FAQs

Research has found that teletherapy is just as effective as in-person therapy but is much more convenient and accessible. These sessions take place online through a secure platform. You can be located anywhere in California for the appointment as long as its private and has strong connection to the internet. For each session, you’ll get a link to join. It’s that easy!

We are based in San Diego and have an office in the Mission Valley area. Telehealth is available throughout California which allows us to connect specialty therapy services to adults throughout all of California.

Individual sessions are $225 and typically last between 45 and 50 minutes. Appointments up to 90 minutes are $325.

Payments are made through the secure online therapy portal and are due prior to the start of each appointment. All major credit cards are accepted. Our session fee is on par with other psychologists in the community with similar expertise.

Michelle Lyons accepts insurance through Aetna and Modern Health. Otherwise, insurance is not accepted for services, so payment is due on the day of the appointment. Many people with PPO insurance plans can receive some reimbursement for services rendered. A “superbill” can be provided for you to submit to your insurance carrier to seek reimbursement. Reimbursement is not guaranteed and is up to you to pursue.

We will ask you more about what you’ve been experiencing to have an in depth understanding of you, including your personal goals for therapy. Then we will propose a treatment plan and answer questions you have about the process.

There are many factors which will determine the length of therapy, such as the nature of your challenges, your specific therapy goals, your engagement in the therapy process and ongoing life challenges which may impact your progress. The length will vary based on whether significant progress towards initial treatment goals have been achieved.

Although no therapist can offer hard-and-fast guarantees, the goal is always to help you find relief and meet your therapy goals in a timely manner. The evidence-based therapies delivered by our therapists are designed to be time-limited and therefore most clients are in therapy for less than one year.

Sometimes, a client may benefit from a longer course of therapy. The anticipated length of treatment can be discussed as part of your individualized treatment plan within the first few sessions. Occasionally, treatment length will need to be reevaluated over time if new goal areas or issues arise.

A good faith estimate is required by law in the state of California for services delivered in our practice.

All patients seeking medical services with an out-of-network provider have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical 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 bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.