Frequently Asked Questions

You can contact us in whatever way feels best—send us an email, give us a call or text, or set up an informational call. The first step is a conversation with our intake coordinator, who will share more about our practice and answer any questions you might have about therapy or Playa Vista Counseling.

During this call, you'll have the opportunity to tell us a bit about what you're seeking help with. We'll then arrange a complimentary consultation call with one of our therapists who we believe is a good fit for you. In this consultation, you'll discuss your goals for therapy, and the therapist will explain their approach and invite any questions you may have.

If you feel that the therapist is a good match and can help you, you'll work together to schedule your first appointment. Your therapist will then send you an email with some forms and questionnaires to complete before your session, along with our office details if you're visiting in person, or a secure telehealth link if you'll be meeting via video.

If you decide after the consultation that the therapist isn't the right fit for your needs, you're welcome to reach out to our intake coordinator to set up a consultation with another therapist.

We are not directly contracted with insurance providers, and we have several reasons for this decision. It allows us the freedom to practice in ways we believe are most helpful, without the constraints that insurance companies can impose. We feel that decisions about who should receive therapy, how often, and for how long should be made between the client and therapist—not dictated by insurance policies. Additionally, most insurance providers require a diagnosable mental illness for coverage, but we believe therapy should be accessible to everyone, regardless of diagnosis.

However, you may still be able to use your insurance benefits at Playa Vista Counseling. Many PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) or POS (Point of Service) plans offer out-of-network coverage, which can reimburse you for a portion of our session costs. This is typically not the case with HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) or Medicare. If you have an HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account), you can also use these funds to pay for therapy.

First, you'll want to confirm that you're eligible for out-of-network reimbursement. We recommend contacting your insurance provider and asking specific questions to understand your benefits. We created this helpful worksheet to help you ask all the right questions when you call: Insurance Worksheet

Here's how the out-of-network reimbursement process typically works:

1. Payment: You pay for your therapy sessions at the time of treatment.

2. Superbill: We provide you with a "superbill," which is an itemized receipt that includes necessary details like diagnosis and procedure codes, as well as the payment amount.

3. Submit Claim: You submit this superbill along with a claim form for out-of-network coverage, usually available on your insurance provider's website.

4. Reimbursement: Depending on your deductible and reimbursement rate, your insurance company will process your claim and send you a check for the reimbursed amount.

Our fees are as follows:

Individual Therapy

Licensed therapist - $200 per 50 minute session

Associate therapist - $150 per 50 minute session

Rachel Thomasian - $250 per 50 minute session

Couples & Family Therapy

Licensed therapist - $250 per 50 minute session

Associate therapist - $200 per 50 minute session

Rachel Thomasian - $300 per 50 minute session

We reserve a limited number of spots in our practice for sliding scale that are granted based on availability and need. We are also able to assist people seeking resources for lower fee based programs.

All of our therapists have completed a master's-level program in Clinical Psychology. The key difference between licensed and associate therapists lies in the licensing process. To become licensed, therapists must complete 3,000 hours of post-graduate clinical work and then pass a licensing exam. Associate therapists are in the process of completing these requirements and work under the supervision of our experienced supervisors.

At Playa Vista Counseling, our associate therapists are dedicated, compassionate professionals who are committed to providing excellent care to their clients.

We offer both in-person therapy sessions at our Los Angeles location and telehealth sessions through our secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. This flexibility allows you to choose the option that best suits your needs and comfort level.

We provide therapy for individuals, couples, and families. If you're unsure which type of therapy is right for you, we're happy to offer a consultation to discuss your needs and determine the best approach. Our therapists are experienced in working with children, teens, and adults, and we're here to support you in finding the most beneficial path forward.

Our clinicians are trained in various different therapeutic approaches and modalities that they use to treat our clients. These modalities include CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy), psychodynamic therapy and mindfulness. In couples therapy, we draw techniques and tools from EFT (emotionally focused couples therapy) and the Gottman Method. Clinicians will discuss and choose tools and approaches that are appropriate for each individual client they see.

About 70 to 75% of couples who attend therapy report their relationship improving afterward. With approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy, research has found even higher rates of improvement. “Success” can mean staying together with a stronger connection, or separating with more clarity and less damage — both are valid. At Playa Vista Counseling, we set realistic goals with you and check in on progress along the way.

The 5-5-5 rule is a 15-minute communication structure for conflict: one partner speaks for five minutes without interruption, the other speaks for five minutes, then you spend five minutes talking together about what to do. It is a useful at-home tool for slowing fights down so each person feels heard. It is not a substitute for couples therapy when the same arguments keep repeating or trust has been broken. In session, we often use similar structured listening, drawing on Emotionally Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method.

Research often lands around 70 to 75% of couples staying together after therapy, especially when both partners engage and they start before one person is already halfway out the door. Some couples use therapy to rebuild the relationship; others use it to uncouple with more care. The point is not a guaranteed outcome. It is that you both showed up honestly. If you are wondering whether it is time, a free introductory call is a low-pressure place to start.

The 7-7-7 rule is a calendar for staying connected: a date every 7 days, a night away every 7 weeks, and a longer trip every 7 months. It helps busy couples put time together on the calendar instead of waiting until you “have a free weekend.” Scheduled time is useful, but it is not the same as repairing communication, resentment, or trust. If date nights keep turning into the same fight, couples therapy can help with what is happening between those plans.

Couples therapy can bring hard feelings to the surface before things feel better, and it only works if both people are willing to engage. It takes time and money — at our practice, couples sessions are $250 with a licensed therapist for 50 minutes (associate therapists $200; sessions with Rachel Thomasian $300), and we can provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Therapy also cannot guarantee you will stay together. Sometimes the honest result is a clearer decision to separate. A free consultation is a good way to talk through whether it is the right next step for you.