Your Questions Answered: Virtual Therapy for Anxiety, Depression & Healing in San Luis Obispo & California

Starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I've compiled answers to common inquiries to help you understand the process, my therapeutic approach, and what you can expect from secure virtual therapy sessions available to you in San Luis Obispo and throughout California. If you don't find your answer here, please don't hesitate to reach out!

Understanding My Approach & Specialized Therapy Services

Q: What is therapy like with Andrew Benson, LCSW? A: My approach to online therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and client-centered. I create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and life challenges. We'll work together to understand underlying issues, build practical skills, and empower you to create a more fulfilling life. My methods often integrate evidence-based techniques like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and self-compassion practices.

Q: What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and how does it help with emotions? A: DBT is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness principles. It's designed to help you develop crucial skills in managing intense emotions, improving healthy relationships, coping effectively with distress, and living more mindfully. I use DBT to help clients build a powerful toolkit for navigating life's ups and downs and fostering emotional resilience.

Q: How do mindfulness and self-compassion reduce anxiety and depression? A: Mindfulness practices help you stay grounded, centered, and present, which can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and promote mental clarity. Self-compassion is vital for breaking free from self-criticism and building a kinder, more understanding relationship with yourself. I guide clients in integrating these practices to foster inner peace and a more positive self-image.

Q: Do you offer specialized therapy for anxiety and depression? A: Yes, I specialize in providing effective virtual therapy for anxiety and depression. My integrated approach helps clients understand the roots of their distress and develop practical strategies for symptom reduction and emotional regulation, leading to greater well-being and improved mental health, available for individuals across San Luis Obispo and California.

Q: Can you help with trauma? What is the FLASH technique? A: Yes, I provide specialized trauma therapy. I utilize the innovative FLASH technique, a cutting-edge, gentle method designed to process traumatic memories safely and quickly without overwhelming you. It helps to reframe traumatic memories and reduce their emotional charge, enabling you to move forward with greater ease and resilience in your life, especially for those seeking trauma treatment in San Luis Obispo and throughout California.

Q: Do you offer therapy specifically for dads or fatherhood challenges? A: Absolutely. One of my particular areas of focus is providing dedicated therapy for fathers. I understand the unique challenges of balancing fatherhood with personal well-being, whether you're navigating stress, healing from past experiences, or seeking to improve your relationships with your children. I offer a supportive space tailored to your unique journey as a dad.

Logistics, Fees & Getting Started

Q: Where are your therapy sessions located? Do you offer in-person therapy? A: To provide convenient and accessible care, I offer secure virtual therapy sessions for all clients. This means you can receive professional mental health support from the comfort and privacy of your own home, whether you're in San Luis Obispo, other parts of the Central Coast, or anywhere else in California. I do not offer in-person sessions.

Q: What are your therapy fees and how do I pay? A: Please contact me directly to discuss my current therapy fees. Payment for online therapy sessions is typically collected at the time of service through a secure online system. My aim is to make the payment process as smooth and transparent as possible.

Q: Do you accept insurance for therapy services? A: Yes, I am in-network with some insurance panels. Please contact me directly with your insurance details, and I can help you verify your benefits to see if I am covered by your specific plan. For plans where I am not in-network, I can often provide a superbill (an itemized receipt) that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. I recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to understand your specific mental health benefits.

Q: How long are individual therapy sessions? A: Standard individual therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes long. The frequency of sessions (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly) will be discussed and agreed upon based on your needs and therapeutic goals during your initial consultation for online therapy.

Q: What is your cancellation policy for therapy appointments? I require 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling therapy appointments. Sessions canceled with less notice may be subject to the full session fee. This policy allows me to offer the time slot to another client who may be waiting for an appointment.

Your First Steps & Confidentiality

Q: How do I schedule my first virtual therapy session? A: Scheduling is easy! You can book a complimentary consultation or your first session directly through the "Let’s Meet" page on my website, or by calling me at (805) 243-8050 or emailing andrew@bensonmh.com. This initial step is a great way to explore if we're a good fit for your mental health journey in San Luis Obispo or elsewhere in California.

Q: What can I expect during the first therapy session? A: Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We'll discuss what brings you to therapy, your current challenges, and your goals. It's also a chance for you to ask any questions you have and for me to explain my approach in more detail. The primary aim is to establish comfort and begin building a strong therapeutic relationship for your healing process.

Q: Is what I share in therapy confidential? A: Yes, absolutely. Confidentiality in therapy is a cornerstone of effective treatment and is legally protected. What you share in our sessions is strictly confidential, with a few legally mandated exceptions (e.g., intent to harm yourself or others, child or elder abuse). We will discuss the limits of confidentiality fully during your initial consultation.

Ready to find peace and build resilience? Schedule a Consultation or Session Today