About
Philosophy
Our mission at Center for Modern Therapy is to help individuals and couples find understanding, growth, and balance in the complex lives we lead in today’s world. We all have multiple relationships that we engage in daily; relationships with our self, our partner, our child, or coworkers and friends, and some aspect of the environment (substances, food, exercise). These relationships all intersect at one point or another and we often find that striking balance with this is quite challenging. Often, we find ourselves in chaos, feeling dissatisfied and alone. Center for Modern Therapy is here to help you navigate these relationships, understand them, grow within them, and find balance among them. Our space is inviting and warm, and our highly skilled professionals will meet you where you’re at in your life, no matter where that is.
Differences Between Therapists
There are many different types of therapists out there. What do the titles mean, and how do I find a good match?
Psychologists are mental health professionals who have completed a doctoral program in psychology and hold a doctorate degree (Ph.D., Psy.D.). Doctoral education in psychology typically takes four to six years. Clinical psychologists are required to complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience before becoming eligible to take the licensing exam for psychologists. Training as a clinical psychologist includes the theory and practice of psychotherapy, diagnosis and assessment of mental disorders (including the administration of psychological tests, which only psychologists are licensed to perform), and research in mental health. The Psy.D. degree represents a psychologist who has completed a more clinically focused doctoral program (diagnosing and treating patients with psychotherapy), whereas a Ph.D. degree typically includes a greater focus on research (although both degrees qualify a psychologist to practice psychotherapy if licensed).
Marriage & family therapists have typically completed a master’s program in psychology (though this is not a requirement in some states). Although the title includes the words “marriage” and “family,” MFTs provide therapy to individuals as well. Training for MFTs includes 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience as a requirement of being eligible for taking the licensing exam. MFT training focuses specifically on helping individuals, couples, and families through therapy and counseling in private practice, mental health agency, or hospital settings, and includes a comprehensive education in human psychology.
Clinical social workers have completed a master’s program (typically two years) in social work and receive a master’s degree (MSW). If providing psychotherapy, a social worker is licensed as a Licensed Counselor of Social Work (LCSW), and is required to perform a few thousand hours of clinical experience as a prerequisite to getting a license. The primary training and method of intervention of professional social workers includes such services as case management (linking clients with agencies and programs that can help with anything from food and shelter to financial, emotional or medical needs), counseling and psychotherapy, social welfare policy, analysis, and practice development, community organizing, community development, advocacy, and research.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD) who have gone on to specialize in mental health and psychopharmacology. This means that psychiatrists have completed a full medical education equivalent to any other MD as well as further specialty training in psychology and psychiatric medications. Psychiatrists are the only mental health providers that are able to prescribe medications. While historically psychiatrists have offered psychotherapy, similar to the above professions, the field of psychiatry has increasingly focused on the prescription of psychiatric medications.
Life coaching is a practice that helps people identify and achieve personal goals. At this time, Life Coaching is not a regulated practice meaning there are no education and training requirements or oversight by any licensure board. A life coach may have a graduate degree in mental health and a certification in life coaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I start therapy?
Call us at 925.587.9544. We offer complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to review any questions or details regarding the services you want to receive. If it’s a good fit, you’ll be scheduled for your first therapy appointment. Then you and your therapist will decide on how often and for how long to meet.
- Do you accept insurance?
The clinicians of The Center for Modern Therapy do not accept insurance. However, if your plan has out-of-network benefits, you can see any clinician of your choosing and the plan will reimburse you a percentage after the deductible is met. In most cases, insurance reimburses around 50-90%. At the time of your appointment, you are financially responsible for the fee, then we provide you with an e-statement (superbill) to submit to the insurance company. It’s easy!
- What are your fees?Each 50 min therapy session ranges from $195 to $250. Nutrition counseling fees are $270 for the initial evaluation appointment and $160 for follow-up sessions. Groups are charged at different rates depending on frequency and length.