Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know About Therapy at Sentio Counseling Center
About Sentio Counseling Center
What is Sentio Counseling Center?
Sentio Counseling Center is a California nonprofit organization providing affordable online therapy to individuals, couples, and families throughout the state. We operate on a sliding scale fee model with sessions starting as low as $15, making quality mental health care accessible regardless of income. Our mission is to remove financial barriers that prevent people from getting the support they need.
Is Sentio Counseling Center a legitimate nonprofit?
Yes. Sentio Counseling Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Unlike for profit therapy practices, our priority is community access rather than revenue. Our nonprofit status allows us to offer some of the lowest therapy rates in California while maintaining high quality clinical care.
Where is Sentio Counseling Center located?
Sentio Counseling Center is based in Los Angeles, California, but we provide online therapy to clients anywhere in California. Because all of our services are delivered through secure telehealth, you can access therapy from any city or town in the state, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Fresno, Oakland, Long Beach, Bakersfield, Riverside, and rural communities.
How long has Sentio Counseling Center been operating?
Sentio Counseling Center was founded in 2020 and has provided thousands of therapy sessions to Californians seeking affordable mental health support. We are affiliated with Sentio University, a nonprofit graduate institution training the next generation of marriage and family therapists.
Sliding Scale Fees and Costs
What is sliding scale therapy?
Sliding scale therapy is a fee structure that adjusts the cost of sessions based on your ability to pay. Rather than a fixed rate, you pay what you can reasonably afford within a set range. This model ensures that therapy remains accessible to people at all income levels, from those experiencing financial hardship to those with stable incomes who want to support our nonprofit mission.
How much does therapy cost at Sentio?
Our sliding scale ranges from $15 to $91 per session. Most clients pay somewhere in between based on their financial circumstances. Our $15 minimum is among the lowest available from any therapy provider in California.
How do you determine my sliding scale fee?
When you contact us, we will have a brief conversation about your financial situation. We consider factors like household income, number of dependents, major expenses, debt, and current financial pressures. You tell us what you can sustainably afford, and we work together to find a fee that fits. The process is simple, nonjudgmental, and confidential.
Do I need to prove my income or show pay stubs?
No. We operate on an honor system. You know your financial situation better than anyone, and we trust your assessment. We do not require tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, or any other documentation.
Can I really get therapy for $15 per session?
Yes. Our $15 minimum sliding scale rate is real and available to clients who genuinely need it. As a nonprofit, we are committed to serving people who cannot afford standard therapy rates. If $15 is what you can afford, that is what you will pay.
What if I can only afford $15 but feel embarrassed asking for the lowest rate?
Please do not feel embarrassed. Our sliding scale exists specifically so that cost never prevents someone from getting help. Many of our clients pay at the lower end of our range, and they receive the exact same quality of care as everyone else. Your fee has no impact on the attention, skill, or commitment your therapist brings to your sessions.
What if my financial situation changes during therapy?
We can adjust your sliding scale fee at any time. If you lose your job, face unexpected expenses, or experience any change in your financial circumstances, simply let us know. Conversely, if your situation improves and you want to pay more to support our mission, we welcome that as well. Therapy should adapt to your life, not the other way around.
Are there any hidden fees or additional costs?
No. The sliding scale fee you agree to is the only cost for your therapy sessions. There are no intake fees, administrative charges, or surprise costs. If you need documentation like a superbill for insurance reimbursement, we provide that at no additional charge.
How does Sentio afford to offer such low rates?
As a nonprofit organization, we reinvest all revenue into our mission rather than distributing profits. We also benefit from our affiliation with Sentio University, which allows us to provide training opportunities for graduate students under professional supervision. This model keeps our costs low while maintaining quality care.
Online Therapy and Telehealth
Do you offer in person therapy?
No. Sentio Counseling Center provides online therapy exclusively. All sessions take place through secure video conferencing, allowing us to serve clients throughout California regardless of location.
Is online therapy as effective as in person therapy?
Yes. Extensive research shows that online therapy is equally effective as in person therapy for most mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and stress. Many clients actually prefer online therapy because of its convenience and comfort.
What do I need for online therapy sessions?
You need a device with a camera and microphone (smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer), a stable internet connection, and a private space where you can speak freely without being overheard. That is all.
What platform do you use for online sessions?
We use a HIPAA compliant telehealth platform that protects your privacy and confidentiality. You will receive a secure link before each session. No special software download is required.
Can I do therapy from my car or another non traditional location?
Yes, as long as you have privacy and a stable internet connection. Many clients attend sessions from parked cars, private offices, or other spaces where they feel comfortable speaking openly.
What if I have technical problems during a session?
Technical issues happen occasionally. If you get disconnected, simply rejoin using the same link. If problems persist, your therapist will contact you to troubleshoot or reschedule. We never charge for sessions lost to technical difficulties.
I live in a rural area of California. Can I still access your services?
Absolutely. One of the biggest advantages of online therapy is that geography does not matter. Whether you live in a major city or a remote rural community, you can access the same quality care. Many of our clients come from areas with limited local mental health resources.
Getting Started
How do I schedule my first appointment?
Start by completing our brief online intake form on our website. Our team will contact you within one to two business days to discuss your needs, determine your sliding scale fee, and match you with an appropriate therapist. Most clients begin therapy within one to two weeks.
What happens after I submit the intake form?
A member of our team will reach out by phone or email to have a short conversation. We will ask about what brings you to therapy, your scheduling preferences, any therapist preferences you have (such as language or specialty), and your financial situation for sliding scale purposes. Then we will match you with a therapist and help you schedule your first session.
How long does it take to get matched with a therapist?
Most clients are matched within a few days of their initial conversation with our team. First sessions typically occur within one to two weeks of submitting the intake form, depending on your availability and therapist schedules.
