Frequently Asked Questions
You may have questions about how therapy works, what to expect, or where to begin.
We’ve answered some of the most common questions here to help you feel more grounded and supported as you consider this step.
If you don’t see what you’re looking for, you’re always welcome to reach out. We’re here to help guide you.
Getting Started
How do I get started?
Reaching out is the first step, and you do not have to have everything figured out before you do.
You can call or text us, and you will be connected with our intake team. We take our time in these conversations. This is not a quick or transactional call. We are here to listen, understand what you are going through, and help guide you toward the right next step.
If it feels like a fit, we will match you with a therapist who aligns with what you are looking for. If you are unsure, we will help you sort through that together.
You do not have to do this alone. We are here to walk you through it.
What happens after I reach out?
You will not be left wondering what to do next.
Someone from our intake team will connect with you to learn more about what you are looking for, answer your questions, and help guide you toward the right next step.
If you would like to connect with a therapist before getting started, we can also arrange a free consultation with one or more therapists so you can get a sense of the fit.
We stay connected through the process to make sure you feel comfortable moving forward. If something does not feel like the right fit, we are open to adjusting. Our goal is that you feel supported and confident in where you are starting.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes.
Your first call with our intake team is always free, and we take that time seriously. We are here to answer your questions, understand what you are looking for, and help guide you.
If you would like to connect with a therapist before getting started, we can also arrange a free consultation so you can get a sense of the fit.
We want you to feel comfortable and confident moving forward.
What if I still have questions before starting?
That is completely okay.
Many people reach out just to ask questions, talk things through, or get a better sense of what therapy might look like.
We are here for that. You do not have to figure it out on your own.
If you have any further questions, please read more about the services we offer or contact us and we would be glad to answer any questions you have.
Finding the Right Fit
How do I know if I am ready for therapy?
There is not a perfect moment where everything suddenly feels clear.
Many people reach out when something feels overwhelming, confusing, or difficult to manage on their own. Others come in because they want to understand themselves more deeply or feel more connected in their lives and relationships.
If you are asking the question, it is often a good place to start.
How do I know if a therapist is the right fit?
The relationship is the most important part of therapy.
We take care in matching you with a therapist who aligns with your needs, and we offer consultations if you would like to connect beforehand.
Often, fit is something you begin to feel over time through a sense of safety, connection, and being understood. If something does not feel right, we want to hear that. We are always open to adjusting and helping you find the right fit.
You are not locked into anything. We will work with you to make sure you feel supported.
What if I do not know what type of therapy I need?
You do not need to know.
Most people come in unsure of exactly what they need, and that is completely okay. Our role is to help you make sense of what you are experiencing and guide you toward the right approach.
Therapy is not about fitting you into a category. It is about understanding you as a whole person and getting to the root of what is going on.
We will figure it out together.
What if I have tried therapy before and it did not help?
That happens more often than people think.
Not every therapist or approach is the right fit. Sometimes the work did not go deep enough, or the connection was not quite there.
We approach therapy in a way that is more relational and depth-oriented, which often creates a very different experience for people who did not feel helped in the past.
Our Approach and Team
What makes Simi Psychological Group different?
We focus on depth.
Rather than staying at the surface, we take the time to understand the patterns, experiences, and internal dynamics that shape your life.
Our therapists are engaged in their own growth, which allows them to show up with greater presence and awareness in the work. We also work as a team. You are supported not just by one therapist, but by a collaborative group of clinicians who stay connected to the work being done.
Most importantly, we care deeply about creating a space where you feel safe, understood, and able to explore what is really going on.
What does therapy feel like at Simi Psychological Group?
Therapy here is relational and depth-oriented.
We focus on creating a space where you feel safe, understood, and able to be yourself without pressure or judgment.
We move at your pace and meet you where you are. There is no rush and no expectation to open up before you are ready.
Our therapists are deeply attuned, both to themselves and to you. This allows the work to feel more connected, more meaningful, and more grounded.
We are not focused on quick fixes. We are focused on understanding what is beneath the surface so that real, lasting change can happen.
What is an AMFT?
An AMFT is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who has completed graduate-level training and is working toward full licensure under supervision.
At Simi Psychological Group, associate therapists are closely supported by licensed clinicians and our clinical director, who are actively involved in guiding both the therapists and the work.
We also have licensed therapists on our team and can match you based on your preferences.
Children, Teens, and Families
How do you work with children and families?
We take a systems-based approach.
This means we do not just focus on the child. We work with parents and the family as a whole to understand what is happening and how to create meaningful change.
Parents are an important part of the process, and we support you alongside your child so that growth can continue outside of sessions as well.
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
Sometimes it is clear. Other times, it is more of a feeling that something is not quite right.
You may notice changes in behavior, emotions, relationships, or school. You may feel like you have tried different ways of supporting them, but nothing is fully helping.
You do not have to wait until things feel severe. Therapy can help you better understand what is going on and how to support your child in a way that actually reaches them.
Do you work with parents, or just the child?
We always involve parents.
