Ask all of the questions
FAQs
What is mental health therapy?
Everyone can feel anxious or depressed, but when these feelings result in behaviors that interfere with relationships, school, or work, it helps to talk to a professional - one who has the knowledge and experience to equip you with the tools you need so that you can feel calm, have positive relationships, and meet your academic or professional goals.
How do I pay Jessica?
Thanks for asking! Payment is due immediately at the time of service through the Client portal in Octave or Simple Practice. I will provide relevant links as needed.
What if something isn’t working?
You will be treated with respect and receive positive, strength based help. You are strongly encouraged to voice concerns, ask questions, and make comments. I want to know what works for you. We can problem solve together! You also have the right to terminate services at any time.
What insurances are accepted?
I accept Blue Shield of California, Aetna, Centivo, Anthem Blue Cross of CA, Out-of-State BlueCard PPO, Cigna Healthcare/Evernorth through Octave.
Octave clients can only meet virtually or at Octave’s office near Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA.
Check my availability here: https://www.findoctave.com/therapist/1487198651/jessica-goodman
I have a few spots for reduced fees. Just ask!
Everyone deserves quality services and I can provide referrals if needed.
What is my co-pay?
Unfortunately, I don't know what your co-pay would be. It depends on your insurance policy. Some ways to find out: (1) check your policy documents or (2) call your insurance. (3) Sometimes the co-pay amount is on the insurance card. Also, (4) when you sign up through Octave, they run an insurance check and they can tell you the co-pay. There's a cost estimator here: https://www.findoctave.com/insurance#cost-calculator
What is your cancellation policy?
I respect your time and ask that you do the same. Please let me know as soon as possible if you cannot attend a session. If you do not attend a session and have not notified me at least 24 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session. Octave’s cancellation policy is here.
What is Managing & Adapting Practice?
MAP is a set of tools that a clinician learns to use to help children and teenagers who are experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and disruptive behaviors. Addressing anxiety can mean creating a fear hierarchy and climbing it together. Addressing depression can mean identifying negative self thoughts and finding more realistic thoughts. Addressing trauma can mean learning relaxation techniques so that you can finally tell your story.
Learn more
Can we do ecotherapy?
Yes, this is an option for self-pay clients (clients who don’t use insurance).
What is ecotherapy?
In a nutshell, it’s using nature to heal emotionally. We could meet outside!
Inside, it might mean Incorporating nature into treatment with visualizations, activities, or thought examples based on nature. For example, if talking about an unhealthy relationship feels too scary, we might use animal analogies to help name thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Do you use AI?
No, I do not record sessions virtually or in-person. Legally and ethically, I am required to keep a record of sessions and treatment plans, so I type up my own brief notes and reports. My role is to remain HIPAA compliant so that you feel comfortable talking and can get to where you want to go.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
The premise of this type of therapy is that thoughts, feelings, and actions are related. You change one and you change the rest. It takes a lot time and practice, but with some support, you can change how you see things and subsequently, see changes in other parts of your life. Learn more
What kinds of topics can we address together?
anxiety or depression about a transition
processing trauma
listening to your feelings
building social skills
grief & loss
building new patterns of healthy relationships
perfectionism, people pleasing, and burn out
Life impacts people in different ways and getting back to socializing can be hard. A school aged child might be adjusting to going back to school after illness. A young adult might be feeling depressed about relationships or transitioning from college to working full-time. A parent might be questioning their intergenerational patterns of behavior and figuring out how they want to parent. Maybe you experienced trauma and feel scared to try new things or form new relationships.
How do we get started?
Please email me to schedule a free 20 minute consultation! Consultations are a great way to meet a therapist before you get started and to get a sense of a therapist’s style. You can ask questions. I'll ask a bit more about you too.
It’s ok to make mistakes. We all make mistakes. They are opportunities to learn and grow. You got this!
