Frequently Asked Questions

+ Is going to therapy a sign of weakness?

A: Not at all. It’s actually the brave first step to tackling a problem, feeling less stressed, improving your relationship, feeling better in general.

+ How long does therapy last?

That varies by client. It largely depends on the nature of what you’d like to work on, your commitment to personal development, whether you’re attending regularly, and whether you’re taking tools from the therapy room and applying them to your life. Some clients have a very short-term goal that they’d like to reach, and after developing some insight into their situation, and practicing some tools in their everyday life, they stop for a while, and frequently come back from time to time when they’d like a refresher. Other clients, after they’ve reached their goals, appreciate having a professional to process various things in their life with, to develop additional insights and tools, and continue for a longer period of time.

+ What if I'm unsure?

That’s understandable. It can feel weird talking to someone that you don’t know. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so that you can see if it feels like a fit before scheduling an appointment.

+ When are you available?

Sessions are Mondays through Fridays, with lunchtime, afternoon, and evening appointments available. On some evenings the latest session begins at 8:15pm.

+ Where are you located?

My office is located at 870 Market Street, Suite 980, inside the historic Flood Building in downtown San Francisco. It's adjacent to the Powell St. MUNI and BART stops. Parking can be found right behind the building at the Ellis - O'Farrell parking garage, or at the Fifth & Mission Street parking garage.

+ Does what we talk about remain confidential?

You betcha. Therapists are bound by the law and by an ethical code to keep confidential what we discuss. State law and professional ethics spell out a few limited exceptions, such as when the therapist believes that the client poses a serious threat of imminent harm to themself or another person.

+ What are your fees?

My fees are comparable with other experienced psychotherapists in San Francisco. Fees will be discussed during our free 15-minute phone consultation.

+ How does payment work?

You have the option of paying with a credit card or by check. Credit card information is kept on file and is completely confidential.

+ Do you take insurance?

My services are reimbursable by most “out-of-network” insurance plans. I’d be happy to give you a monthly receipt with all of the detailed codes that insurers require. If you have a PPO, it’s possible they’ll reimburse you for a large percentage of the fee; many clients have gotten reimbursed up to 80%. I recommend that contact your carrier to determine the extent of out-of-network coverage. Also, if you’ have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Spending Account (HSA), those typically cover psychotherapy.

+ How do I get started?

Pleaes email me at andrew@andrewkushnick.com, or call my direct line at 415-496-5321. I’d be happy to set up a free 15-minute phone consultation, so that you can discuss what you’re looking to work on, and hear more about my approach. We can determine if it feels like a good match, and schedule the first session.

+ How do I schedule my appointments?

During the free phone consultation, we’ll identify a day and time for the first session. This can also happen during the intake call. We’ll then continue at the same time the following week. I’ve found that starting on a weekly basis builds momentum, and makes it possible to make progress more quickly. Throughout the treatment, based on your progress, we’ll decide together what scheduling frequency makes sense.

+ What happens if I can’t make a scheduled session?

Please email at least 48 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment if you need to cancel or reschedule. Appointments not cancelled 48 hours in advance of a scheduled appointment will result in a charge for the regular fee for the session.

+ Are you going to just nod your head and say "uh huh"?

A: Uh huh. Just kidding! No way. My style is interactive and practical. Expect honest feedback and guidance. We’ll be developing concrete skills and tools for you to use in everyday life.

+ What if I have other questions?

A: Feel free to email me at andrew@andrewkushnick.com, or call me at 415-496-5321. I’m always happy to answer any questions.