Can I request a specific type of therapist?
Yes. You can request a therapist based on gender, language, cultural background, areas of specialty, or therapeutic approach. We do our best to accommodate preferences, though availability may vary.
What if I do not connect well with my assigned therapist?
Therapy works best when you feel comfortable with your therapist. If the match does not feel right for any reason, let us know and we will help you transition to a different clinician. This is common and completely acceptable.
What to Expect in Therapy
What happens in the first therapy session?
Your first session is primarily about getting to know each other. Your therapist will ask about what brought you to therapy, your background, your goals, and what you hope to gain from the process. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of how therapy with this person might feel. There is no pressure to share anything you are not ready to discuss.
How long are therapy sessions?
Standard sessions are 50 minutes. This is the typical length for individual, couples, and family therapy across the mental health field.
How often will I need to attend therapy?
Most clients begin with weekly sessions. As you progress, you and your therapist may decide to meet less frequently, such as every other week or monthly. Session frequency is flexible and based on your needs and goals.
How long does therapy usually last?
There is no standard length. Some clients find significant relief in just a few sessions. Others benefit from longer term support spanning months or even years. You are always in control of how long you continue, and your therapist will help you evaluate progress along the way.
What therapy approaches do your clinicians use?
Our therapists are trained in a variety of evidence based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotion focused therapy, attachment based therapy, trauma informed care, and other modalities. Your therapist will tailor their approach to your specific concerns and goals.
Is everything I say in therapy confidential?
Yes, with limited exceptions required by law. Therapists must break confidentiality if there is imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected child abuse or elder abuse, or a court order. Outside of these situations, what you share stays between you and your therapist.
Insurance and Payment
Do you accept health insurance?
Sentio Counseling Center is a private pay practice. We do not bill insurance companies directly. However, our sliding scale fees are often comparable to or lower than insurance copays, making therapy affordable even without insurance coverage.
Can I get reimbursed by my insurance?
Possibly. Many insurance plans offer out of network benefits that reimburse a portion of therapy costs. We provide superbills (detailed receipts) that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Contact your insurance provider to ask about your out of network mental health benefits.
What is a superbill?
A superbill is a receipt that includes all the information insurance companies need to process an out of network claim: provider information, diagnosis codes, procedure codes, dates of service, and amounts paid. We provide superbills at no extra charge upon request.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit cards, debit cards, and HSA/FSA cards. Payment is collected at the time of each session through our secure client portal.
Do you offer free therapy?
Our lowest sliding scale rate is $15 per session. While we cannot offer completely free services, this rate is designed to be accessible even for clients with very limited financial resources.
Language Services
Do you offer therapy in languages other than English?
Yes. We provide therapy in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. Having access to a therapist who speaks your preferred language can make a significant difference in the depth and effectiveness of your therapy experience.
How do I request a Spanish speaking therapist?
Simply note your preference for Spanish language therapy on the intake form, or mention it when our team contacts you. We will match you with a bilingual clinician who provides therapy in Spanish.
How do I request a Mandarin speaking therapist?
Indicate your preference for Mandarin Chinese therapy on the intake form or during your initial conversation with our team. We have clinicians available who provide therapy in Mandarin.
Is bilingual therapy more expensive?
No. Our sliding scale applies equally regardless of what language you receive therapy in. Spanish language therapy and Mandarin language therapy cost the same as English language therapy.
Can I switch between languages during sessions?
Yes. Many bilingual clients find it helpful to express certain thoughts or emotions in one language versus another. Your therapist can accommodate fluid language switching if that feels most natural to you.
Services and Specialties
What types of therapy do you offer?
We offer individual and couples therapy. All services are delivered online to clients throughout California.
What issues do your therapists help with?
Our clinicians work with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, relationship problems, communication issues, life transitions, self esteem, identity exploration, family conflict, parenting challenges, work related stress, and personal growth.
Do you offer couples counseling?
Yes. We provide online couples therapy throughout California. Our couples therapists help partners improve communication, resolve conflicts, rebuild trust, navigate difficult transitions, and strengthen their relationship. Couples therapy is also available on our sliding scale.
Do you work with LGBTQ+ clients?
Absolutely. We welcome clients of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Our therapists are trained to provide affirming, culturally responsive care. You can request a therapist with specific experience in LGBTQ+ issues if that is important to you.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. Our clinicians are therapists, not psychiatrists or medical doctors. We do not prescribe medication. If you are interested in medication as part of your treatment, we can help coordinate with a prescribing provider or make referrals.
Do you provide therapy for children or adolescents?
Our primary focus is adults, couples, and families. Please contact us to discuss your specific situation and we can let you know whether we can accommodate your needs or provide appropriate referrals.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Is online therapy private and secure?
Yes. We use HIPAA compliant technology designed specifically for healthcare. Your sessions are encrypted and protected. We take privacy seriously and follow all applicable laws and professional ethics standards.
Will my employer or family know I am in therapy?
Not unless you tell them. We do not contact employers, family members, or anyone else without your written permission. If you pay out of pocket rather than through insurance, there is no record of therapy on any insurance claims.
Do you share information with insurance companies?
Only if you specifically request it by asking for a superbill to submit for out of network reimbursement. We do not bill insurance directly or share information with insurers without your explicit consent.
Cancellation and Scheduling
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and no shows may be subject to a fee. We understand that emergencies happen and handle each situation individually with understanding.
What are your hours of availability?
Our therapists offer sessions throughout the week, including some evening and weekend availability. Specific hours vary by clinician. We will work with you to find appointment times that fit your schedule.
Can I schedule appointments online?
Yes. Once you are established as a client, you can schedule, reschedule, and manage appointments through our secure online client portal.
Still Have Questions?
If you did not find the answer you were looking for, please contact us. We are happy to help.