Frequently Asked Questions for General Practice

 

These are the general practice questions we are asked most often about working with Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center — fees, insurance, scheduling, video sessions, privacy, and how to begin. Questions specific to neurodiverse couples and relationships are answered on our neurodiverse couples FAQ.

 

If you would rather simply start, you can request a match with a therapist or coach and we will reply within 24 hours.

 

Getting Started

 

Who provides the therapy and coaching described on this site?

 

All therapy, assessment and coaching is provided by New Path Family of Therapy Centers, Inc., a California professional corporation. Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center is one of its virtual centers, and the answers on this page describe how that organization works.

 

New Path Family of Therapy Centers, Inc. is a separate organization from New Path Family, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that publishes the free Learning Center and Worksheet Library. The two share a founder. Neither owns the other, neither pays the other, and the nonprofit provides no clinical services and receives nothing when you become a client here.

 

What is the first step to getting started?

 

Fill out our contact form. Within 24 hours we will reply with a recommended therapist or coach, their background, fee, and contact information. You can then reach out to them directly or wait for them to contact you.

 

Who will my therapist or coach be?

 

We match you based on your goals, preferences, and fee range. When you complete our intake form, that information is used to identify the clinician most likely to be a good fit. You will receive their background and fee before any commitment is required.

 

Can we speak with a therapist before committing?

 

Yes. Every therapist and coach on our team offers a complimentary 15 to 20 minute consultation by Zoom or phone. It is a short conversation to help you get a sense of the person and decide if you want to move forward. There is no obligation at the end of the call.

 

How will I know if the therapist is a good fit?

 

A good fit involves both clinical alignment and personal comfort. You want someone whose approach matches how you think and communicate, and with whom you feel safe enough to be honest. The complimentary consultation is specifically designed to help you assess this before committing to a first session.

 

What if the therapist is not the right match?

 

Just let us know and we will find you someone else. There is no awkwardness in this — finding the right fit is part of the process, and we will keep working with you until we get it right.

 

Fees

 

How much do sessions cost?

 

Session fees vary by clinician based on their experience, training, and specialization. Fees generally range from $150 to $350 per 50-minute session. After you complete our intake form, you will be matched with a therapist or coach whose fee aligns with what you indicated you can invest. We ask about your fee range in the intake process so we can make the best possible match from the start.

 

If you plan to use in-network insurance, your cost per session is set by your plan rather than by the clinician's fee — see the Insurance questions on this page.

 

Do you offer a sliding scale or reduced fee?

 

A small number of our therapists and coaches offer reduced-fee appointments on a limited basis. Availability is not guaranteed and may be for a limited duration rather than an open-ended commitment. This is entirely at the discretion of the individual clinician and is not available practice-wide.

 

If cost is a concern, the best approach is to have a direct conversation with your therapist or coach during your consultation. We would rather have that honest conversation than have cost be a barrier to getting started.

 

Sliding scale applies to private-pay care only. If you are using in-network insurance, your cost is set by your plan and we cannot discount or waive it.

 

Insurance

 

Are you in-network or out-of-network with insurance?

 

We are in-network with Aetna, and we are working to join additional insurance networks. If you have an Aetna plan, we bill Aetna directly and your only cost is the share your plan sets for you — a copay, coinsurance, or an amount toward your deductible.

 

For all other insurance companies we are an out-of-network provider. If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, we provide a monthly Superbill you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement.

 

Our therapists are licensed in California, so therapy — and therefore insurance — is available only to clients located in California. The questions below explain how both options work.

 

How does using my Aetna coverage work?

 

Let us know that you have Aetna when you fill out our contact form. Before your first session we will usually confirm your coverage with Aetna and tell you what you can expect to owe per session, and you will sign our Insurance Agreement and Fee Consent, which authorizes us to bill Aetna on your behalf.

 

After each session we submit the claim directly to Aetna, and you pay only the share your plan assigns to you — a copay, a coinsurance percentage, or an amount toward your deductible. You can also check your plan documents or the Aetna member portal, or call the member services number on your card and ask about your outpatient mental health telehealth benefits.

