FAQs
General Questions
How does scheduling a first-time appointment work?
After filling out our “Get Started” forum, our office manager will match you with a therapist on our team who best suits your needs. From there, we will give you a call to hear more about what you are looking for in therapeutic process. We will ask some questions, answer any of your questions, and if all sounds good, we will walk you through the initial process of booking an appointment. If we feel we are not equipped to meet your needs, we may provide you with referrals.
What can I expect to happen in the first therapy appointment?
During our first therapy appointment, we will introduce ourselves, review the reasons that bring you to seek therapy, and discuss your initial goals for treatment while determining our fit together. If you do not feel a connection with us during the first appointment, there is no obligation to return. Nonetheless, the option of booking a standing appointment time may be offered to you. If you choose to go in a different direction, we ask that you honor our 48 hour cancellation policy to avoid being charged.
Is there initial paperwork I have to sign?
Yes. Once we book your first appointment, we will send you an email with a link to access our online client portal. Through our client portal, you will see the initial paperwork which needs to be completed prior to your first appointment. Our online client portal is very user-friendly. Simply follow the prompts, answer the questions, and sign the required documents. No scanning, printing, or faxing is necessary.
Legal Questions
Do you testify in legal proceedings?
We do not testify in legal proceedings. Further, we do not conduct psychological assessments, provide custody evaluation reports, recommend medications or prescriptions, or offer legal advice as these activities do not fall within our scope of practice.
Do you work with court-ordered clients?
Yes, we work with court-ordered clients.
Can I be seen virtually from another state?
No. Our license only permits us to work at the state level. Therefore, we cannot see clients who are not in the state of California during the time of their appointment.
Are you mandated reporters?
Yes, our therapists are mandated reports and will take the appropriate measures to report issues when criteria are met.
Faith-Based Questions
Are Irvine Family Counseling therapists Catholic?
While the founder of Irvine Family Counseling practices within the Catholic tradition, our clinicians are of either a Catholic or Protestant faith background. If having a therapist who shares your faith is important to you, please specify this when filling out our “Get Started” form.
Do I have to be Catholic or Christian to be seen at Irvine Family Counseling?
No. We work with individuals of diverse faith backgrounds and treat all clients with the same level of dignity and respect irrespective of their religious practices (or lack thereof). Our aim is to provide you with an experience in therapy that honors and respects your religious values.
Can we use prayer in session?
Absolutely. That is what we are here for. However you wish to integrate your practice of faith into therapy, we hope we can provide you with the opportunity to do so and participate with you.