How do I know if therapy is right for me?

The process of finding the right therapist can be very difficult and it is important that you feel well matched with your therapists training, experience, and comfortable in the room with them. To help get to know us better, set up a free 30-minute consultation to see if working together makes sense for you.

How can talk therapy help me?

Talk therapy can be beneficial for most individuals and couples. It is a transformative process that can help you identify problematic thought patterns, ways of relating to yourself and others. Talk therapy can improve your self-esteem, your relationships and your general outlook on life.

What should I expect from each therapy session?

Therapy sessions are different for each client, and should meet your specific needs in that moment in time. From sessions to session themes will be more deeply understood and patterns identified in order to connect with yourself more deeply and create lasting change.

How long are your sessions?

Sessions are 50-minutes. Client’s should expect to come to therapy sessions weekly. Weekly sessions allow the client and therapist to connect more deeply in order to fully address your challenges. The frequency of the sessions allow the therapist and client to explore the root of your concerns.

How often do we meet?

Sessions are held at least once weekly. That cadence may increase depending on your specific needs and goals in treatment. This is a discussion you will have with the therapist to see what is the best fit for you.

How long should I expect to be in therapy?

The course of therapy varies for each client. Therapy can be provided on a short-term basis where the focus is on managing and changing one specific challenge or concern. Or therapy can be viewed as a long-term commitment in order to heal deeper wounds and make lasting change for more global and general difficulties.

Are you currently meeting with clients in person?

Due to COVID-19 Summit Psychology is currently seeing all clients remotely on a HIPAA compliant platform. Summit Psychology therapists will soon be seeing clients in person in Santa Monica.

What is your cancellation policy?

Summit’s current policy is 48-hours notice prior to your appointment. If not, you will be charged in full for your missed appointment.

What’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

In California psychologists cannot prescribe medication, psychiatrists can prescribe medication. Currently, we do not offer medication management and prescription services, we work with many highly skilled and trained psychiatrists and can coordinate care between providers.

Can we work together if I don’t live in Los Angeles?

Summit Psychology therapists sees clients all-over California via telehealth. Dr. Branda is also licensed in Illinois and sees clients who reside there as well and provides telehealth to individuals and couples in both states.

I feel like we are a fit, what do I do next?

Let’s chat, book a free 30-minute consultation so that we can discuss further what therapy will look like together. We look forward to hearing from you.

I don’t feel like we are a fit, what do I do next?

Fit is imperative to the success of therapy. We recommend you go to a psychologist directory such as, PsychologyToday, to find a therapist that meets your needs. There are many good therapists in the area, and hopefully you can find someone to get the support you need.