FAQs | Lisa Chen & Associates Therapy in Hermosa Beach

What You Most Want to Know Before Starting Therapy

Starting therapy is a meaningful step. Here are clear answers to the most common questions we receive from individuals and couples considering working with our team.

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Before You Start

Beginning therapy is a meaningful decision. These are a questions clients most often ask before scheduling their first conversation with us.

  • We work with high-achieving adults, professionals, couples, and families who want more than surface-level coping. Many of our clients look successful on the outside but feel anxious, disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck internally.

    If you value insight, depth, and lasting change, we may be a strong fit.

    The best way to know? Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation. We’ll help you clarify whether working together feels aligned.

  • Your consultation is a brief 15-minute phone or video call.

    You’ll share what’s bringing you in, what you’re hoping will change, and we’ll outline how therapy with our team works. We’ll also recommend the therapist who best matches your needs.

    There’s no pressure. It’s simply a chance to determine fit.

  • Clients seek us out for:

    • Anxiety and burnout
    • Relationship conflict or emotional disconnection
    • Trauma and performance pressure
    • Perfectionism and self-criticism
    • Life transitions and identity questions
    • Depression, OCD, and stress-related symptoms

    We offer individual therapy, couples therapy (including Gottman-informed work), EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and psychodynamic therapy.

Logistics & Investment

  • Session fees range from $180 to $500 depending on clinician and service type.

    Lisa Chen’s rate reflects her advanced training and executive specialization. Her rate starts at $400. Other licensed and associate therapists offer sessions at lower rates while maintaining the same clinical standards and supervision structure.

    We provide monthly superbills for clients seeking possible out-of-network reimbursement.

    Payment is due at time of service.

  • Your consultation is a brief 15-minute phone or video call.

    You’ll share what’s bringing you in, what you’re hoping will change, and we’ll outline how therapy with our team works. We’ll also recommend the therapist who best matches your needs.

    There’s no pressure. It’s simply a chance to determine fit.

  • We are an out-of-network practice. This allows us to maintain privacy, flexibility, and depth of treatment.

    Many clients receive partial reimbursement through out-of-network benefits. We encourage contacting your insurance provider to ask:

    • Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
    • What is my deductible?
    • What percentage is reimbursed?

    We provide documentation to simplify this process.

Clear expectations create ease. Here are the practical details about structure, fees, and format.

  • Most clients begin with weekly 50-minute sessions. Consistency supports meaningful change.

    Some couples choose 90-minute sessions. Intensive options are also available for accelerated work.

    As progress stabilizes, session frequency can be adjusted collaboratively.

  • Yes.

    We offer in-person therapy in Hermosa Beach, California.

    We also provide secure telehealth sessions throughout California.

Process & Policies

Therapy works best when structure and trust are clear from the beginning.

  • Fit matters.

    After your consultation, we recommend the therapist whose expertise and style best align with your goals, schedule, and preferences.

    If you already know which therapist you’d like to work with, you may request them directly.

  • Yes. All sessions are confidential and protected under HIPAA regulations.

    We prioritize discretion, especially for executives, professionals, and public-facing individuals.

  • There is no one-size-fits-all timeline.

    Some clients experience noticeable shifts within a few months. Others choose longer-term depth work.

    During early sessions, we clarify goals and discuss expectations so you understand the path forward.

Start the Conversation

Whether you're ready to begin or just exploring, we’re here to help.

Finding the right therapist matters.

Tell us a little about what you’re looking for, and we’ll personally match you with the right clinician. This takes about 2–3 minutes and is completely confidential.

You can expect a response within 1 business day.

Prefer to speak with someone directly? Call or text: (213) 537-9672

Ready to Begin?

If you’re considering therapy, the next step is simply a conversation.

Schedule a complimentary consultation and we’ll help you determine whether working together is the right fit.

Schedule a Consultation Now