How is Two Chairs different from seeing a therapist in private practice?

• Same week appointments: Your patient gets seen for a consultation in a timely manner.
• Multi-specialty, evidence-based care: We offer treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions using a number of well-validated therapeutic modalities including CBT, ACT, DBT, and time-limited psychodynamic psychotherapy.
• Personalized matching: After clarifying the patient's clinical needs and preferences in their consultation, we use this data to match them with a therapist on our team best suited to help. This process is facilitated by custom software we’ve developed that allows the consult clinician to filter our team of therapists on the basis of specialization, therapeutic style, and other personal attributes (e.g., gender).
• Insurance support: Navigating mental health insurance benefits can be confusing. Our dedicated team of care coordinators are here to provide on-demand support and help patients clarify and use their out-of-pocket benefits. We also submit all out-of-network claims on the patient’s behalf to their insurance company to ensure they are reimbursed.
• Consult note follow up: After a patient is referred to Two Chairs and seen by a therapist for their first session, we’ll follow up by sending you a consult note with the patient’s updated diagnosis, a treatment plan, and their therapist’s contact information.

Tell me more about your personalized therapist matching process.

Study after study has demonstrated that the most important factor in predicting the efficacy of psychotherapy is the quality of the relationship between patient and therapist. There are many factors that influence a good match, but it’s important that the patient’s preferences are included in the process. The very first session at Two Chairs is a consultation with one of our clinicians to understand the patient’s clinical needs and to help identify what type of therapy is best suited to their personality and preferences. Based on this conversation and other data the patient shares with us, our consult clinician uses custom software we’ve developed to select a therapist on our team who is best suited to work with the patient. The patient receives an email within 24 hours of the consultation with this information and can then schedule their first session with their new therapist. We collect outcomes data through the course of treatment to measure the quality of the therapeutic relationship and ensure a high quality match. If the patient decides that it’s not the right fit, then we can help facilitate a re-match to a different therapist on our team.

How quickly can my patient be seen by a therapist?

The short answer: within days. After you refer a patient to Two Chairs, our care coordination team reaches out that same day to guide them through booking their first consult. We strive to maintain enough consult availability so patients can be seen as quickly as possible.

Can I collaborate on the care of a shared patient?

Absolutely. Many of our patients are referred by a provider who is managing another aspect of their medical care, so we encourage appropriate and timely collaboration with our clinicians to improve the patient’s overall care. After a patient is referred to Two Chairs and seen by a therapist for their first session, we’ll follow up by sending you a consult note with the patient’s updated diagnosis, a treatment plan, and their therapist’s contact information. To get in touch with the patient’s therapist you can also reach out to our care coordination team at (415) 202-5159 and we’ll provide you with the therapist’s contact information.

Is Two Chairs accepting new patients?

Yes! At Two Chairs, we believe in providing quality care quickly. Once we receive your referral, we’ll reach out to the patient to help them set up their first appointment.

Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?

We offer extended office hours in the evenings and on Saturdays with appointments running from 8am-7pm Monday through Friday and 9am-6pm on Saturdays. Currently, consultation appointments are offered Monday - Friday.

How do I make a referral?

Just send us a fax us at (415) 360-5916 or submit a referral online. Please make sure to include the patient’s email address, as we’ve found that this is the preferred method of outreach communication for most patients.

How affordable is Two Chairs compared to other alternatives for psychotherapy?

We strive to provide an exceptional therapy experience at a price that is accessible. We charge $99 for our initial consultation visit and $180 for each therapy appointment after that. This price point is at or below the median cost for most private practice psychotherapists in the Bay Area. For patients seeking a more affordable option, we offer group therapy for $50 per session. Group therapy is considered to be as effective as individual therapy for many conditions and offers unique benefits given its format. Patients with out-of-network benefits can expect their insurance company to reimburse 50% - 80% of the cost of each session. Our dedicated team of care coordinators is available to help patients by answering any questions about reimbursement and submitting all claims on their behalf.

Are you in-network on any insurance plans?

We are an out-of-network mental health system and are not contracted directly with any insurance companies. If your patient has out-of-network benefits through their health insurance plan, our care coordination team will take care of the paperwork necessary to help maximize their reimbursement. Most patients with out-of-network benefits can expect their insurance company to reimburse 50 - 80% of the cost of each session.

