We know starting therapy or an evaluation can feel unfamiliar. Here are the questions we hear most often — answered honestly.
Understanding your coverage helps remove one barrier to getting started.
Yes. We are in-network with Blue Shield of California (BSC) PPO and HMO plans and Wellfleet — including UC Berkeley SHIP, UC Irvine SHIP, and Stanford Cardinal Care — for both therapy and neuropsychological testing.
We also accept some out-of-state BlueCross BlueShield plans. If your insurer is Anthem Blue Cross, we are considered out-of-network, but we can provide a superbill for you to submit for out-of-network reimbursement. We're happy to run a courtesy eligibility check when you reach out.
Session fees vary by provider and service type. Please contact us directly for current rates. For neuropsychological evaluations, private pay costs range from approximately $5,500–$6,300 for standard assessments and $6,600–$7,400 for complex assessments. Superbills are available.
We recommend contacting your insurer directly before scheduling to confirm your mental health benefits. You can also share your insurance information with us and we'll do our best to run a courtesy eligibility check. Keep in mind that insurers make final coverage decisions at the time of claim — not in advance.
What to expect when you start working with one of our therapists.
We begin with a free phone consultation to assess fit — covering service type, scheduling, language preference, and fees. If we're a match, the first 2–3 sessions focus on assessment: understanding your history, concerns, and goals. From there, we develop a treatment plan together and move into active work, monitoring progress along the way. When it's time to wrap up, we'll plan the ending thoughtfully.
It varies. Generally, you can expect 12–20 weekly sessions for most presentations. Some people need more time; others resolve their concerns more efficiently. Your therapist will discuss progress with you regularly and adjust accordingly.
Most sessions are conducted via a secure telehealth platform, accessible from anywhere in California. Limited in-person availability exists at our Burlingame and San Jose offices. Please ask when scheduling.
A focused option for those who can't commit to ongoing therapy.
An OTV is a single-session consultation built around coping-oriented, evidence-based interventions. It's designed for people who can't commit to ongoing therapy — whether due to time, finances, readiness, or other factors. It's a distinct format, not a shortened version of therapy.
OTVs work best for people who have some clarity on their concerns and are motivated to apply practical strategies right away. Common outcomes include gaining coping tools, clarity on sources of distress, validation of your concerns, or a referral to ongoing therapy or assessment. If your situation is complex or longstanding, ongoing therapy is likely a better fit.
What to expect when it comes to finding the right fit and getting started.
During your free consultation, we'll learn about your needs, preferences, language, and clinical goals. We'll then identify which providers on our team are the best fit — based on their expertise, availability, and your specific circumstances.
We'll always be transparent about wait times. Sometimes the provider who is the best clinical and cultural match for you has a waitlist. If that's the case, we'll discuss options — including whether another Banyan provider might be a reasonable interim fit, or whether a referral to a trusted colleague makes more sense. Our goal is to make sure you're cared for, not just assigned.
Absolutely — that's one of the most common and most important reasons people come to Banyan. Let us know your preferred language when you reach out and we'll do our best to match you accordingly. We offer care in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, Korean, and Japanese.
You don't need to have it figured out before reaching out.
You don't need perfect words. Just let us know what's bringing you in — even roughly. It helps to think about:
In therapy, we'll help you put the rest into words over time.
Schedule a free consultation through our online calendar, email us at info@banyanbehavioral.health, or call (650) 822-1057. We aim to respond within 48 business hours.
Still have questions? We're happy to talk.
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