 

Coaching is a separate non-clinical service and is not billed to insurance.

 

How does out-of-network insurance reimbursement work?

 

If we are not in-network with your insurance company, you can still use out-of-network benefits if your plan includes them. We provide a monthly Superbill that contains all the information your insurer requires, including diagnosis codes and CPT codes, and you submit it to your insurer directly — reimbursement then goes to you. In some cases we may be able to submit an out-of-network claim on your behalf where your plan permits it; just ask.

 

For out-of-network and private-pay clients, payment for therapy is due at the time of the session. Your credit card on file is charged automatically at midnight on the day of the session. You will also receive an automated monthly invoice on the first of each month.

 

Does insurance cover couples therapy?

 

Whether you are using in-network coverage or out-of-network reimbursement, most insurance plans require at least one person in the session to carry a clinical diagnosis. For couples therapy, this typically means one partner receives a diagnosis such as Adjustment Disorder (DSM-5 309.9 / F43.20), which is a recognized and common response to relational stress. Your therapist will discuss this with you in advance so you understand what is being documented and why.

 

What questions should I ask my insurance company?

 

If you have Aetna, ask about your in-network outpatient mental health benefits — your copay, coinsurance, and how much of your deductible remains.

 

If you are using out-of-network benefits with another insurer, call the member services number on your insurance card and ask:
1. Does my plan cover out-of-network outpatient psychotherapy?
2. What is my reimbursement rate for CPT codes 90834-95, 90837-95, and 90847-95?
3. Is there an annual session limit for outpatient therapy?
4. What percentage of the allowed amount is reimbursed, and what is the allowed amount per session?
5. Do I need a referral or pre-authorization?
6. Do I have a deductible? How much has been met this year?
7. Is telehealth (video) therapy covered at the same level as in-person care?
8. How do I submit claims, and what is the mailing or portal address?

 

Get the name of the representative you spoke with and note the date, as this creates a record if there is a dispute later.

 

What CPT codes should I expect on my Superbill?

 

The CPT code depends on the type and length of session. Because all of our sessions are conducted by video, every code on your Superbill carries the telehealth modifier -95.

 

Individual therapy:
90832-95 - 16 to 37 minutes
90834-95 - 38 to 52 minutes
90837-95 - 53 minutes or more

 

Couples or family therapy (most common for our practice):
90847-95 - 26 minutes or more

 

Coaching CPT codes (used by some progressive insurers and employers):
0591T-95 - Initial health and well-being coaching assessment
0592T-95 - Follow-up coaching session, 30 minutes or more

 

Note that coaching Superbills do not include a diagnosis code. Some insurers require a diagnosis for reimbursement, which means coaching sessions are typically not reimbursable.

 

Can I use my HSA or FSA account?

 

Many therapy clients have successfully used HSA and FSA accounts to cover session costs, including copays and deductible amounts for in-network care. For out-of-network care, we provide a Superbill as documentation. Coaching clients may also qualify with a letter of medical necessity from their physician. Because HSA and FSA eligibility rules vary by plan and we are not tax specialists, we recommend confirming with your account administrator before assuming coverage.

 

Do you accept Medicare?

 

No. Our licensed clinicians have opted out of Medicare, and California registered associates are not able to enroll in Medicare at all. Neither we nor you can submit any claim to Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or a Medigap plan for our services.

 

If you are a Medicare beneficiary, we can still work with you: you sign a written private-pay agreement, and if you also have commercial insurance through work or a spouse, we may still be able to bill that plan as usual.

 

Coaching

 

What is the difference between coaching and psychotherapy?

 

This is one of the most important distinctions to understand, both for your benefit and for ours.

 

PSYCHOTHERAPY is a licensed, state-regulated clinical service. Our therapists are licensed by the State of California and operate under the laws, ethics codes, and scope of practice defined by their licensure. In psychotherapy, we may work with diagnosable mental health conditions, and we document treatment in compliance with healthcare regulations. Psychotherapy is available to California residents only.

