What to Ask in Your Free Consultation
A consultation is a chance to learn about the practice and describe the kind of support you are seeking. You do not need to tell your whole story or choose a therapist before reaching out.
Shoreline offers a free 15 minute phone consultation. It is separate from ongoing therapy sessions and does not by itself confirm that treatment has begun.
Maybe this sounds familiar
01
You want help choosing a clinician.
02
You need to understand fees or coverage.
03
You are unsure which service fits.
04
You want to know what happens after the call.
01 · Understand
Bring the questions that affect your decision
You can ask who works with your concern, what their approach is like and whether appointments are available at times you can manage. Language preference and whether you are seeking individual, couples, teen or family work can help narrow the options.
You can also ask about fees and how insurance coverage is verified for a particular provider. A listed insurer is not proof that your specific plan and service are covered, so that detail should be checked before relying on it.
02 · Practice
Leave with a clear next step
Ask what happens if you decide to proceed: how scheduling works, what forms are needed and how to provide clinical information appropriately. Acknowledging an inquiry and confirming an appointment are different steps.
If the service does not seem right, it is okay to say so or ask further questions. The purpose is a fit conversation, not pressure to commit. An ordinary website inquiry is not monitored as an emergency service and should not contain detailed health information.
03 · Choose Your Next Step
A practical fit conversation
Ongoing couples support is listed with Holly Whitmore, Emily Chen, Misty Goldenberg and Nicola Loretto. Their approaches differ, so you can ask how they work with your particular concern rather than choose by a method name alone.
A free 15 minute phone consultation can help clarify availability, session format and next steps. Describe the broad concern and any provider preference. Keep detailed personal or health information for the practice's approved clinical process.
A therapist who fits you
These clinicians offer the related service. Availability and the right approach for your situation are part of the consultation.
Holly Whitmore
MA, LMFT
Gottman couples therapy and IFS
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Emily Chen
AMFT
EFT, attachment and inner child work
View profile
Misty Goldenberg
AMFT
EMDR, perinatal and couples work
View profile
Nicola Loretto
MA, AMFT
Grief, identity and Gottman couples work
View profile
Dina Abdelaal
AMFT
Trauma and PTSD, in English and Spanish
View profile
Aidé Merito
AMFT, APCC
Teens, identity and trauma, in English and Spanish
View profileFees in brief
We are in network with Aetna (PPO and EPO plans only), Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum and Blue Shield of California. Not every clinician is in network with every plan.
Seeing someone out of network? We provide superbills you can submit for reimbursement.
Rates and insuranceLicensed therapist
$180
per telehealth session
For adults, couples, children or families
Associate therapist
$150
per telehealth session
For adults, couples, children or families
Questions before you begin
Is the consultation a therapy session?
No. It is a brief fit and next-step conversation. The clinician or practice can explain what information is needed and how ongoing care is established.
How do I ask about this service?
Tell the practice the broad kind of support you are seeking, your language preference and whether you have a clinician in mind. Fit, availability and any fee or insurance arrangement need to be confirmed before an appointment.
A small first step
Start with a free 15 minute phone consultation to discuss provider fit, availability and the next step. Keep personal and health details out of an ordinary website inquiry. Ongoing sessions are offered by video within California.
Explore Couples TherapyKeep exploring
When You Keep Having the Same Fight
Explore recurring arguments, communication patterns and finding a couples therapist who fits your relationship.
When You Feel Like Roommates
You coordinate groceries, bills and calendars. You might work well as a team, yet miss feeling like partners.
Make room for a different conversation
Start with a free 15 minute phone consultation. We'll help you consider provider fit and next steps.