Frequently asked questions about psychotherapy in Los Angeles

 You’ve got questions about online trauma therapy or relationship counseling in Los Angeles, and I’ve got answers.

Let’s see if we’re a good fit to work together online from anywhere in California.

  • My standard fee is $175 per 50 minute session. Sessions longer than 50-minutes are charged for the additional time on a pro-rated basis. Fees are to be paid at each online therapy session, and you will be required to keep a credit card on file for payment.

  • I am considered an out-of-network provider for all insurance plans.

    Should you choose to use your insurance to see me as an out-of network provider, you'll need to seek reimbursement directly from your insurance carrier. Payment will be required at the time of service, and I'll supply you with a detailed monthly statement which you may submit to your insurer. Please be aware that not all insurance plans have out-of-network coverage and, those that do, may require prior authorization for certain services. I strongly suggest you contact your carrier prior to starting out-of-network therapy for a thorough explanation of your benefits.

  • I currently offer one Prepare/Enrich premarital counseling package for $1000 (prepaid).

    This includes six 50-minute feedback sessions, the Prepare Enrich online assessment, the couple's report, and a PDF of the Prepare Enrich workbook. Additional 50-minute sessions may be added to the package at my standard rate of $175 per session.

  • Yes! I’ve been providing online video therapy to clients located in California for many years now, and since the COVID-19 pandemic, have decided to move my practice 100% online. I am no longer offering in person sessions at this time.

  • We'll meet weekly for 50 minutes and sessions will be scheduled for the same day and time.

    Based on my experience and the research, I've learned that meeting with clients on a consistent weekly basis leads to better treatment progress and outcomes.

  • Good Faith Estimate Notice

    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 who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.  

    You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. 

    You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service or at any time during treatment. 

    If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

    For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or how to dispute a bill, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises 

  • The first visit will primarily focus on getting acquainted and information gathering. We'll review my office policies and procedures, discuss your new client questionnaire, explore your reasons for seeking therapy, and work collaboratively to identify the initial treatment goals. You'll also have the opportunity to ask any questions and discuss your expectations for therapy.

  • My office operates under a 24-hour cancellation policy.

    If you need to cancel a session, please do so no less than 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, you'll be required to pay your full fee for the missed session. Please be aware that most insurance companies will not provide reimbursement for missed sessions or late cancellations.

  • The steps are outlined on my contact page. Prior to scheduling an initial session, we'll have a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if I'm the right fit for you based on your needs.

  • Yes! While I'm a Los Angeles psychotherapist who specialize in relationship counseling and trauma therapy, I’ve helped clients work through all sorts of problems and concerns. If you’re wondering if I have the skills and experience to help you with your specific issue, check out my individual therapy page or contact me.

  • No, I do not work with couples who have active or past incidents of domestic violence.

    My treatment focus is on providing individual therapy and domestic violence counseling to the abused partner/survivor.

    In relationships where domestic violence is present, there is an unequal distribution of power within the relationship. The abusive partner routinely engages in coercive behaviors (e.g, physical, sexual, emotional or economic abuse) to control or subordinate the other partner. I do not believe that domestic violence should be addressed in couples therapy because couples therapy places the responsibility for change on both partners. Domestic violence, however, is NOT a joint relationship problem. It’s an individual problem that stems from the abusive partner’s need for power and control. Therefore, domestic violence is the sole responsibility of the abusive partner and should be addressed in a specialized intervention program for abusers.

  • No, I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT or MFT).

    A LMFT is a mental health professional who is qualified to practice psychotherapy with individuals, couples, families and children. They have specialized training in relationship dynamics and family systems and are qualified to diagnose and treat a variety of social, emotional, behavioral, and relational issues. A LMFT is not qualified to prescribe psychiatric medications. To become licensed to practice psychotherapy in the state of California, a LMFT must obtain a Masters degree in Clinical or Counseling Psychology, complete 3,000 hours of supervised training, and pass two state licensing board exams.

Woman using a laptop computer while doing online trauma therapy los angeles

Meg Lopez-Cepero, LMFT- Los Angeles psychotherapist specializing in relationship counseling and trauma therapy

 

Still have questions about online trauma therapy or relationship counseling?

Finding the right Los Angeles psychotherapist is hard, and you want to make sure that all your questions are answered before you invest your time and energy into online psychotherapy in los Angeles. Contact me and schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation call!