We are a systems-based practice, which means we do not see children or teens in isolation. What is happening for them is often connected to relationships and family dynamics.
Parents are a central part of the process. We support you in understanding what your child is experiencing and how to respond in ways that create meaningful change.
What if my child does not open up in therapy?
Children do not need to come in ready to talk.
We focus on building safety and connection first. As that develops, most children begin to express themselves in their own way and at their own pace.
At the same time, we work with parents so that meaningful support is happening outside of sessions as well.
How do I talk to my child about starting therapy?
It is common to feel unsure about how to approach this.
Some children are open to therapy, while others may feel hesitant. What matters most is how it is introduced.
We encourage parents to frame therapy as a supportive space and to let children know they will not be alone in the process.
What if my teen does not want to come to therapy?
That is very common.
We do not force the process. Instead, we focus on creating a space where teens feel respected and understood.
If a teen is not ready, we can begin by working with parents and supporting you in how to approach things at home.
Can I start as a parent even if my child is not ready?
Yes.
This is often a powerful place to begin.
We support parents in understanding what is happening beneath the surface and how to respond in ways that create change within the family.
How does confidentiality work with teens?
Confidentiality helps build trust.
We create space for teens to speak openly while also keeping parents appropriately involved. We guide this balance clearly so everyone knows what to expect.
We encourage teens to share when it supports their growth, and we help facilitate those conversations when needed.
Safety is always prioritized.
Locations and Availability
Where are your locations?
We have offices in Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Porter Ranch.
We will help you find the location that works best for you.
Can I choose which location I go to?
Yes.
You are welcome to choose the location that feels most convenient for you. At times, availability may vary depending on the therapist or service, and we can help guide you toward the best option.
Do you offer in-person and online therapy?
Yes.
We offer both in-person sessions at our locations and online therapy throughout California.
Some people prefer one or the other, and some move between both depending on what fits best.
Can I switch between in-person and online sessions?
In many cases, yes.
We try to be flexible based on your schedule, location, and what supports the work best.
Services and Specialties
Do you offer services beyond therapy?
Yes.
We also offer neuropsychological testing and group therapy, depending on your needs.
What does neuropsychological testing look like?
Neuropsychological testing is a structured process that helps us better understand how someone thinks, learns, and processes information.
It can provide clarity around areas such as attention, learning differences, emotional functioning, autism, giftedness, and more.
We guide you through the process step by step so you feel supported and informed from beginning to end.
Do you offer specialized approaches like EMDR or ketamine therapy?
Yes.
We offer EMDR therapy, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and EMDR with ketamine integration as part of a broader, thoughtful approach to care.
These are powerful tools that can help support healing and deeper change, and we help determine together what may be the best fit for you.
Medication
Do you prescribe medication?
No, we do not prescribe medication.
Medication is prescribed by psychiatrists or other medical providers. These providers typically focus on evaluating symptoms and determining whether medication may be helpful.
Therapy and medication are not separate paths. In many cases, they work best together.
Your therapist can help you explore whether a medication evaluation may be beneficial and provide referrals if needed. We collaborate with outside providers when appropriate.
Fees and Insurance
How do you work with insurance?
We are an out-of-network provider.
Here at SPG we have dedicated staff to support you in getting reimbursed from your insurance.
Can I check my out-of-network benefits easily?
Yes.
We offer a tool through Mentaya that helps you quickly understand your out-of-network benefits and potential reimbursement.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, credit cards, HSA, and FSA payments.
Do you offer reduced fee options?
We offer reduced rates for select daytime appointments when available.
You can ask about availability when you reach out.
What is a superbill?
A superbill is similar to an invoice. It lists the diagnosis a client is seen under, the types of services they received, who saw the client, and where those services were rendered. It also lists the fees associated with those visits. This information is required by insurance in order for them to provide reimbursement. SPG sends clients a detailed superbill with all the necessary information at the end of each month, so clients can submit them to insurance and get reimbursement as quickly as possible.
Does SPG help me gain reimbursement from insurance?
We have dedicated support here at SPG to help our clients gain the maximum reimbursement allowed through their insurance plans. Our operations and billing support staff works closely with our clients to understand their out-of-network benefits and how to submit their superbills in order to gain reimbursement from their insurance plan.
SPG offers additional support through Mentaya, a third-party platform that works with your insurance directly to minimize the hassle for our clients. We can submit the superbills on your behalf and Mentaya’s team of experts submit claims and work to retrieve reimbursement for you.
What is your cancelation policy?
Please provide us with 48-hour cancelation prior to your appointment. It is difficult when cancellations are made with less than 48-hour notice as we hold a specific time slot for you. If you are unable to provide us with 48-hour notice than the full session fee will be charged for your appointment. For your convenience, we offer email and/or text message appointment reminders 72 and 48 hours prior to your appointment.
Still Have Questions?
What if I am still unsure?
That is completely okay.
You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Our intake team is here to answer your questions, talk through what you are looking for, and help you feel more clear about next steps.
You can call or text us anytime to start the conversation.