FAQs

How Does Therapy Work? 

Successful therapy may not mean you are “cured” of all of your ailments but that you are feeling relief, enjoying life more, and have accomplished the goals you initially set within therapy. Once you have accomplished your initial goals, we can see if setting new goals is in your best interest or moving on to using your time more wisely outside of therapy. Therapy does not need to last the rest of your life and can end at any time you wish.

What is the Difference Between Talking to a Therapist and Talking to a Good Friend or Family Member?

The difference is that a therapist has the professional training and experience to provide you insight, support, and help you create change versus a friend or family member who may care but not be able to move you forward. Mental health professionals provide new perspectives and teach you skills while listening to you without judgment or expectations.

Something unique to therapy is that it is confidential; therefore, you do not have to worry about others “finding out” about what you have shared during the session. You do not have to risk the possibility of jeopardizing a relationship if you were to share something with a friend or family member and regret that decision versus sharing with someone you do not have a daily or intimate connection with.

What Should I Expect for My First Session?

The first session will be a time for us to get to know each other better. It will consist of discussing what brings you to counseling, your goals for therapy, and taking a look at the history that has led you to where you are today. Most of all, you will understand how your personal and relational circumstances have become a challenge and see the path that will take you where you want to be.

How Long is a Session?

A standard session is 50 minutes long for an individual and 80 minutes long for a couple. However, clients can request longer sessions in more pressing circumstances.

How Do I Schedule An Appointment? 

To schedule and appointment or a free 20-minute phone consultation, call me at (619) 623-4457 or email me at therapy@juliaschiffmanmsw.com. You may also use the contact form here.

What Forms of Payment Do You Accept?

Payment is due at the time of service. To facilitate the payment process, you will be asked for your credit card information when completing the new client forms.  I accept payment by cash, check, and credit card, specifically Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

What Happens if I Need to Cancel? 

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please do so at least 24 hours in advance. The charge for cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance of your appointment is 1/2 your session fee. The charge for failure to keep an appointment without notification is the full session fee.

Will My Insurance Cover Therapy? 

 I am an out-of-network provider, meaning I do not directly work with any insurance provider.  I do provide what is called a superbill. At the end of each month, you will able to submit to your insurance for partial reimbursement if you have PPO insurance, HSA, or other flexible health care plans.  You can check with your insurance providers if you need more information about your healthcare plan. 

What is Sex Therapy? 

Sex Therapy is like any other therapy I do, which is talk therapy. There is no touch involved whatsoever. We will cover the topics of sex and intimacy in more detail than usual and move at the pace you set. Within a safe space, the most recent data and information will be shared regarding your area of concern so you can get a better understanding of what is happening and make informed decisions. Also, You may be given exercises to practice outside of session to support your recovery and insight.

What is a Clinical Social Worker? 

My title is Clinical Social Worker. Clinical Social Workers are psychotherapists and a specialty practice area of social work licensed by the State of California. All Clinical Social Workers hold a Master's degree from a state board accredited university and are required to complete a minimum of 3000 hours of counseling experience before becoming eligible for licensure.

Clinical Social Workers focus on assessing, diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental illness, emotional, and behavioral challenges to enhance and maintain the physical, physiological, social, and spiritual well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Clinical Social Workers can perform services and have experience in various settings, including private practice, hospitals, community mental health, primary care, and agencies.

Social Work blends the individual with the social contexts and constructs we all live in, from the cultural and racial to historical and institutional frames we operate within. Additionally, I specialize in multiple frameworks focused on gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity.