STEPHANIE PATTERSON, LMFT
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What's to expect
​and FAQs

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Email
If you’re interested in therapy, please send me a message and let me know if you are a California or Guam resident. We’ll then set up a free phone consultation to discuss your reasons for seeking therapy and answer any questions you may have. If we both feel it’s a good fit, we’ll schedule an initial appointment. You’ll receive an email with a secure link to my Ensora client portal, where you can privately complete the intake paperwork at your convenience. Your credit card information will be stored securely on file to make the payment process simple and stress-free.​
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Initial Appointment
Your first session is a 60-minute online appointment, so you can join from the comfort of your home—or even your car. Please make sure Zoom is downloaded on the device you plan to use, that your device is fully charged, you have strong internet connection, and that you have a private, comfortable place to join the session.
We’ll begin by reviewing office policies, confidentiality, and the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship to help you feel oriented with the process. The rest of the session will focus on your concerns, history, and goals. Together, we’ll create a game plan, and if you’re ready to begin, we’ll schedule your next appointment.
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Ongoing Therapy Work
Therapy typically takes place in weekly 50-minute sessions, with “homework” between meetings—often practicing new habits, communication skills, or mind-body strategies rather than pen-and-paper assignments.
The length of treatment depends on your needs and goals: some concerns improve with short-term therapy, while more complex issues may take longer. Most clients notice meaningful change after 8–20 sessions. Weekly sessions are usually most effective at first, with many clients later moving to bi-monthly. If this schedule doesn’t fit your life, we’ll customize a plan that works for you.
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You may be wondering...
WHAT IS YOUR STYLE/APPROACH TO THERAPY?
Your challenges are likely complex, with many contributing factors—if they were simple, you wouldn’t be in this situation. That’s why I approach therapy from multiple angles, giving you the best chance for lasting growth. In our first few sessions, we’ll review your health habits, communication and relationship style, home and work or school environment (if applicable), social life, and how you handle your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. I’ll also get to know your personality and interests so we can tailor therapy specifically to you.
I often include exercises to help you practice and experience new ways of thinking and feeling. Depending on what suits you, this may include art, mindfulness, movement exercises, or other hands-on activities. And yes—we sometimes even laugh along the way.
How often should I see you and how long will i be in therapy?
Weekly sessions are typically the most effective way to start. As progress is made, sessions may gradually be spaced out to every other week. The overall duration of therapy depends on how chronic your challenges are and how much effort you put into the process. Many clients notice relief after about 8 sessions, while others continue for several months or up to a year. Some people even choose to integrate therapy into their ongoing wellness plan, checking in periodically to maintain growth and navigate life’s changes. Once formal therapy ends, you’re always welcome to schedule booster sessions as needed.
What is your cancellation policy?
I require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. If you do not cancel on time or miss your appointment, you are responsible for the full session fee. For parents of teens, please note that you are still responsible for payment if your teen forgets their session. I recommend staying aware of your teen’s therapy schedule and sending reminders—this is usually the most effective approach. Unlike traditional face=to-face therapy, logging on to tele-therapy just takes a moment of your time. 

If you are too sick to participate fully in session or an emergency arises, please notify me as soon as possible so we can reschedule. I strive to be understanding of genuine emergencies and do not charge for cancellations under these circumstances.
Do you see couples?
I often recommend starting with individual sessions for each partner, and here’s why: many traditional couple sessions can get sidetracked, with each partner focusing on the other’s flaws rather than their own growth. Individual sessions allow us to create personalized goals, focus on your own work, and make meaningful changes from within—the way real, lasting change happens.
For couples, I may suggest weekly 50-minute sessions for each partner initially. An invited partner is welcome to join individual sessions as an emotional support or witness to your process. Once each partner stabilizes emotionally, we can explore switching to every-other-week sessions and/or joint couple sessions. Newlyweds or pre-marital counseling typically start joint sessions sooner, as they often have less relational history to work through.
This approach helps each partner build self-awareness, emotional resilience, and practical skills, which ultimately strengthens the relationship as a whole.
My partner doesn't think we have problems. Do I still come?
your partner isn’t interested in attending therapy, don’t worry—this is very common. They may not see an issue with the relationship, or they might feel anxious about the vulnerability therapy requires. While the stigma around counseling is decreasing, it can still hold some people back from seeking help.
Even if your partner opts out, coming alone is absolutely worthwhile. You can still make meaningful changes within yourself and your relationship. Often, a partner’s courage and growth inspires one to begin their own therapeutic journey later on.
I AM LDS: WILL YOU BE TALKING WITH MY BISHOP OR MISSION PRESIDENT?
No, I will not contact your bishop or mission president directly. If they reach out for a screening consultation to determine whether we might be a good fit, they will provide you with my contact information and ask that you reach out to me. Once you contact me, your privacy is fully protected—I will no longer communicate with your bishop or president, nor will I confirm whether you have started therapy with me. I maintain this boundary very firmly.
You are welcome to share information about your therapy with others as you choose. If you would like me to share information on your behalf, you may make a written request using my Exchange of Information Form.
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How much does therapy cost?
Session costs depend on the length of your appointment: 50-minute sessions are $170, and 80-minute sessions are $250. I accept credit card payments, securely stored through my online portal.
I am an out-of-network provider for insurance. If you choose to use insurance, a diagnosis will be shared with your provider via a super-bill, which I can provide upon request. It is your responsibility to submit the super-bill for reimbursement. Payment is due in full at the end of each session.
To help plan your budget, please see the Good Faith Estimate under Client Forms.
Do you accept insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider for all insurance. This allows me to offer highly confidential treatment, minimize paperwork, and devote more time and attention to you. By not relying on insurance, we can focus on your unique situation rather than assigning a label that may feel limiting or inappropriate.
If you choose to use your insurance, I can provide a super-bill for you to submit. It is your responsibility to coordinate any reimbursement with your insurance company.
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  • Home
  • About
  • Services
    • Teens & College Students
    • Latter-Day Saints
    • Individuals
    • Parents
  • Rates
  • What to Expect
  • Client Forms
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Contact