FAQs

SSPN’s psychiatric and therapy services are available remotely in California.

To Get Started:

• Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation with SSPN’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to ensure that we’re the right fit for your care. This call is a chance to ask questions and explore how we can support your mental health journey.
• If you decide to move forward after the consultation, we’ll help you book your initial visit. This first session is where we’ll begin a psychiatric evaluation to create a personalized care plan.
• At the end of each session, your provider will talk with you about next steps and recommend follow-up care based on your progress and needs. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Patients under the age of 18 (minors) who are not emancipated require parental consent to begin mental health treatment and/or counseling. Parental consent must come from the parent(s) or guardian(s) with legal custody. If the parents are divorced, SSPN will require a copy of current custody orders prior to the first visit.

Information discussed during sessions with minors is confidential. However, parents or legal guardians who provide authorization for their child’s treatment are often involved in their plan of care. The SSPN provider will discuss the minor’s treatment progress with the parent or legal guardian unless the provider determines, after consulting with the minor, that involvement would be inappropriate.

Effective July 1, 2024, in California, a minor who is 12 years of age or older may consent to mental health treatment or counseling services if the minor is mature enough to participate intelligently in the outpatient services or counseling services. Minors cannot self-consent to inpatient psychiatric care (hospitalization), convulsive therapy, psychosurgery, or psychotropic medication, as defined under the Family Code 6924. Minor patients and their parents are encouraged to ask the SSPN provider any questions they may have regarding these policies.

AB 665 (Carrillo, Chapter 338, Statutes of 2023)
FAQ - Minor Consent for Mental Health Care — Implementing Assembly Bill 665

Confidentiality is one of the most essential elements of the therapeutic relationship between a client and mental health provider. Successful therapy relies on a high level of trust, as clients often share deeply personal and sensitive information. Every patient will be provided with a written copy of the confidentiality agreement. This document explains your rights as a client, including how your information is protected. You can expect that what is discussed in your sessions will remain confidential. There may be times when you wish your therapist to share information with another member of your healthcare or support team. In such cases, your provider cannot release any information without your written permission, as required by law. State law and professional ethics require providers to report the following situations to authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources:

• Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders.
• If the provider has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.
• In certain legal situations in which the mental health provider is subpoenaed and called to testify in a court of law.

Both Psychiatry and Therapy focus on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, but they differ in their approach and scope.

Psychiatry is a medical discipline in which licensed psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners diagnose mental health disorders, prescribe medications, and manage overall treatment plans. Their primary focus is on symptom stabilization and medication management.

Therapy, or counseling, involves working with a trained mental health professional to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This process helps address the underlying causes of distress, improve coping strategies, and support lasting personal growth. While medication can effectively manage symptoms, sustainable improvement is often achieved through an integrative approach that includes both therapy and medication. Collaboration between psychiatric and therapeutic providers can ensure comprehensive and effective care tailored to each individual’s needs.

Mental health conditions can be complex, and finding the right treatment regimen for you can take time and collaboration. When starting a new medication or adjusting the dosage, we require more frequent follow-ups. This helps us closely monitor your response and make sure the treatment is working effectively and safely.

Therapy provides support, problem-solving skills, and effective coping strategies for challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, stress, and personal growth. A therapist can offer new perspectives, help you develop practical tools for daily life, and guide you toward lasting change. Benefits of therapy may include:

• Improved emotional well-being and resilience.
• Healthier relationships and communication.
• Greater self-awareness and confidence.
• Enhanced ability to manage stress and make decisions.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

To determine whether your insurance plan includes mental health benefits, contact your insurance provider directly. Review your coverage carefully and consider asking the following questions: Do I have mental health or behavioral health benefits? What is my copay or coinsurance per session? What is my deductible, and has it been met? How many therapy sessions are covered per year? Do I need prior authorization or a referral from my primary care physician? Are telehealth or virtual therapy sessions covered? Is my therapist in-network, or do I have out-of-network benefits? Do I have mental health or behavioral health benefits?What is my copay or coinsurance per session? What is my deductible, and has it been met? How many therapy sessions are covered per year? Do I need prior authorization or a referral from my primary care physician? Are telehealth or virtual therapy sessions covered? Is my therapist in-network, or do I have out-of-network benefits? Do I have mental health or behavioral health benefits? What is my copay or coinsurance per session? What is my deductible, and has it been met? How many therapy sessions are covered per year? Do I need prior authorization or a referral from my primary care physician? Are telehealth or virtual therapy sessions covered? Is my therapist in-network, or do I have out-of-network benefits?

• What are my mental health benefits?
• What is my deductible, and has it been met?
• What is the coverage amount per psychiatric or therapy session? What is my co-pay?
• How many psychiatric or therapy sessions does my plan cover?
• Does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
• Are telehealth or virtual therapy sessions covered?
• Is a referral or approval required from my primary care physician?