Frequently Asked Questions —Find a Therapist for you

My typical client is an adult who is struggling with anxiety or feels "stuck" in life. Many of my clients have depression, anxiety, have problems relating to complex trauma or childhood trauma or intergenerational trauma, or who feel trapped because of codependency struggles. Some struggle with grief, body image issues, grief, perfectionism, people pleasing, or anger. Some are first time therapy seekers and future cycle breakers. Others may be feeling stuck in their progress with talk therapy and are seeking somatic therapy treatments that Lan offers, (i.e., EMDR.) Whatever the case, feel free to schedule your phone consult here to determine best fit!

An ideal client will be curious and committed to the process of growth, healing, and recovery; they will be willing to invest time, energy, and effort despite inevitable struggles and setbacks.  

Check out these pages for specific services/specialties:

• Childhood/Complex Trauma
• Anxiety & Depression
• Relationship Struggles
• Grief & Loss

If you are not quite sure if we are a good match, book a free consult and we can decide together if we are a good fit!

Whether you choose me as your therapist or not, I always encourage anyone who is seeking therapy to shop around for the right therapist. Take advantage of free phone consultations, get a feel for chemistry, and make sure that you find the right fit for you!                           

Lan Nguyen specializes in helping clients recover from and navigate: 

• intergenerational, childhood, & complex trauma
• AAPI & BIPOC issues, (cultural/family expectations)
• narcissistic abuse, including verbal & emotional abuse (guilt tripping, manipulation, blaming, obligation)
• codependency (i.e, self-sacrifice, people pleasing)
• complex grief (i.e, mourning people who are still alive or involved)
• existential crises (i.e., loss of purpose or identity)
• perfectionism and high expectations
• executive functioning struggles (i.e., low motivation, task initiation problems, unorganized, easily distracted, [ADHD symptoms])
• anxiety / depression / lack of fulfillment/joy
• imposter syndrome / feeling inadequate/incompetent
• dissociation (i.e., numbing out, autopilot mode)
• low self-esteem or low self-confidence
• dating struggles or singleness

I am well-versed in empowering clients to address the issues listed above and more —clients have reported more satisfaction, agency, & confidence in their lives as a result of working with me in as little as one session! 😲

My ideal client is:

• motivated to do the work
• open and curious to learning
• going to set apart time & energy for self-reflection & processing
• ready to make changes or break old habits
• persistent through the ups & downs of growth & recovery
• usually a person of color who resides in Texas or California

Yes, I am in-network with Aetna and Optum! Please reach out for a free 15-minute phone consultation with me to get started and verify your insurance coverage for therapy.

However, to attempt to provide the highest caliber care to my clients, I do not take any other insurance and have limited my insurance contracts to fit the needs of my current caseload.

For those with insurances that are not Aetna or Optum, you may request to be issued monthly Superbills that you can submit to your insurance for partial or full reimbursement. Keep in mind, most PPO insurance plans offer, at a minimum, partial reimbursement via Superbill, but HMO plans typically do not offer any reimbursement.

I recommend you inquire about your Out-of-Network benefits directly with your insurance provider. Also, not all out-of-network sessions are covered— it depends on the session duration, modality, and the scope of your insurance coverage.

Note: it is the sole responsibility of the client to attempt to obtain insurance reimbursement. 

See the “Services & Pricing > Price List” page for further info on prices and options to pay for therapy without billing insurance. 

At this time, I do not take more insurance outside of Aetna and Optum. 

I have chosen to forego paneling with additional insurance panels in 2024 and to function primarily as a fee-for-service practice for several reasons directly impact you, the client.

Here are some reasons I have limited my contracts with insurance:

• Flexibility

Insurance providers often limit the number of sessions allowed per client. Other times, insurance carriers prescribe a specific approach to therapy (i.e., problem focused or short term therapy, which restricts client's treatment to 6-8 sessions.)  

Some types of therapy, such as family/couples counseling or grief therapy, may not be covered by insurance payors, even if the primary client is a child and/or family sessions would be beneficial. 

Paying for your own therapy allows you to choose your own goals, map out the course and duration, determine who is in the room during your sessions, and prioritize the issues you want to work on at your own pace.  You do not have to worry about looking for a new therapist should your insurance coverage change. 

• Choice of Therapist

Making the decision to seek therapy or counseling can be pivotal and sometimes life-changing. Studies show that the most important factor in the efficacy and success of therapy is the relationship between the counselor and the client.  

Unfortunately, insurance companies offer only a small and limited number of therapists with whom they have contracted to provide services to clients at discounted rates.

Choosing to pay out-of-pocket affords you the opportunity to choose the therapist that is best suited for you, rather than being told by the insurance company who you can see in-network.
 

• Confidentiality

I, Lan Nguyen, LCSW, place your privacy as a top priority.  All the information that is shared during your sessions as well as all written records pertaining to your sessions are strictly confidential and may not be revealed to anyone without your written permission and consent.  

