Frequently Asked
Questions

The first step is a free 20-minute phone or video consultation. This is an informal conversation where you can share what's bringing you to therapy, ask any questions you have, and get a sense of whether working together feels like the right fit. There's no pressure and no commitment required. Book your consultation here.

The first session is a clinical intake: an in-depth conversation about your personal history, current challenges, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy. It's also a chance for you to evaluate whether the fit feels right. There's no script, and you're never obligated to share more than you're ready to.

Absolutely. Many of my clients are high-functioning by any external measure. They come to therapy not because something has broken down, but because they want to lead with more clarity, break out of a pattern that's holding them back, or simply invest in their inner life the way they invest in everything else. You don't have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy.

It depends on what you bring and what you want from the work. There is no fixed timeline, and most people find that as one layer resolves, they want to go deeper. The professionals who tend to get the most out of therapy are the ones who stay curious about themselves, not just the ones trying to fix a single problem.

Some clients come in with a specific situation and feel ready to close after several months. Many stay much longer, not because something is wrong, but because they find the space genuinely useful for thinking, growing, and staying grounded through the demands of their lives.

We will talk about your goals from the start and check in as we go. You are never locked in. And there is no finish line you are expected to reach.

Sessions are $500 per 50-minute session for both individual and couples therapy. Diana does not offer sliding scale at this time.

I am an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly. Many clients with PPO plans receive partial reimbursement through their out-of-network mental health benefits. I provide a monthly superbill upon request, which you can submit to your insurance company directly. If you're unsure whether you have out-of-network benefits, call the member services number on your insurance card and ask specifically about outpatient mental health out-of-network coverage.

Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate

Under the No Surprises Act (effective January 1, 2022), you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected costs before starting services with any healthcare provider.

Provider: Diana Chu, LMFT #105546, RDT #659
Service: Individual or couples psychotherapy via telehealth
Session fee: $500 per 50-minute session
Frequency: Typically weekly or biweekly, depending on your needs
Estimated annual cost: $6,500 (weekly, 13 sessions) to $26,000 (weekly, 52 sessions)

This estimate is based on the information available at the time of scheduling. It is not a contract and does not obligate you to a specific number of sessions. Therapy is open-ended and the actual number of sessions will depend on your goals and progress.

If you receive a bill that is $400 or more above this estimate, you have the right to dispute it. For questions about costs before we begin, please email dianachutherapy@gmail.com.

I require 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule a session without charge. Late cancellations and no-shows are charged the full session fee. I understand that emergencies happen please reach out as soon as possible if something unexpected comes up, and we'll work it out.

Sessions are conducted via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. Before each session, you'll receive a link to join. All you need is a private space, a device with a camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection. No special software or downloads are typically required. You join directly from your browser.

I am licensed as an LMFT in California. You must be physically located within California at the time of each session. This is a legal requirement. If you're traveling outside of California, we'd need to reschedule.

For most people and most concerns, yes. Research consistently shows outcomes comparable to in-person sessions. For executives and founders with demanding schedules, telehealth often makes the difference between doing therapy consistently and not doing it at all, and consistency is where the real work happens.

Any device with a camera and microphone laptop, tablet, or phone and a stable internet connection. A private space where you won't be interrupted is more important than any specific technology. I use a HIPAA-compliant platform that works directly in your browser; no app download is required.

Yes. Everything shared in therapy is strictly confidential. The limited exceptions required by law include imminent risk of harm to yourself or another person, child or elder abuse reporting requirements, and valid court orders. I will always discuss these limits of confidentiality with you before we begin. I am fully HIPAA-compliant.

No. Your participation in therapy is entirely private. I do not share any information with employers, colleagues, boards, or anyone else without your explicit written consent. Many of my clients are senior leaders who value this privacy highly. It's a non-negotiable part of how I practice.

I use HIPAA-compliant systems for video sessions, scheduling, and documentation. Your personal health information is never shared with third parties without your consent. You have the right to access your records and request corrections at any time. A full notice of privacy practices will be provided when you begin services.