Frequently asked questions
Got questions? We’ve got answers.
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People come to therapy for all kinds of reasons. If you feel like something in your life isn’t working for you, or maybe you just want extra support, let’s set up a time to chat. All our clinicians offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation, during which we can discuss what would be helpful for you. Check out our services pages to learn more about what we treat.
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Juniper Therapy Center was founded on the premise that therapy should work, anyone can heal, and sometimes just talking through an experience isn’t enough to shake its impact. We aren’t about halfway healing – we want you to feel tangible change in your life, not just because your behavior has changed, but because you feel better inside, too. Learn more about Juniper Therapy Center here.
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Our therapists are here to help, whether or not you’ve experienced traumatic circumstances. Maybe you want some general guidance and support with something that’s not working in your life, or you’re going through a hard time. Don’t worry, we got you. You also may be interested in checking out our “everything else” page.
As a side note, not all trauma comes with flashing lights and sirens. Sometimes, it's the subtle messages, unmet needs, or the absence of safety that leave lasting marks on our emotional landscape. If that resonates, you may be interested in our page on attachment.
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Friends and family can be an excellent resource and source of support in your life, but there may be limits to the support they can give. Our clinicians are trained to see the big picture – how all the pieces in the story of your life have led you to where you are now. We’re not here to give advice or pass judgment, and our goal is to be your guide to help you find your own answers. You can learn more about our clinicians here.
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Fees vary depending on the clinician to reflect experience and licensing level, and are as follows:
Laura DeSantis, LPCC – $225/session
Alyson Lacko, AMFT - $150/session
All clinicians hold a limited number of sliding scale spots for folks with financial need.
See our Policies & Fees pages for more information, including out-of-network reimbursement.
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No. Juniper Therapy Center does not take insurance. All our therapists are considered out-of-network providers.
However, we are happy to provide a monthly receipt (called a superbill), which can be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Learn more on our fees page.
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Great question! Research shows time and time again that the trust between therapist and client is the most important factor in your therapy’s success, so it’s super important you feel comfortable with your clinician. Check out each of our therapists’ bio pages to see who you might like to work with:
If you’re still not sure, reach out to our founder, Laura DeSantis, via our contact page and she’ll help get you matched.
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Laura offers in person sessions in San Francisco’s Presidio Heights neighborhood on Thursdays, as well as virtual sessions for anyone in California and Nevada.
Alyson offers virtual sessions to anyone in California and does not offer in person sessions.
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Absolutely. All our clinicians offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation to see if we’d be a good fit and answer any questions you have. If you’re not sure who to work with, reach out to our founder, Laura DeSantis, via our contact page and she’ll help get you matched.
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This varies between therapists, but in general, the first session is when we talk more in-depth about what’s bringing you to therapy and any goals you might have. We will ask about what’s happening for you in the present, as well as some of your history and life experiences. It’s also a chance for you to get a feel for how your therapist works and ask any questions you might have. It’s the first step beyond the consultation call towards developing a therapeutic relationship.
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It’s important to note that no therapy is guaranteed to work, though we try very hard to help you achieve your goals and live your life to the fullest. One of the things we pride ourselves on is our flexibility, meaning changing tactics or referring out if what we’re doing isn’t helping. Our top priority is your well-being.
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Juniper Therapy Center takes your security and privacy very seriously. We use a video platform through SimplePractice, which is HIPAA-compliant, has bank-level security, and never records sessions. You can ask your therapist about this at any time, including during your consultation call.
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Research on online therapy (teletherapy) indicates that it can be comparable in efficacy to in-person therapy, including with EMDR and IFS. We never proceed with video therapy if we feel the person is not a good fit for that medium.
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No. Therapists do not have the knowledge or licensure to provide medication. However, medication can be a helpful component to your therapeutic work, and we are happy to process this possibility with you. We can also provide referrals to excellent psychiatrists or other practitioners that prescribe medication.
Have more questions? Ready to get started?