Frequently Asked Questions

Do you Only See LGBTQIA People?

We see everyone! Straight/Heterosexual and Cisgender (non trans) people are very welcome. Most of our therapists have worked in general mental health clinics/practices where they saw a variety of clients and issues--our therapists are "generalists" which mean they treat general mental health issues in addition to the specialized work they do.

Do you have lower fees?

Currently all low fee slots are full. Each clinician is able to offer 15% of their time as lower fee. At least 20% of mentorship, supervision and consultation for therapists is offered is at a lower fee, which includes group.

Where else can I see a lower fee therapy in California?

In the Bay Area, for queer and trans competent therapists, try The Pacific Center(LGBT), The Liberation Institute (LGBT). In Concord try The Rainbow Community Center (LGBT), and associates in private practices listed on Gaylesta.org. For general SF Bay Area therapy try: Open Counseling, Blue Oak Therapy Center, The Psychotherapy Institute Community Clinic, The Wright Institute Clinics, and CIIS Church Street Clinic.

In Los Angeles county for LGBT therapy you can check out the L.A. LGBT Center. For general psychotherapy see 2019 handout from UCLA with sliding scale therapy options, and The Wright Institute.

In Sacramento consider Open Path Collective for general mental healthcare and the LGBT Center's therapists.

Do you take insurance?

We take two employee assistance plans, Corporate Counseling Associates (CCA) and Lyra Health. We also can provide services if you have PPO insurance, which allows you to see out-of-network providers. If you use a PPO plan, your full fee is due at the time the service. After a month we will send you a special receipt called a "Superbill" which you submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

What is the current wait to get in to see a therapist?

Currently the wait is approximately 1-3 weeks.

Do you only see people weekly?

We tailor therapy to your mental health needs and your finances. Some clients come in weekly and others, every other week.

What forms of payment can I use?

When you register as a new client, we ask that you put a debit/credit card on file in our practice management system for billing. You can also use your HSA/FSA card. You can arrange with your therapist to pay by check or money order if needed. Venmo and Zelle are not accepted due HIPAA regulations.

Do you take FSA or HSA payments?

Yes! You can use a healthcare savings account (HSA/FSA) to pay for sessions, which mean your therapy is paid with pre-tax dollars, saving you money.

What is a "Good Faith Estimate"

Generally when your therapist tells you how much you will be paying out-of-pocket, and you decide on how many times a month you will be attending, you can easily estimate how much therapy will cost. Not so with other medical providers, when there are sometimes hidden fees and charges. However, therapists too must give you a good faith estimate each year based on the 2022 "No Surprises Act" Learn more here

When are you hiring?

Great question. Authentic Alliance opened in January of 2024 and is creating a solid structure to hire employees, including associates, within the next year. If you feel you would be a good fit, there is more info on how to contact us here.