 

COACHING is a distinct, non-clinical service. When we provide coaching, we are not practicing psychotherapy. We do not diagnose, we do not conduct clinical assessments, we do not provide clinical treatment, and we do not generate medical records. Coaching is focused on growth, skill-building, communication improvement, and relationship goals. Coaching is available to clients anywhere.

 

WHAT STAYS THE SAME is that all of our professionals bring their full clinical training, experience, and neuro-informed expertise to both services. We understand the brain, nervous system, attachment science, and relational patterns at a deep level, and that knowledge informs everything we do regardless of the service framework. The difference is in the legal and clinical structure, not in the quality or depth of the work.

 

We use separate intake forms, agreements, and documentation structures for coaching versus psychotherapy. If you are unsure which service is right for you, we will help you figure that out before any work begins. This protects both you and us.

 

Coaching is not typically reimbursed by insurance. Some progressive employers and insurers do honor coaching CPT codes 0591T-95 and 0592T-95. You can ask your employer or insurer if they honor these codes.

 

Do you provide coaching outside of California?

 

Yes. Our therapists are licensed to practice psychotherapy in California only. Outside of California, they provide couples and relationship coaching exclusively. Coaching is available to clients anywhere in the world via video.

 

Coaching fees range from $150 to $350 per 50-minute session depending on the clinician.

 

Video Therapy

 

Do you offer in-person sessions?

 

We are a fully virtual practice. All sessions are conducted via secure, encrypted video. This allows us to serve therapy clients throughout California, and coaching clients anywhere, without the constraints of a physical office location.

 

Does video therapy really work for couples?

 

Yes, and many couples find it more effective than they expected. The couple is physically together in their own environment while the therapist or coach joins remotely. This allows partners to experience each other's body language, tone, and physical presence naturally, which is actually one of the most important ingredients in couples work.

 

The therapist being slightly removed on screen tends to reduce the intensity in the room and allows partners to focus on each other more directly, rather than playing to a third person in the space. Combined with access to highly specialized clinicians who may not exist locally, and the elimination of commute time and childcare logistics, video works very well for the couples we serve.

 

For best results: sit in two separate chairs, both visible to the camera, in a private space where you feel comfortable speaking openly.

 

How is video conferencing kept secure?

 

We use two video platforms depending on the therapist or coach: Google Meet and SimplePractice Video.

 

Google Meet encrypts all video and audio in transit using TLS (Transport Layer Security) and DTLS-SRTP for media streams. Meetings are protected with strong unique codes, and Google applies multiple anti-hijacking and anti-abuse controls at the infrastructure level.

 

SimplePractice Video is built specifically for healthcare providers and holds HITRUST CSF certification, which is one of the most rigorous third-party security certifications in healthcare technology. It uses always-on TLS encryption for data in transit, AES-256 encryption for data at rest, and enforces two-step verification for all clinician accounts.

 

We take platform security seriously and select tools specifically for their commitment to protecting your information.

 

General Therapy

 

What should I expect in a first therapy session?

 

The first session is typically a double session, meaning it runs longer than a standard appointment. This gives your therapist or coach time to understand your background, hear from both partners, begin to identify the patterns at play, and start building a picture of your goals. You are not expected to have everything figured out. The first session is about establishing safety and beginning to understand the landscape of your relationship.

 

Will talking in therapy make things better or worse?

 

Our therapists and coaches work hard to create a structured, emotionally regulated environment where difficult conversations are possible. You will learn a highly structured way to communicate that feels different from the conversations you have been having on your own. The goal is not simply to talk more, but to talk differently, in ways that feel safe and lead somewhere productive.

 

If previous attempts to discuss difficult topics have devolved into arguments, that is actually one of the things we are specifically trained to address. You will not simply be left to argue in front of a professional.

 

How often are sessions?

 

Most clients begin with weekly sessions to build momentum and develop a working understanding of the patterns in the relationship. As progress develops, many move to every other week, which creates more space to practice new skills between sessions.