Why are you an out-of-network system?

We've found that the reimbursement rates offered by insurance companies significantly undervalue the services we offer. In some cases these rates are as low as 40% of what we charge. If we were to accept insurance at this point in our growth, it would make it difficult to maintain high-quality care and continue to expand our services.

How much money can my patient expect to be reimbursed?

This depends on their specific insurance plan, out-of-network deductible, and the type of medical service they received. Patients can reach out to [email protected] if they would like help in understanding their out-of-network benefits. We will work with the patient’s insurance company and therapist to maximize the amount reimbursed.

How long will it take for my patient to be reimbursed?

This depends on the patient’s insurance company and the complexity of the claim. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for claims to be processed. Our billing partner contacts the insurance company to expedite the process as much as possible. Once processed, the insurance company will issue a check to the patient and send it to the mailing address on file.

Can my patients use an HSA or FSA to pay for Two Chairs appointments?

Yes they can! Two Chairs accepts FSA and HSA dollars, as long as the FSA or HSA card is affiliated with a major credit card. If the patient would like to use an FSA or HSA card to pay for care, they can enter their payment information when scheduling an initial consultation appointment or by calling us at (415) 202-5159.

What is therapy?

Therapy is a collaborative process based on a trusting relationship between you and your therapist. This strong therapeutic alliance allows you to talk freely and openly in a supportive, unbiased, and non-judgmental environment. Together, over a series of appointments, you and your therapist will challenge current patterns that keep you feeling stuck as well as identify and work towards fulfilling goals.

Is therapy right for me?

Yes! Therapy is right for everyone. Therapy can help you improve your relationships with your family and friends, help you overcome fears and insecurities, cope with stress, and communicate effectively. You may choose to engage in therapy on a more short-term basis during a time of need or for a longer period of time for support and maintenance. Therapy is about making yourself a priority.

How do I find the right therapist?

Too often, searching for a therapist is a daunting task. Especially when you’re feeling hopeless and vulnerable, finding the right therapist can seem impossible. Where do I even start? How quickly will I be seen? What type of therapy is right for me? At Two Chairs, our licensed clinicians work with you to understand your needs, goals, and preferences. Through a rigorous, data-driven approach backed by research and clinical expertise, we match you with the right therapist for your needs.

Why is it so important to find the right therapist?

Research shows that the therapeutic alliance between you and your therapist is the best predictor of successful treatment outcome. Psychologists define the therapeutic alliance as the strength of the therapist and client relationship and how aligned you are on goals. Once you have developed a strong therapeutic alliance with your therapist, studies show that individuals are more productive at work, have more fulfilled relationships, can cope more effectively with daily stressors, and engage in less risky behaviors.

What type of therapist is right for me?

The Two Chairs clinical team has been trained in a variety of evidence-based therapy styles. You will work collaboratively with your consult clinician to find the right type of therapy for your needs. Through our clinical research and your guidance, we will find you the therapist with the appropriate expertise to help you achieve your goals.

Do I need a specific type of therapy? (e.g. CBT)

While CBT has been shown to be one of the most efficacious treatments for treating Anxiety Disorders and Depressive Disorders, it is just one of many different therapy styles. Other evidence-based therapies include Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), just to name a few. The right therapy style depends on your needs, goals, and preferences and Two Chairs will help you figure out which is right for you.

Is Two Chairs accepting new patients?

Yes! At Two Chairs, we believe in providing you with quality care, quickly. To setup a consult appointment, you can call us a call at 415-202-5159 or you can schedule online.

Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?

We know you are busy, that’s why we offer extended office hours in the evenings and on Saturdays. We have appointments from 8am-6pm Monday - Friday and 8am-1pm on Saturdays. Currently, consult appointments are offered Monday-Friday. If you don’t see a time that works for you, call us to see if there is additional availability.

I just had my consult appointment; how do I schedule my first therapy appointment?

You will receive an email from your consult clinician with your therapist within 24 hours of your consult appointment. The email will have a link to your therapist’s bio and a scheduling page for you to make your first appointment.

How do I schedule ongoing appointments?

Once you meet with your therapist, together you can pick a time that works best for you. Your therapist can schedule regular appointments several weeks in advance to ensure that you have that time together.

How do I cancel or reschedule appointments?

