FAQs for New Clients
General Questions
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General Questions *
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If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in patterns that aren’t working, therapy can help. Many clients come in unsure of what to expect, and that’s completely normal. It’s important to our practice that you feel like your therapist is the right fit for you.
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On our first day, we will go over in more detail what you’re struggling with. Then, we will tailor a plan to help you meet those goals and of course, we will be open to any pivots or tweaks we need to make along the way!
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We are very flexible with our clients on frequency in order to make room for their busy schedules and responsibilities. Our ideal recommendation is starting with weekly sessions to build momentum.
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It depends on what you’re working through. Some people see meaningful shifts in a few months, while others choose longer-term therapy for deeper healing and support.
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Yes. We offer a free 15-minute phone or video consultation so we can see if we’re a good fit and answer your questions before scheduling a first session.
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While AI chatbots can offer general emotional support or coping suggestions, they can’t replace therapy with a trained mental health professional. Therapy provides a safe, confidential relationship where you can explore your unique experiences, emotions, and patterns with someone who listens with empathy and cultural understanding. Especially for complex issues like trauma, anxiety, or relationship challenges, healing happens through genuine human connection; something AI can’t replicate.
There are also important risks to consider when relying on AI instead of therapy. Chatbots aren’t trained to recognize signs of crisis, self-harm, or trauma responses, and they may give advice that isn’t appropriate or emotionally safe. They also lack accountability, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to provide individualized care. In some cases, depending solely on AI for mental health support can delay people from getting the help they truly need.
If you’re looking for personalized, compassionate, and evidence-based care, therapy offers the depth and safety that technology simply can’t provide.
Therapy Services
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Therapy Services *
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We focus on helping Asian American adults and teens struggling with anxiety, trauma, stress, and identity challenges. Many of our clients are navigating family expectations, cultural pressures, or past painful experiences.
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process and heal from trauma. It uses gentle, guided techniques to reduce the emotional intensity of painful memories so they no longer feel overwhelming.
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Yes! We work with teens and young adults who are navigating stress, relationships, and cultural identity. Therapy can be a safe space to build coping skills and confidence.
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Yes. As Asian American therapists, we understand how cultural values, family dynamics, and generational differences can shape mental health. We strive to create a space that honors your identity while supporting your healing.
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Absolutely. Some clients prefer talk therapy, some prefer EMDR, and others benefit from a mix. We’ll decide together what approach feels best for you.
Logistics & Access
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Logistics & Access *
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We offer both. Yuki and Angela sees clients in-person, and all therapists see clients through secure telehealth anywhere in California.
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My office is in Irvine, CA, easily accessible from surrounding Orange County cities. Exact details will be shared once we schedule your first session.
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We accept Cigna, Optum, Aetna, and Modern Health. If you have insurance that is not one of our accepted plans, we can also provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance if you have out-of-network mental health benefits.
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Our rates range from $130 - $200 depending on the therapist.
We have a limited number of sliding scale spots available. Feel free to ask if you qualify!
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The easiest way is to request a free consultation through our booking website. From there, we’ll schedule your first full session if it feels like a good fit.
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We have a 24 hour cancellation policy and 10 minute grace period for late sessions. Late cancellations or missed appointments are billed at the regular session rate.
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In most cases, yes. You can typically use your Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for psychotherapy services, including talk therapy and EMDR, as long as the services are considered medically necessary.
Therapy for concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, stress-related conditions, and other mental health diagnoses generally qualifies as an eligible medical expense under IRS guidelines. This means you can usually use your HSA debit card to pay for sessions, or submit receipts for reimbursement.
A few important things to keep in mind:
HSA eligibility is determined by IRS rules and your individual plan.
Some plans may require a mental health diagnosis for services to qualify.
Couples therapy may not qualify unless it is tied to treating a diagnosed mental health condition.
It’s always a good idea to confirm coverage directly with your HSA provider.
If you have questions about documentation or receipts for reimbursement, we’re happy to provide the necessary information to support your submission.
Got More Questions?
Schedule a consult for tailored answers to starting your therapy journey.