 

If the relationship is in acute crisis, weekly or more frequent sessions may be necessary in the early stages. Sessions typically shift to an as-needed basis once significant goals have been reached and the couple feels confident applying what they have learned.

 

What is the difference between a therapist and an associate therapist?

 

Our clinicians include fully licensed therapists as well as associate-level therapists and counselors who are completing their post-graduate supervised hours en route to full licensure. California requires thousands of supervised hours before a clinician can practice independently, making this one of the most rigorous credentialing processes in the country.

 

Associate-level clinicians here include:

 

AMFT (Associate Marriage and Family Therapist) - Completed a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related field from an accredited program. Working toward the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) credential.

 

APCC (Associate Professional Clinical Counselor) - Completed a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or a related field. Working toward the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credential, which requires demonstrating competency in diagnosis and treatment across a range of populations.

 

ACSW (Associate Clinical Social Worker) - Completed a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program. Working toward the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential, which emphasizes systemic and contextual factors alongside individual and relational treatment.

 

All associate clinicians at our centers:
- Have completed their graduate degree from an accredited program
- Have passed the California Law and Ethics Exam required for registration
- Practice under the regular supervision of a fully licensed clinician
- Meet weekly with their supervisor to review cases, discuss clinical questions, and receive ongoing training and feedback

 

As a client working with an associate clinician, you benefit from the direct relationship with your therapist or coach AND the oversight and guidance of their supervisor. In effect, you have access to two clinical minds working on your behalf. All associate work is held to the same ethical and clinical standards as our fully licensed staff.

 

What commitment is required for a recurring appointment?

 

Consistency is one of the most important factors in therapeutic outcomes. If you miss 50% or more of scheduled appointments in a two-month period, your therapist or coach will have a direct conversation with you about whether the recurring structure is working. There is no judgment in this, but therapy and coaching both require enough regularity to build on what is being learned between sessions.

 

What does winding down therapy or coaching look like?

 

When you have made significant progress and are consistently applying what you have learned, the natural next step is transitioning to an as-needed schedule. Your therapist or coach will help you identify when you are ready for this shift.

 

Most clinicians do not hold monthly recurring slots, so you would book sessions through the client portal when you want them. Sessions can typically be booked up to two weeks ahead. This transition is worth acknowledging as the milestone it is.

 

Can faith or spirituality be part of our work?

 

Yes. Several of our therapists and coaches are equipped to integrate spirituality and faith into sessions, but only when you explicitly request it. Our goal is always to match you with a clinician who provides care that fits your worldview, values, and background. We serve clients across a wide range of faith traditions and none.

 

Will therapy or coaching work if my partner is abusive?

 

We do not recommend couples therapy or coaching when there is an abusive dynamic present. Abuse is a power and safety issue, not a communication problem. Couples work is designed for two people with roughly equal standing, and applying it in an abusive dynamic can inadvertently give an abuser material to use against their partner outside of sessions.

 

If you are unsure whether your situation involves abuse, we recommend starting with an individual session to assess the situation privately and safely. If couples work is appropriate, we will help determine the right format and timing.

 

Resources:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: thehotline.org, available 24 hours a day
Love Is Respect: loveisrespect.org, focused on younger adults

 

Scheduling

 

What is your cancellation policy?

 

Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you. We require at least 48 hours notice to cancel or reschedule. Without that notice, you will be charged the full session fee.

 

If a true, unforeseeable emergency such as sudden illness, an accident, or a death in the family kept you away, tell us what happened and we will consider waiving the fee. Work conflicts and scheduling changes do not qualify as emergencies under this policy. Late cancellation fees cannot be submitted to insurance.

 

If one partner is unexpectedly unavailable, we can often offer a video session with the available partner rather than lose the appointment time.

 

What happens if I am late to a session?