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, you can do so by emailing your therapist. If they are out of the office or if you are unable to reach them, please reach out to the care coordination team at [email protected] by calling us at (415) 202-5159.

What is your cancellation policy?

You can cancel your appointment up to 24 hours before your scheduled therapy without a fee. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment, you will be charged for the full cost of your appointment.

When should I refer my patient to Two Chairs?

The moment you think they could benefit from mental health care. Our diverse team of therapists is trained across many evidence-based treatment modalities and are equipped to work with patients on a wide variety of diagnosable mental health conditions and other focus areas. At the moment, we offer individual and group therapy for adults. Below are some of the most common reasons patients are referred for therapy at Two Chairs. If you have any questions about your referral, you can always reach out to us and we can help identify whether Two Chairs is right for your patient.

Diagnostic Presentations:

• Addiction Disorders
• Eating Disorders
• Anxiety
• Somatic Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Trauma-Related Disorders
• Depression

Presenting Concerns:

• Clarifying Meaning/Goals
• Life Transitions
• Grief and Loss
• Relationship Problems
• Insomnia
• Stress
• Issues of Culture/Sexual Identity
• Work/School Related Problems

Treatment Modalities:

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Psychodynamic Therapy

How do you handle referrals that are not appropriate for Two Chairs?

We are a general outpatient mental health clinic and our clinicians are trained to treat most mental health conditions in our setting. However, referrals requiring a higher level of care may not be appropriate for Two Chairs. We maintain a wide network of referral partners that can treat patients that we're unable to in our setting. Below are some examples of patients that are not appropriate for care at Two Chairs.

Patients in need of:

• A greater degree of supervision (IOP/PHP)
• Intensive case-management (Facilitating Basic Needs)
• On-call crisis intervention
• On-demand “coaching calls”

Patients who present with:

• Severe psychotic disorders
• Severe personality disorders
• Eating disorders in need of inpatient medical attention (e.g.,electrolyte imbalances, blood pressure dysregulation, cardiac complications)
• Substance use disorder with multiple relapses, intoxication at time of treatment, or medical complications (e.g., DTs, electrolyte imbalances, seizures, blood pressure dysregulation)

Do you offer psychiatry or couples therapy services?

At the moment, we don’t have clinicians on staff who prescribe psychiatric medication or offer couples counseling. If you refer someone who needs either of these services, we have a list of trusted providers to whom we can refer them. Regardless of whether we can personally treat the patient, we’re deeply committed to connecting them to high-quality mental health care, quickly.

Do you offer group therapy?

Yes, we currently offer a 12-week group therapy program called ReGroup focused on anxiety and stress reduction. Each session is $50 and we ask that patients enroll for the entirety of the program. This program is truly evergreen—a new group starts every 6 weeks and we’re always enrolling.

Here are some of the important elements of group therapy at Two Chairs:

• Conversations and skill-building guided by clinicians with deep expertise in the group approach.
• A safe space to share experiences, learn from a supportive group of peers, and grow together.
• Individual check-ins and personalized plans to help your patients achieve their goals in group therapy.
• Integrated content, discussion, and supplementary materials that address the physiology of stress, mindfulness practices, coping, sleep strategies, and more.

How do you select the therapists that work at Two Chairs?

We hire therapists who have a deep commitment to patient-centered work, experience with evidence-based practices, and an interest in using clinical data and assessment instruments (e.g., PHQ-9 / GAD-7) to provide the best care. Since matching is a core component of what we do, we maintain a diverse team of therapists specialized in working with a variety of mental health conditions and treatment modalities.

Here are some of the other qualities we look for in our therapists:

• Lead with authenticity and humanism, form deep client relationships, and treat clients as whole individuals
• Interested in integrating technology into clinical practice in thoughtful and useful ways
• Excited to collaborate with, learn from, and mentor other clinicians

What are the credentials and training level of your clinical team?

Our team is made up of consult clinicians, therapists, and care coordinators. Our consult clinicians and therapists are Licensed Clinical Psychologists (PhDs and PsyDs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs). You can learn more about them on our Clinical Team Page.

What is the role of your care coordination team?

Care coordinators are available to answer any questions that your patients have about payments, insurance, or logistics. You and your patients are welcome to contact our care coordination team via phone at (415) 202-5159 or email at [email protected] If you have any questions about our services, you can also set up time with a care coordinator here.