Typically, insurance companies require a diagnosis and documentation of medical necessity in order to reimburse for services. How does that affect therapy practices? This would mean, that therapists would be required to share your confidential information in order so that your insurance will pay for your therapy.  Additionally, any diagnosis or other private health information will likely become a part of your permanent medical record and could potentially impact you in the future (i.e., limit your options for life insurances due to varying costs).

See the “Services & Pricing > Price List” page for further info on prices and options to pay for therapy without billing insurance. 

I've addressed these common concerns and questions in a blog article here. Please take a look 👀

As always, you're welcome to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with me here to figure out if therapy is good for you!

Fees range from $75 - $280 depending on the type of session or service you are booking. 

The most popular options that are booked most regularly are the:

• $200 per 50-minute session for individuals 
• $280 per 50-minute session for couples/family therapy.

Note: If you are utilizing your insurance (Aetna, Optum), then please contact your insurance provider directly to discuss your insurance coverage and payment obligations.

Please check out the "Services and Pricing" drop down menu for more information. 

I offer two different session lengths.

• The most common is a standard 50-minute session, or the "therapeutic hour."  Sessions usually last around 50 minutes.

• Another option is a 30-minute mini session to accommodate busy schedules, tight budgets, people with shorter lunch breaks, and clients who are ready to decrease the intensity/frequency of sessions but would still appreciate consistent follow ups. These mini sessions can also serve as great check-ups or check-ins to address any issues that may arise between sessions.

Most often, clients meet with me on a weekly or every other week basis. As a new clients of mine, I strongly recommend meeting with me either weekly or every other week in the beginning and adjusting frequency as needed.

The length and numbers of session in therapy treatment varies greatly depending on many factors including your presenting issues, your goals for therapy, and client and therapist availability. Some see me weekly for a few months and end. Others have been seeing me once a week or every other week for close to a year. 

I can discuss decisions about frequency and termination or graduation at any time and provide my feedback or recommendations. The final say depends largely on you! 

Currently, all services are conducted virtually. I do not see clients in-person.

In general, sessions are conducted via HIPAA-compliant video meeting platform / video call. Occasionally, sessions are conducted via telephone call.

Visit here to read more about virtual / telehealth services.

Sessions often begin with a recap on how you have been since our last session. My approach is strengths-based and person-centered, so I am ready to start where you want and discuss the issues you want to unpack. 

Together, we craft our goals and then explore the ways we are going to achieve those goals through tackling various action items. Sessions are often a mix of back-and-forth sharing (insights), education, and skill-building or guidance through exercises. 

Most often, I will leave you with considerations to make, practices to try, or exercises to incorporate so you can be active in the healing process between now and the next time we meet. 

This kind of holistic healing is a collaboration between us, and the best results often come as a result of the work you put in between our appointments. 

At your first appointment, we will go over policies and consents to ensure that we have details, such as confidentiality, privacy, and attendance expectations, cemented. 

Following that logistical intro, we will discuss the reasons you have decided to reach out for therapy/counseling and your goals. I can also answer your questions and explain what you should expect from therapy. Together, we will begin to identify your goals, develop a plan, and discuss how we will know you have met these goals. 

Please be sure to complete all your electronic intake paperwork prior to your first session. This allows for us to dive right in and maximize our sessions.

Each time we meet, you can leave feeling heard, seen, and empowered because I am ready to journey alongside you with humor, grace, and empathy.

In a lot of ways, I function like a coach: I'll teach skills, provide feedback, and guide you on how to incorporate and internalize what you've been learning and unpacking. We will uncover key insights and employ tools to overcome your nagging doubts and fears. 

Stay open to the process! We will likely revisit past hurts with curiosity and compassion so that you can venture into your future with confidence.

I require that clients give at least 48 hours' notice to reschedule or cancel appointments. This time frame allows for me to fill the empty time slot with another prospective or waitlisted client.

All late cancellations occurring within 48 hours of the scheduled appointment day and time or no-shows incur a charge equal to the original cost of session, charged to the card kept on file. 

It depends! It is truly different for everyone. Some might benefit from 6 to 12 weeks of weekly therapy while others might prefer 6 month to 1 year. It can be more or less or anywhere in between. 

It’s 100% up to you, and I am happy to give you input, provide feedback, share my recommendation on what options are most beneficial for you. 

I will do my best to ensure that I am not wasting your time so you can maximize the effectiveness of therapy.

Overall, I recommend new clients start with either seeing me once a week or once every other week to start. For clients with a desire to maintain their progress, I am comfortable with seeing clients as little as once a month.

My path to becoming a mental health professional started before I was born and likely started with my parents and my parents' parents and ancestors. My experience of growing up in confusion, fear, and self-loathing prompted me to embark on a journey of self-healing to discover my authentic self. 

