FAQs

FAQ's

How to get started?

Send me an email (diana@dianagarbertherapist.com) or call me at (415) 915-9341. We can talk about your needs and set up a free consultation.

Is Therapy Confidential?

Information that you share with me will be handled with great care. It is your legal right and my responsibility to make certain that our sessions are kept confidential. There are some exceptions to confidentiality:

  1. If I believe that a child, an elderly person, or a dependent adult is being abused or neglected, I am legally required to file a report with the appropriate state agency.
  2. If a client threatens to harm him/herself, I may be required to seek hospitalization for the client, or to contact family members or others who can provide protection.
  3. If I believe that a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another, I am required to take appropriate steps, which may include notifying the potential victim, notifying the police, or seeking appropriate hospitalization for the client to ensure safety.

I will discuss confidentiality in greater detail and answer any questions you might have during our initial in-person consultation.

How do I pay for therapy?

Payments are due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made in advance. Payments can be made with cash, check, or credit card.  Sliding scale rates are available.  I typically meet for a free initial consultation with my clients, where we will discuss fees for therapy in more detail.

I am not on any insurance panels. However, if you have a PPO insurance plan, I will provide you with a statement to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. You are encouraged to call your insurance company and ask about your benefits for out-of-network providers. In many cases, your insurance company will cover some or all of your costs.

I also have a portion of my practice dedicated to working with clients who need a sliding scale fee. If you cannot afford the full fee, please inquire about a sliding scale spot.

What do I do if I am in a crisis situation?

In case of a medical or clinical emergency, including a threat to your safety or the safety of others, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Resources