Frequently Asked Questions

A Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is a licensed mental health professional trained to support individuals, partners, and families through a relational and systemic lens. This means that instead of focusing solely on individual symptoms, MFTs consider how your experiences are shaped by your relationships, community, environment, and intersecting identities.

My work is grounded in the understanding that who you are doesn't exist in a vacuum. We explore how systems, including family dynamics, culture, oppression, and identity, impact your mental health and relationships. MFTs are trained to help with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, trauma, identity exploration, communication challenges, attachment wounds, and relational stress. Whether you're coming in individually or as part of a relationship system, therapy can be a space to move toward deeper connection, clarity, and self-understanding without pathologizing who you are.

All therapy sessions are held via telehealth and are available to folks who reside in California, Washington, or New Mexico.

Coaching services are available to anyone, regardless of location.

I am not in-network with any insurance panels, do not bill insurance directly, and do not engage with insurance companies on behalf of clients. I am a private pay practice and payment is due in full at the time of service. Superbills are available upon request for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Submitting a superbill is done at your own discretion and risk. Reimbursement is not guaranteed. I recommend confirming your out-of-network benefits directly with your insurance provider before beginning services.

Yes, a limited number of sliding scale spots are available to support increased accessibility to therapy. These spots are reserved for clients who need financial accommodation.

If you're interested, please reach out at info@therapywithjenniferpatterson.com to inquire about current availability.

*Sliding scale slots are currently full, but a waitlist is available.

Standard sessions are 50 minutes. Longer sessions of 75 to 90 minutes are available upon request and billed at a pro-rated rate based on your standard hourly fee. Extended sessions may be a good fit for relational work, intensive processing, or when additional space is clinically beneficial.

Reach out through the contact form or email info@therapywithjenniferpatterson.com and I'll get back to you to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. This call is a chance for us to connect, answer questions, and see if we're a good fit. If you decide to move forward, I'll add you to the client portal and get you set up for your first session.

We'll start with introductions and then cover some important legal and ethical aspects of therapy, including the limits of confidentiality, my role as a mandated reporter, and how I prioritize your safety and privacy. Once we've addressed any questions you have, we'll confirm your information and begin developing a preliminary treatment plan together.

First sessions can feel a little nerve-wracking, and that's completely okay. I prioritize warmth and collaboration from the start. If we need to slow down or pivot, we do.

Sessions are 50 minutes. Extended sessions are available upon request based on schedule availability, with fees prorated accordingly.

Frequency varies depending on your needs, goals, and treatment plan. Most clients start with weekly sessions and adjust from there based on what feels supportive and sustainable.

Sessions must be canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment time. Sessions canceled with less than 24 hours notice are subject to a late cancellation fee equal to the full session cost.

This policy helps maintain consistency, supports continuity of care, and honors the time set aside for your work. Thank you for understanding.

Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming, but what matters most is finding someone you feel comfortable with and genuinely connected to. A strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful growth and healing.

If you're not sure where to start, I've put together a list of trusted therapists I personally recommend. These are professionals whose work I deeply respect.

Trusted Therapist Referrals

The Therapy Access Project also has a wonderful Guide to Finding a Therapist that may be helpful.

Finding the right fit can take time, and that's okay. You deserve a space where you feel safe and seen.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health 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 expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.

You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.