Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an appointment with a psychologist?
New and existing clients can use the Client Portal to request appointments based on our availability. In addition, new clients can reach out to schedule an appointment through the contact form found on our Contact Page. Telephone is another way to get in touch with us to schedule appointments. We are happy to provide a complimentary phone consultation to determine if we would be a good fit.
How long is each visit?
Appointments are typically 50-minutes. For some treatment approaches, we will have longer treatment sessions of 90-minutes.
How will my health information be used or disclosed?
Please check out our Notice of Privacy Policies here.
What if I’m not sure what kind of help I need?
We often know we are struggling, without knowing what kind of help we need. Our initial appointments are designed for us to get to know each other better and to evaluate your needs. Together we will decide what kind of approach would be most helpful for what you are struggling with.
Do you treat children?
We do not treat children or adolescents at Grounded Therapy.
Do you take insurance?
Depending on your insurance plan, you might be able to see us as out-of-network providers. Many PPO insurances will reimburse a portion of the cost of an out-of-network provider. You would pay for your session in full at the time of service. Then we will provide you with a superbill (an itemized statement) that you submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. If you are interested in using PPO insurance, we recommend you contact your insurance company directly to ask about their out-of-network behavioral health care policies. You might ask (1) what your deductible is and has it been met, (2) what percentage of behavioral health services they will reimburse you, and (3) how sessions per year does my insurance cover.
What should I expect during my initial visit?
Our first few sessions will involve an evaluation of your needs. During this time, we can both decide if we are the best people to help you meet your goals. By the end of the evaluation, we will offer some first impressions of what our work will include and a treatment plan to follow should you decide to continue.
What is my responsibility in therapy?
We view therapy as a partnership between us. You define the areas to be worked on; We use my specialized knowledge to help you build a meaningful life where you can do what matters to you. Psychotherapy is not like visiting a medical doctor for a shot. Instead, it calls for a very active effort on your part. In order for the therapy to be most successful, you will have to work on things we talk about both during our sessions and at home. From time to time, we will look together at our progress and change course if necessary to meet your goals.
What does it cost to see a therapist?
For individual therapy, the cost is
For folks using insurance, your cost will vary by your insurance policy (e.g., services may be completely covered, may pay a copay). We accept payment by check or credit card.
As of January 1st, 2022, all patients seeking medical services with an out-of-network provider have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.
What is telehealth?
Telehealth is provision of therapy remotely through telecommunications (e.g., video, phone). Telehealth allows us to connect anywhere with secure and convenient appointments that save you time and hassle. There is no need to deal with traffic when you can schedule and attend appointments directly from a laptop or mobile device. Telehealth session are private, confidential, and covered by most insurances. Furthermore, therapy provided by telehealth has been found to be as effective as in-person therapy.
Dr. Bonds, Dr. Brew, Dr. Costanzo, Dr. Reding, and Dr. Sanders are licensed in California. We are able to see anyone in California (e.g., you could live in San Francisco, while we are in San Diego). We are not able to see clients who reside out of the state of California. Dr. Reding is licensed in Minnesota and is able to see anyone residing in Minnesota. Dr. Sanders is licensed in Utah and is able to see anyone residing in Utah.
How does telehealth work?
For secure, HIPAA-compliant video, we use Zoom. It allows you to meet with us on-the-go from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device - it's your choice! Each provider has their own virtual waiting room. When you schedule an appointment, you will receive link to your provider's virtual waiting room. It will be the same link each week. You will be prompted to download Zoom when you select the link, if you don't already have the Zoom application installed. During the appointment, you will need to find a quiet, private space that is free of disruptions.
When will you go back to seeing folks in-person?
Based on public health recommendations, all services will be exclusively online until further notice. We are continually assessing what is in the best interests of our clients and psychologists, and will notify current and prospective clients of their option to continue meeting via telehealth or meet in-person once that becomes an option. We will continue to offer telehealth services even when we return to in-person.
What if I can't attend my appointment?
We totally understand that things come up! You can cancel upcoming appointments through the Client Portal. You can also call us to let us know you can't make it. Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If you are unable to cancel with 24 hour notice, you will be charged our full fee for the appointment. Insurance will not cover this charge.
How do I obtain my therapy notes or documentation?
