Common Questions

Starting therapy or booking a training can raise a lot of practical questions. Here's what people most often ask us before getting started.

Insurance & Fees

  • Yes - we're in-network with Aetna, Optum, and UnitedHealthcare, and we're actively expanding our network. If you don't see your plan listed, contact us; coverage options change and we're happy to check.

  • If you have out-of-network benefits, we can support your reimbursement process through Mentaya. Many clients receive significant reimbursement from their insurance plans even when we're not in-network.

  • Yes. We offer a sliding scale fee structure for clients who qualify based on financial need.

  • Yes. Private pay session rates are discussed during your free consultation, and we accept HSA and FSA cards.

  • It depends on your insurance plan, sliding scale eligibility, or private pay rate. We go over exact costs during your free 15-minute. That call is also where we'll verify your benefits if you're using insurance.

Telehealth & Getting Started

  • Sessions happen over secure video from wherever you are - home, car, office, as long as you have privacy and a stable connection. You'll get a link before each session, and the experience works the same as in-person therapy, just from a screen.

  • Telehealth therapy is as effective as in-person care for most concerns, including anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. For many clients, the convenience of not commuting actually makes it easier to stay consistent with sessions.

  • We provide telehealth therapy statewide across California, including Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Long Beach, Oakland, and San Diego. As long as you're physically located in California during your session, you can work with any of our therapists.

  • Start with a free 15-minute consultation, where we'll ask about what you're looking for and suggest a therapist who fits. You can also browse our team and request someone specific.

  • It's a brief, no-pressure call to talk through what's bringing you to therapy, answer your questions about insurance or fees, and figure out which of our therapists would be a good fit. There's no obligation to book ongoing sessions afterward.

  • Most clients start with weekly sessions, which gives momentum early on. Your therapist will work with you to adjust frequency over time based on your goals and schedule.

  • Book a free 15-minute consultation through our scheduling page - no referral needed. From there, we'll match you with a therapist and get your first session on the calendar.

Who We Work With

  • It means therapy that takes your cultural background, identity, and lived experience into account; rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. In practice, it means not having to explain or justify your experience before getting to the actual work.

  • Trauma-informed care means your therapist understands how past experiences - including racial trauma, systemic stress, and major life disruptions, can shape how you think, feel, and respond today.

  • Yes, we offer therapy in English, Spanish, and Korean.

  • An LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) has completed all licensing requirements and practices independently. An ASW (Associate Social Worker) is a licensed associate clinician practicing under the supervision of an LCSW. At New Normal Collective, our ASW therapists practice under the supervision of Jordan Le Blanc, LCSW (#118552).

Ready to take the next step?

Free consultations available - we'll help you find the right therapist.