FAQ
Where are sessions located?
Currently, I am providing limited in-person sessions. Most of my sessions are via secure Telehealth video. Please call so we can discuss your specific needs.
For Telehealth sessions, we meet on GoogleMeet, a HIPAA-compliant meeting platform, while you relax in the comfort of your home or office. Many clients find that Teletherapy is their preferred way of working together since they don’t have to spend extra time and energy out of their day driving to my office.
For in-person sessions, my office address is:
1050 Northgate Drive, Suite P12 San Rafael, CA 94903
The office is located conveniently off Hwy 101, near Northgate Mall, and there is ample parking available in the parking lot in front of the building.
What about in-person therapy?
Before your session, you can fill out your intake paperwork and send it back to my HIPAA-compliant Gmail account. Alternatively, you can arrive 10 minutes before your session to fill out the paperwork in the waiting room.
When you arrive, you can rest comfortably in the waiting area, and I will come out and greet you at the time of the session.
What are your hours?
Please know in advance that I currently have limited openings, and these time slots are in high demand. Please call today to inquire!
My office hours are:
Tuesdays 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wednesdays 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursdays 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fridays 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
How long are the sessions?
Sessions are 60 minutes (50-minute session, plus 10 minutes for therapist’s notes), 90 minutes (80-minute session, plus 10 minutes for therapist’s notes), or 120 minutes (110-minute session, plus 10 minutes for therapist’s notes).
Typically, I recommend that families schedule at least 90-minute sessions because it is beneficial to have more time when multiple people are in the room. Please call, and we can discuss your needs together.
How much do sessions cost?
My standard fee is $185 for a 50-minute session. I consider a sliding scale on a case-by-case basis. Please call, and we can discuss what is feasible for you.
*Please note that I am only accepting clients seeking therapy one or more times per week, depending on your needs. I am not currently conducting bi-weekly or monthly sessions.
What if I cannot afford your rate?
I offer a sliding scale for clients for whom my full rate would be prohibitive. For those who cannot afford my sliding scale rate, I have several excellent, more affordable referrals to consider and am pleased to provide these to you when you call.
Please call, and we can discuss what is feasible for you.
Can you provide an estimate of my total costs?
If you are paying privately or using “Out of Network” benefits for your therapy, I will provide you with a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your care will cost. Under the federal “No Surprises Act,” health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency services, and you will be provided with a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one business day before your first appointment. If you receive a bill at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
How do I pay?
Payment is at the time of each session. I accept cash, check, or credit card. I use Ivy Pay for credit charging, a HIPAA-compliant mobile app that protects the therapeutic relationship and your security.
(Please make checks payable to “Beth Leigh Kolakoski.”) Please note that using checks as payment might compromise confidentiality.
Do you take medical insurance?
I do not accept insurance. I will provide a Superbill at the end of each session upon written request.
You can use the Superbill for submission to your insurance company. Please check with your insurance company about your benefits for out-of-network reimbursement before beginning treatment.
What is your cancellation policy?
Are there forms to fill out before beginning therapy?
Should I expect therapy to be intense?
While we will explore aspects of yourself and life that can feel quite vulnerable, we will also focus on your strengths and what is going well in your life.
As you get to know me, you’ll notice that I create an environment for your emotions to have their full expression. We’ll talk it out, cry it out, and laugh it out. We’ll even share quiet moments with deep breaths, while along the way, I’ll help you access your inner strengths and resilience.
How long will I be in therapy?
How long before I get better?
Everyone’s healing process is unique. It is important to know that addressing certain wounds is a delicate process that takes time and can be especially painful in the beginning. Sometimes, people notice feeling some relief after their first session. For others, it may take more time.
During our work together, I will assist you in more deeply understanding how your healing process might unfold and how I can support you through your process.
Do you communicate with other treatment professionals?
Yes. As a result of our sessions together, I may ask about communicating with other professionals. An example of these providers might be school staff, physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, former therapists, dieticians, treatment centers, etc.
If we decide to communicate with another professional, I will ask you to sign a Release of Information form to speak with these providers regarding your care.
Do you serve as an expert witness in legal proceedings?
What is your training?
My experience has included working in residential treatment programs with children, adolescents, and families struggling with self-harming and suicidal behaviors, grief and loss, mood and behavior disorders, and post-traumatic stress.
I have also worked as a Lead Preschool teacher at Old Firehouse School, providing attachment-based work with primary caregivers and the children. Most recently, I was the Clinical Director at ABC Special Start, an Early Intervention and Prevention program that serves families and children 0-3 years old presenting with developmental concerns.
My treatment approach draws from my extensive experience and training in various child development models, including DIR® and DIRFloortime®, the Neuro-Sequential Model of Therapeutics, and the Babies/Pre-Steps Model of Intervention for premature babies.
I also trained and gained extensive experience early in my career while working at The Asheville TEACCH Center and The Autism Center in Asheville, NC.