We document our meetings with you. You can obtain your notes at any time, just request to review your record. We can provide you with a copy of your record (through the Client Portal or by mail). Then you will have to assume the risk of loss of confidentiality when you receive and store your copy of the record. If we believe it might be in some way harmful for you to review your records, we may suggest we review them together or we may provide you with a treatment summary in place of the entire record.
How do I bring up a complaint?
Problems can arise in a therapy relationship, just as in any other relationship. If you are not satisfied, please raise your concerns with your provider as soon as possible. Our providers will make every effort to hear any feedback you have and to seek resolution. If you feel that your provider (or any therapist) has treated you unfairly or has broken a professional rule, please tell your provider. You can also contact the state licensing board, which receives and responds to questions and complaints regarding the practice of psychology.
Notice to Consumers: The Department of Consumer Affairs' Board of Psychology receives and responds to questions and complaints regarding the practice of psychology. If you have questions or complaints you may contact the Board on the internet at www.psychology.ca.gov, by emailing bopmail@dca.ca.gov, calling 1-866-503-3221 or writing to the following address:
Board of Psychology
1625 North Market Blvd, Suite N-215,
Sacramento, CA 95834
1-866-503-3221
bopmail@dca.ca.gov
How do I get in touch?
New clients can use the contact form found on our Contact Page. Existing clients can message us securely through the Client Portal. Once logged in to client portal, please select the speech bubble at the top right toolbar to access messaging. Telephone is also a great way to get in touch with us, (858) 208-0380.
In an emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or the San Diego Access and Crisis Line at 1-888-724-7240.
New and existing clients can use the Client Portal to request appointments based on our availability. In addition, new clients can reach out to schedule an appointment through the contact form found on our Contact Page. Telephone is another way to get in touch with us to schedule appointments. We are happy to provide a complimentary phone consultation to determine if we would be a good fit.
How long is each visit?
Appointments are typically 50-minutes. For some treatment approaches, we will have longer treatment sessions of 90-minutes.
How will my health information be used or disclosed?
Please check out our Notice of Privacy Policies here.
What if I’m not sure what kind of help I need?
We often know we are struggling, without knowing what kind of help we need. Our initial appointments are designed for us to get to know each other better and to evaluate your needs. Together we will decide what kind of approach would be most helpful for what you are struggling with.
Do you treat children?
We do not treat children or adolescents at Grounded Therapy.
Do you take insurance?
- Dr. Bonds accepts Aetna, Cigna, Lyra, Optum, Cigna Medicare Advantage, and UHC. She also sees folks as an out-of-network provider.
- Dr. Brew accepts Aetna, Cigna, Lyra, Optum, Cigna Medicare Advantage, and UHC. They also see folks as an out-of-network provider.
- Dr. Reding accepts Aetna, Cigna, Lyra, Optum, Cigna Medicare Advantage, and UHC. He also sees folks as an out-of-network provider.
- Dr. Sanders accepts Aetna, Cigna, Lyra, Optum, Cigna Medicare Advantage, and UHC. She also sees folks an out-of-network provider.
- Dr. Costanzo accepts Aetna, Cigna, Optum, Cigna Medicare Advantage, and UHC. She also sees folks as an out-of-network provider.
- Dr. Graham accepts Cigna and Cigna Medicare Advantage. They also sees folks as an out-of-network provider.
Depending on your insurance plan, you might be able to see us as out-of-network providers. Many PPO insurances will reimburse a portion of the cost of an out-of-network provider. You would pay for your session in full at the time of service. Then we will provide you with a superbill (an itemized statement) that you submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. If you are interested in using PPO insurance, we recommend you contact your insurance company directly to ask about their out-of-network behavioral health care policies. You might ask (1) what your deductible is and has it been met, (2) what percentage of behavioral health services they will reimburse you, and (3) how sessions per year does my insurance cover.
- To determine whether you qualify for services through Lyra, please call 1-877-505-7147 or visit your portal at care.lyrahealth.com/
- To determine whether you qualify for services through Cigna, please visit your portal at my.cigna.com/web/public/guest
What should I expect during my initial visit?
Our first few sessions will involve an evaluation of your needs. During this time, we can both decide if we are the best people to help you meet your goals. By the end of the evaluation, we will offer some first impressions of what our work will include and a treatment plan to follow should you decide to continue.