By investing in therapy, navigating the mental health system, becoming fascinated by why people do what they do and think what they think, and wrestling with my faith, I miraculously regained my voice! I set (and enforced) boundaries, I learned new ways of communicating, and I did the very hard work to recover, heal, and find wholeness and peace. 

My passions ultimately culminated in me becoming a licensed psychotherapist, trauma recovery facilitator, mental health coach, and a prayerful guide to share the hope for restoration that I never quite had as a kid. 

Healing is possible— I'm living proof of that!

No! There should be no surprises regarding your payment obligation. 

You may have noticed that my rate may have increased since the last time you booked on my website. This rate change only applies to new clients. No need to worry — only the rate that was listed in your intake paperwork at the start of our working relationship is the rate that you will be charged.

If and when I do raise my rates for existing clients, you will receive ample notice ahead of time. You will also receive paperwork to acknowledge the rate change.

You will need a Superbill generated by me, the clinician. 

Email lan.nguyen.lcsw@gmail.com to request issuance of your monthly Superbill.

No, I do not provide this service or write these letters for clients of any length. I believe this topic and matter is beyond my scope of practice.

Overall, clinicians who are asked by their clients to write letters or otherwise advocate for clients' use of emotional support animals, therapy animals, or animal-assisted accommodations are advised to consider whether the clinician has relevant training and/or experience to support such advocacy. As a result, I have opted to forego providing this specific evaluation and service.

If you are receiving therapy services from me, then you can only receive therapy services while being physically located in the states of California or Texas at the time of session. I am only licensed to be able to deliver ethical and legal therapy services in the states of California and Texas.

Read this blog post for more information or email lan.nguyen.lcsw@gmail.com if you have any further questions.

EMDR therapy is a type of trauma therapy that Lan Nguyen, LCSW is trained in. Please visit this informational blog post to learn more about EMDR.

Coaching and therapy are two different services that serve different purposes. It is important to understand the differences between coaching and therapy before engaging in either service. 

What is coaching?

Coaching is a more active, task-oriented, directive approach that is more focused on helping individuals achieve their future goals and move forward. Coaches generally work with clients on a relatively shorter period of time in comparison to therapists. Unlike therapy which treats mental illness, coaching aims to build mental fitness. Coaching enhances or optimizes adequate/healthy functioning.

Here are some significant features to keep in mind:

• Coaching is not therapy: Coaching is a service that helps individuals achieve their goals and improve their lives. It is not intended to diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
• Coaching is not a substitute for therapy: If you are experiencing mental health issues, it is important to seek the help of a licensed therapist or mental health professional.
• Coaching is not a medical service: Coaches do not provide medical advice or treatment. If you have a medical condition, it is important to seek the advice of a licensed medical professional.
• Coaching is not a legal service: Coaches do not provide legal advice or representation. If you need legal advice or representation, it is important to seek the advice of a licensed attorney.
• Coaching is not a financial service: Coaches do not provide financial advice or investment advice. If you need financial advice or investment advice, it is important to seek the advice of a licensed financial advisor.
• Coaching is not eligible for insurance reimbursement. 

Because coaching is not a substitute for therapy, professional mental health care, or psychotherapeutic services, any prospective coaching clients who meet medical necessity for emotional or mental disorders will be referred to a licensed mental health professional for treatment. If coaching clients are receiving concurrent professional mental health treatment, then clients may also enroll in or accept coaching services or coaching programs.

It is important to understand the limitations and merits of coaching and to seek the appropriate services for your goals and future. If you have any questions or concerns about coaching versus therapy, please consult with me or another qualified, licensed professional.

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What is therapy?

Therapy is a service that helps individuals address mental health issues and improve their overall well-being. Therapy addresses, treats, and manages mental health illnesses, diagnoses, or significant challenges in overall functioning across domains. Areas of impaired functioning can include one's social network, interpersonal relationships, and career/schooling/vocation. Therapy targets emotional and mental disorders and the various symptoms and barriers that are related to such diagnoses and impairments in functioning. Therapists tend to ask more open-ended questions that may lead to new discoveries. 

Here are several important factors to consider:

• Therapy is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment: If you have a medical condition, it is important to seek the advice of a licensed medical professional.
• Therapy is not a substitute for legal advice or representation: If you need legal advice or representation, it is important to seek the advice of a licensed attorney.
• Therapy is not a substitute for financial advice or investment advice: If you need financial advice or investment advice, it is important to seek the advice of a licensed financial advisor.
• Therapy clients possess rights to confidentiality and privacy. However, there are some exceptions to confidentiality, such as when there is a risk of harm to self or others.
• Therapy can be eligible for insurance reimbursement depending on the type of insurance coverage plan and benefits.

It is important to understand the constraints and benefits of therapy and to seek the best-fitting services for your needs and desired outcome. 

If you have any questions, please contact me here or book a FREE 15-minute phone consultation with me or another qualified, licensed professional.

Please refer to this page for more information about the Good Faith Estimate.