FAQ — Mary Speight, LMFT | Therapy for Women | Telehealth California

Question 1

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

The first step is scheduling a free 20-minute consultation. It's a low-pressure conversation where you can share a little about what's bringing you to therapy, ask any questions you have, and get a sense of whether we're a good fit. There's no commitment required.

Question 2

What happens during the free consultation?

Accepted Answer

The consultation is a brief, informal conversation — not a therapy session. We'll talk about what's going on for you, what you're hoping to get from therapy, and how I work. You're welcome to ask me anything. At the end, we can decide together whether to move forward.

Question 3

Do I need to know exactly what I want to work on before reaching out?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Many people come to therapy with a general sense that something isn't right, but without a clear picture of what that is. You don't need the right words or a tidy explanation. Figuring that out together is part of the work.

Question 4

Who do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I work primarily with adult women navigating anxiety, stress, overwhelm, life transitions, grief, relationship challenges, and questions of identity and self-worth. I see clients via telehealth and am only able to work with California residents.

Question 5

Do you offer in-person sessions?

Accepted Answer

No — all sessions are held via telehealth (secure video). I do not have a physical office. Many clients find that telehealth offers more flexibility and privacy than in-person therapy, and the work is just as meaningful.

Question 6

What do I need for a telehealth session?

Accepted Answer

A reliable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone (phone, tablet, or computer), and a private space where you feel comfortable speaking freely. That's it.

Question 7

Is telehealth therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Accepted Answer

Research consistently shows that telehealth therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for most concerns. Many clients actually prefer it — there's no commute, no waiting room, and you can be in a space that already feels comfortable and familiar to you.

Question 8

Do you see clients outside of California?

Accepted Answer

No. Due to licensing requirements, I can only provide therapy to residents of California.

Question 9

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

I am a private-pay therapist and do not accept insurance directly. If you have out-of-network (OON) benefits, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement from your insurance company for a portion of your therapy fees. I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company. Because out-of-network coverage varies by plan, I encourage you to contact your insurance provider to understand your specific benefits and reimbursement options.

Question 10

What is a superbill?

Accepted Answer

A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes the information your insurance company needs to process an out-of-network reimbursement claim — including session dates, service codes, and my license information. I can provide one upon request.

Question 11

How do I find out if I have out-of-network benefits?

Accepted Answer

Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits. Helpful questions to ask: Do I have out-of-network outpatient mental health benefits? What is my deductible, and has it been met? What percentage of the session fee will be reimbursed after the deductible?

Question 12

What can I expect from our sessions?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are 50 minutes and held weekly, especially at the start. My approach is warm and conversational — I'm not going to hand you a worksheet or tell you what to do. We'll talk, explore, and work together to understand what's going on and what might help. The pace is yours.

Question 13

How long does therapy take?

Accepted Answer

That depends on what you're working on and what you want from therapy. Some people come with a specific concern and feel ready to wrap up after a few months. Others find ongoing therapy valuable for longer-term growth and support. We'll check in regularly about how things are going and whether the work still feels useful.

Question 14

What if I've tried therapy before and it didn't help?

Accepted Answer

That's more common than you might think, and it doesn't mean therapy can't work for you. The fit between therapist and client matters enormously. If something hasn't worked before, I'd love to hear about it — understanding what felt missing or unhelpful is useful information as we figure out how to work together.

Question 15

Is what I share in therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. What you share in therapy is confidential, with a few exceptions required by law — such as if there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or in cases of suspected child or elder abuse. I'll review these limits with you at the start of our work together so you know exactly where they stand.

Questions you might have.

Getting started

Telehealth & logistics

Fees & insurance

About therapy

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