm currently offering video session for VA residents and residents across all parts of CA.
Do you offer Video or phone sessions?
Yes - I️ offer video sessions over a secure network to ensure your privacy and confidentiality.
For Virginia clients I'm telehealth only, but my Orange County Irvine CA office will re-open in 2026.
What's your cancellation policy?
Because your appointment is reserved specifically for you, I️ ask that you cancel 48 hrs in advance to avoid being charged for session. If you need to reschedule, please notify me immediately through call or text at (949) 423-6329.
I do allow one late cancel per calendar year where the fee is waived because I️ understand that life happens. Past that initial waived fee, you would be charged the full session fee for cancellations made past the 48 hr mark unless you can reschedule with me in the same week.
Is what I️ share confidential?
- Yes, what you share will be kept confidential with the exception of: immediate threat or harm to yourself or another, suspected child, dependent adult, or elder abuse; or if you are subpoenaed by the court.
- If you do submit a superbill and have a mental health diagnosis, your insurance provider will see that & have that in their records.
How often would we meet?
Initially it is ideal to meet 1x/week, especially a the beginning of therapy. However, depending on your symptoms and how you progress, we can meet more or less often than that.