 

Because we are fully virtual, arriving late means joining the call after the scheduled start time. Sessions begin and end at the scheduled time regardless of when you join. If you are late, your session will be shorter — and if we have not heard from you within 10 minutes of the start time, the appointment may be treated as a missed session, so send a quick message if you are running late. If your therapist or coach starts late on their end, they will extend the session to give you your full time whenever possible.

 

Policies

 

How do you handle contact between sessions?

 

For the most secure communication outside of sessions, SimplePractice includes an encrypted client messaging feature that provides end-to-end protections beyond standard email. Ask your therapist or coach to activate it for your account.

 

If you prefer to use email, you may do so understanding that email in transit between your inbox and ours passes through servers we do not control, and we cannot guarantee its security. Whether using secure messaging or email, please keep communications to administrative matters such as scheduling only. We ask that you avoid putting sensitive personal information in writing outside of sessions.

 

If you are in couples work, please copy your partner on any communication you send to your therapist or coach. This maintains transparency and trust in the process.

 

For emergencies, call 911 or 988 immediately. Our therapists and coaches do not provide crisis counseling or emergency services.

 

Will you connect with me on social media?

 

No. Our therapists and coaches do not accept friend or contact requests from current or former clients on any social networking platform including Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram. This protects your confidentiality and maintains the professional boundaries that are essential to the therapeutic relationship.

 

Privacy

 

How is our personal information kept secure?

 

Session notes, billing, scheduling, and client records are managed through SimplePractice, a platform built specifically for mental health and healthcare providers. SimplePractice holds HITRUST CSF certification, one of the most comprehensive and rigorous third-party security certifications in the healthcare technology industry. Their infrastructure uses AES-256 encryption for data at rest, TLS encryption for all data in transit, role-based access controls, multi-factor authentication for all clinician accounts, continuous audit logging, and independently verified penetration testing.

 

For communication outside of sessions, all of our clinicians use Google Workspace for email. Google Workspace applies enterprise-grade security including encryption in transit between Google servers and strong spam and phishing protections. However, once an email leaves Google's infrastructure, it travels through intermediate servers we do not control. We cannot guarantee the security of email in transit between your inbox and ours. If you send us sensitive information via regular email, you are accepting that inherent risk.

 

For more secure communication, SimplePractice includes an encrypted client messaging feature with end-to-end protections beyond what standard email provides. Ask your therapist or coach to activate this feature for your account if you would like a more secure channel for non-urgent communication between sessions.

 

What is kept confidential in sessions?

 

Everything shared in sessions is confidential. We will not acknowledge that you are a client, disclose session content, or share any information with any third party without your written consent.

 

There are specific legal exceptions to confidentiality:
1. If a client presents a serious risk of harm to themselves
2. If a client threatens serious harm to another person
3. If there is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child under 18
4. If there is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of an elderly or dependent adult
5. If a court issues a valid legal subpoena
6. If treatment is ordered by a court

 

If you use insurance, we also share the information your plan needs to pay claims, as described in the insurance agreement you sign.

 

In all other circumstances, your privacy is fully protected. If your therapist or coach sees you in public, they will not acknowledge you first, to avoid inadvertently disclosing the therapeutic relationship.

 

Are sessions recorded?

 

No. We do not record sessions, and clients may not record sessions either — that includes audio, video, screen captures, and AI notetaker tools. Taking your own written or typed notes is always welcome.

 

In rare situations, your therapist or coach may suggest recording for a specific purpose. That happens only with your separate written consent, and declining never affects your care.

 

Separately, your therapist or coach may use secure, approved AI tools to help prepare their session notes. This works through temporary speech-to-text processing — no audio or video of your session is kept, and only the final note your clinician reviews becomes part of the record. If you prefer that AI not be used in your care, just tell your therapist or coach in writing and we will stop.

 

More from Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center

 

Explore the rest of the practice: FAQs for neurodiverse couples, our therapists and coaches, free self-discovery screeners, the Neurodiverse Couples Check-Up, the Learning Center, and resources for neurodiverse couples.

 

We also work with families and teens, run neurodiverse couples retreats, publish a quick guide, and write regularly on the blog. To begin, get started here.