What services do you provide?
I provide therapy for individuals, couples, or whatever your relationship unit happens to be. My license allows me to work with any resident of California. Currently, I offer online therapy via video calls, using an end-to-end encrypted version of Zoom for your privacy and security, and in-person therapy in central San Diego.
Details about my services and qualifications can be found on my Professional Background page and Therapy Practice page.
Online therapy? Is that going to be as effective as in-person meetings?
You’re right to be skeptical. Video calls are not the perfect medium for therapy, since we are limited in how much we can interact. However, I want to be conscious of the fact that we aren’t quite past this pandemic, and teletherapy will obviously be far safer than in-person meetings for both you and me.
There is also the plus that we don’t have to be physically in the same city. I definitely consider that a win.
Either way, I will give you specific instructions on camera placement, so that we can optimize what we can see of each other. Ultimately, my goal is to create a therapeutic setting that is both convenient and safe.
How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?
That’s an excellent question, but also tricky to answer, because everyone has different needs. My suggestion is to start by checking out my Professional Background page, so you can learn about my training and experience, and then my Therapy Practice page, so you can learn about my approach as a therapist.
I also offer a free 15-minute consultation, so we can get to know each a little before you commit to anything. Keep in mind as well that my professional code of ethics mandates that I provide treatment that is 1) within my scope of expertise and 2) appropriate to you. This means that if I determine that I am not the right therapist for you, I am obligated to inform you.
How long are your sessions, and how much do they cost?
My sessions typically run 45-50 minutes in length (sometimes we wrap up more quickly, and other times we take a few extra minutes to review what we covered). My standard fee is $140 per session for individuals, and $150 per session for multi-person. I offer a limited number of sliding-scale slots, discounted based on your income and need. I am also happy to discuss special accommodations on session length.
Insurance-wise, I accept Sharp Health Plan. I can also provide superbills periodically. If your insurance accepts out-of-network providers, you can apply for reimbursements using the superbills.
What does it mean that you work under someone’s supervision?
As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, I practice under the jurisdiction of three separate licensing boards: the Board of Behavioral Sciences, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. As mandated by these boards, my practice must be supervised by a Licensed MFT until I’ve accumulated 3,000 total clinical hours (that is, 3,000 total hours of client sessions), at which point I can apply for my own license. I also consult with my supervisor, Donna Chapman of Donna M Chapman Psychotherapy, at least once per week. During supervision, we discuss my cases and she offers me feedback.
Phew! Sounds like a lot of oversight, right? Well, that’s a good thing, as that helps to ensure you, my hypothetical client, receive a professional level of service.
I notice you also offer social skills coaching. What’s the difference between therapy and coaching?
This is an excellent question, but can be tricky to answer, because it depends on your specific needs. At the risk of oversimplifying things, I’d say that it mostly boils down to the severity and manageability of the issues you’re facing. Here’s a blog post I wrote that explains the differences in more detail.
Speaking of which, if you’re interested in coaching rather than therapy, please head over to my other site.
What’s up with all rock balancing photos?
Because therapy is an emotional balancing act, of course.
At least … that’s the metaphor I’m claiming.
But seriously, the photos are from a road trip up the coast of California that my wife and I took recently. I like the photos and really was just looking for a way to shoehorn them into my professional website. Plus, it was cheaper and felt less impersonal than buying stock photos of however one might represent Marriage and Family Therapy on a website. And I certainly won’t post photos of actual clients, as that would be a huge breach of confidentiality.
If you still have any questions, click the button below to contact me directly. If you’re ready to start therapy, you may also request a free consultation:
Dennis Hong 