Frequently Asked Questions
What services do you offer?
I offer individual and couples counseling. I see both adults and teenagers (ages 18+) in my practice. Sessions can be conducted in person, online, or via telephone.
Where are you located?
My office is located in the Los Feliz/Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. I also provide online sessions to clients located anywhere in California.
Do you take insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider and do not accept insurance. However, many of my clients find that their insurance will cover some of the cost for out-of-network sessions. If you have a PPO type plan, I am happy to provide you with a superbill that you can present to your insurance for possible reimbursement. If you would like to submit a claim and seek partial reimbursement from your insurance company, I advise you to call your insurance carrier ahead of your first therapy session and ask:
If your insurance company will accept superbills from out-of-network providers
How much your insurance company will reimburse for sessions
If you have a deductible you must meet before being reimbursed
If there is a limit on the amount of sessions or amount that is covered
Do I need to come to therapy every week?
I have clients that attend therapy weekly as well as clients that attend every-other-week. I am happy to consult with you about your specific needs.
How much do sessions cost?
I charge $220/session for a 50-minute individual session and $250/session for a 50 minute couples session.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
I offer a limited number of sliding scale spots in my practice, based on need. If my sliding scale slots are full, I am happy to recommend organizations and other providers that provide sliding scale services.
*Update: Please note that my sliding scale spots are currently full.
How long are sessions?
Sessions are typically 50 minutes long.
I am able to offer 75 minute sessions (if desired) for couples therapy or EMDR sessions.
Please inquire for information and fees for longer EMDR intensives.
I see that you are a trauma specialist. Do you only do trauma therapy?
No. While I have special expertise in trauma therapy, I see clients from all walks of life!
Do you treat children?
I do not treat young children, but I do work with teenagers (ages 18+).
Are there any clients you do NOT work with?
I do not work with families and typically I do not work with clients under the age of 18. I do not provide treatment for eating disorders, substance use disorders, or psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, etc.). Due to state licensing laws, I can only provide therapy to residents of California.
How do I schedule an appointment?
If you are interested in becoming a client, I am happy to schedule a free, 15 minute phone consultation in order to fully discuss your needs, answer any questions you may have, and determine the appropriate next steps.
Please email me at lauren@laurenmaher.com or call me at (323) 438-9972.
What is a “Good Faith Estimate” under the No Suprises Act?
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.
Under the law, commonly known as the No Surprises Act, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. It is recommended that once you receive your good faith estimate you keep a copy for your records or take a picture for future reference. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call HHS at 1-800-985-3059.