What is my responsibility in therapy?
We view therapy as a partnership between us. You define the areas to be worked on; We use my specialized knowledge to help you build a meaningful life where you can do what matters to you. Psychotherapy is not like visiting a medical doctor for a shot. Instead, it calls for a very active effort on your part. In order for the therapy to be most successful, you will have to work on things we talk about both during our sessions and at home. From time to time, we will look together at our progress and change course if necessary to meet your goals.
What does it cost to see a therapist?
For individual therapy, the cost is
- 50-minute session is $200
- 90-minute session is $300
- 50-minute session is $230
- 90-minute session is $345
For folks using insurance, your cost will vary by your insurance policy (e.g., services may be completely covered, may pay a copay). We accept payment by check or credit card.
As of January 1st, 2022, all patients seeking medical services with an out-of-network provider have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.
What is telehealth?
Telehealth is provision of therapy remotely through telecommunications (e.g., video, phone). Telehealth allows us to connect anywhere with secure and convenient appointments that save you time and hassle. There is no need to deal with traffic when you can schedule and attend appointments directly from a laptop or mobile device. Telehealth session are private, confidential, and covered by most insurances. Furthermore, therapy provided by telehealth has been found to be as effective as in-person therapy.
Dr. Bonds, Dr. Brew, Dr. Costanzo, Dr. Reding, and Dr. Sanders are licensed in California. We are able to see anyone in California (e.g., you could live in San Francisco, while we are in San Diego). We are not able to see clients who reside out of the state of California. Dr. Reding is licensed in Minnesota and is able to see anyone residing in Minnesota. Dr. Sanders is licensed in Utah and is able to see anyone residing in Utah.
How does telehealth work?
For secure, HIPAA-compliant video, we use Zoom. It allows you to meet with us on-the-go from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device - it's your choice! Each provider has their own virtual waiting room. When you schedule an appointment, you will receive link to your provider's virtual waiting room. It will be the same link each week. You will be prompted to download Zoom when you select the link, if you don't already have the Zoom application installed. During the appointment, you will need to find a quiet, private space that is free of disruptions.
When will you go back to seeing folks in-person?
Based on public health recommendations, all services will be exclusively online until further notice. We are continually assessing what is in the best interests of our clients and psychologists, and will notify current and prospective clients of their option to continue meeting via telehealth or meet in-person once that becomes an option. We will continue to offer telehealth services even when we return to in-person.
What if I can't attend my appointment?
We totally understand that things come up! You can cancel upcoming appointments through the Client Portal. You can also call us to let us know you can't make it. Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If you are unable to cancel with 24 hour notice, you will be charged our full fee for the appointment. Insurance will not cover this charge.
How do I obtain my therapy notes or documentation?
We document our meetings with you. You can obtain your notes at any time, just request to review your record. We can provide you with a copy of your record (through the Client Portal or by mail). Then you will have to assume the risk of loss of confidentiality when you receive and store your copy of the record. If we believe it might be in some way harmful for you to review your records, we may suggest we review them together or we may provide you with a treatment summary in place of the entire record.
How do I bring up a complaint?
Problems can arise in a therapy relationship, just as in any other relationship. If you are not satisfied, please raise your concerns with your provider as soon as possible. Our providers will make every effort to hear any feedback you have and to seek resolution. If you feel that your provider (or any therapist) has treated you unfairly or has broken a professional rule, please tell your provider. You can also contact the state licensing board, which receives and responds to questions and complaints regarding the practice of psychology.
Notice to Consumers: The Department of Consumer Affairs' Board of Psychology receives and responds to questions and complaints regarding the practice of psychology. If you have questions or complaints you may contact the Board on the internet at www.psychology.ca.gov, by emailing bopmail@dca.ca.gov, calling 1-866-503-3221 or writing to the following address:
Board of Psychology
1625 North Market Blvd, Suite N-215,
Sacramento, CA 95834
1-866-503-3221
bopmail@dca.ca.gov
How do I get in touch?
New clients can use the contact form found on our Contact Page. Existing clients can message us securely through the Client Portal. Once logged in to client portal, please select the speech bubble at the top right toolbar to access messaging. Telephone is also a great way to get in touch with us, (858) 208-0380.
In an emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or the San Diego Access and Crisis Line at 1-888-724-7240.
