• Finding the right therapist is so important—it’s all about trust and comfort. Here are a few signs we might be a good match:

    • You want someone who understands how to work with teens and young adults in high-pressure environments.

    • You value clear, direct communication combined with warmth and humor.

    • You’re looking for a collaborative partner to help your child thrive.

    • You want a therapist who also supports parents and improves family dynamics.

    Ultimately, it’s about feeling confident that we can work together to achieve the best outcome for your family. If you’d like to get a better sense, schedule a welcome call—I’d be happy to answer any questions and help you decide.

  • I provide therapy virtually, which allows me to meet patients where they are—whether that’s between sports practice, during family vacations, or after they’ve transitioned to college. Virtual sessions are especially helpful for busy families and teens with packed schedules. I’ve also found that offering virtual sessions reduces missed or canceled appointments, helping patients make faster progress.

  • I am licensed to provide therapy in California, New York, Colorado, and New Jersey. However, I can provide executive functioning coaching to clients anywhere in the United States.

  • Fluent English & Spanish, as well as conversational Portuguese (with an Argentine accent!)

  • I draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches tailored to your child’s or family’s unique needs. Some of the therapies I use include:

    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

    • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

    • Positive Psychology

    • Adoption-Specific Prevention Treatment (ADAPT)

    During our intake, I’ll recommend the approach best suited to your goals and explain how it works.

  • We typically start with weekly sessions to build momentum and establish goals. As progress is made, we may taper down to biweekly sessions and eventually to monthly check-ins, depending on your needs. I tailor the frequency to meet each patient’s specific situation and goals.

  • After each session, I can provide you with a superbill—a detailed receipt containing all the information your insurance company needs for reimbursement. You simply submit it to your insurer, and they’ll process it according to your plan.

    If you have a PPO plan, this process is usually straightforward, and many services may be covered in full or in part depending on your benefits. To better understand your coverage, it’s a good idea to contact your insurance provider ahead of time. Here are some key questions to ask:

    • Does my health insurance plan include mental health benefits?

    • Does my plan cover psychotherapy?

    • Do I have a deductible? If so, what is it, and have I met it yet?

    • Does my plan limit the number of therapy sessions I can have in a calendar year? If so, what is the limit?

    • Do I need written approval from my primary care physician for therapy to be covered?

    • Do I need a formal mental health diagnosis for reimbursement?

    Please note that most insurance companies require a formal diagnosis to approve claims. This diagnosis will be recorded in your insurance file and cannot be removed, even if your circumstances improve. If you have any questions or concerns about using superbills or navigating insurance, I’m happy to guide you through the process.

  • Therapy is highly individual. Some patients see me for a short time—six to eight weeks—to address specific goals. Others work with me on and off for years, returning during significant transitions or challenges. Your therapy journey depends on your goals and how we work together to achieve them.

  • For therapy, my fee is $315 per 45-minute session.

    For Executive Functioning Coaching, my fee is $250 per 45-minute session.

    • If your child is under 18 – We can meet as often as you’d like, and legally, you have access to all session information. However, therapy only works when kids feel safe and have a confidential space to open up. If they feel like I’m reporting back to you, they’re less likely to engage, which makes progress difficult. That said, I always inform parents if I have concerns about safety or serious behavioral issues. More importantly, I work closely with parents to strengthen the parent-child relationship—because the ultimate goal is for your child to open up to you, not just to me. This often includes family sessions where we build communication skills together, as well as parent-only sessions to discuss concerns, refine parenting strategies, and make sure you and your co-parent (if applicable) are on the same page. You’re also welcome to text me updates or important context before your child’s session.

    • If your child is over 18 – Legally, they have to agree to any parent involvement. That said, just because someone turns 18 doesn’t mean they stop benefiting from parental support. Many young adults want their parents involved, and when they do, our work together follows a similar structure—balancing confidentiality with productive ways to keep parents informed and engaged in their child’s growth.

  • I’m a self-pay practice, which means I don’t bill insurance directly. However, I provide superbills that you can submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement, often covering 50-70% of session costs depending on your plan.

    I’ve chosen this approach to ensure I can provide the best care without the restrictions insurance companies impose, such as requiring a formal diagnosis or requesting access to therapy records. Self-pay allows me to focus entirely on your family’s needs and goals, tailoring care to what works best for you.

  • Contact me to schedule a complimentary welcome call. This short phone conversation lets us discuss your goals, answer any questions, and determine if my approach is a good fit for your family. If it feels like the right match, we’ll schedule your first appointment.

  • Our first session is an intake session. If the patient is under 18, a parent or guardian will join for part of it. During this time, I’ll ask questions to better understand your goals, challenges, and what brought you to therapy. I’ll also explain how we’ll work together and review the therapeutic process, structure, policies, and expectations.

    This session is also an opportunity for you to interview me and make sure I’m the right fit for your family. Feeling comfortable and confident in your therapist is essential for success, so I encourage you to ask any questions you may have. Together, we’ll start building a strong foundation for a successful therapeutic relationship.

  • Life happens, and I understand that plans change. However, I save your slot just for you, so I ask for at least 2 business days notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Otherwise, you will be charged at the regular rate for the canceled/missed session. You can cancel or reschedule with me via telephone, text, and email.

    If you’re more than 15 minutes late, the appointment will be considered a no-show. This policy helps ensure I can offer consistent care to all my patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reach out with any additional questions—I’m here to help!

Send me a note

mercedes.oromendia.phd@gmail.com
(818) 860-2864