Do you offer free consultations?

Yes. I offer free, 15-minute phone consultations to answer any questions you may have, briefly discuss treatment, and to learn more about what you are looking for.

What can I expect when beginning therapy?

I see individuals 1-3 times per week for 50-minutes sessions. Each session will be led by you in order for us to focus on what feels important to you. I know that leading sessions may be a daunting task so we will collaborate on what to focus, as needed, especially in the beginning. Therapy is a collaborative process that is based in a genuine relationship between the two of us. We will focus on conscious struggles as well as aspects that may be outside of your awareness. You will find me warm and welcoming in treatment which will help to establish an honest and open space for you to bring your full self into.

Also, I do not assume that each person and I will necessarily be a strong fit for one another. This is why I will approach the first few sessions of treatment with you as a consultation period in order for each of us see how well we work together and get along with one another.

How can I request a new appointment?

Please call or email me to set up a time to talk. You can contact me at:

(510) 982-1819
drmattvan@gmail.com

You can also visit my Contact page to send me an email through this site.

What does therapy cost?

My fee for individual psychotherapy is $180 per session. I offer reduced fee slots on a limited basis and for those seeking treatment more than once per week.

What kind of insurance do you take?

I do not accept insurance but I am willing to provide you with a statement which you may send to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

How do I pick the right therapist?

Finding the right therapist can be a challenging endeavor but is crucial in feeling safe enough in order to focus on the difficult aspects of life that are bringing you to treatment. I suggest talking with me openly about what it is you are looking for in treatment and discuss hesitations in order for us to best address what is most important and gauge our fit with one another.

Will my treatment be kept confidential?

Yes. Everything you say in treatment is confidential. That means that I cannot ethically or legally share any information you provide me without you providing consent. There are a few limits to confidentiality (i.e., emergency situations) that we will discuss.

How long will treatment last?

This is a tough question to answer because each treatment is different and unique to each person. Treatment length depends on many factors, some of which include presenting difficulties, reflective abilities, level of outside support, family history, history of treatment, and frequency of treatment.

As treatment progresses, folks often experience a deepening of the therapeutic relationship and the work that occurs within it. During the course of treatment, longstanding difficulties will become more understood which will give way to new ways of experiencing yourself, others, and your world.

The most important thing to remember is that lasting, meaningful change takes times. It takes an investment of time, energy, and vulnerability in a safe relationship in order to confront and tackle the struggles that you have been facing. You are a complex individual with a long history of experiences. Together, we can unpack all aspects of your experience in order to make way for a more intentional and fulfilling life.