FAQs On Insurance

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FAQs on Insurance & Payment Options

We believe mental health care should be within reach for everyone. Whether you’re using insurance, or paying out of pocket, we’re here to guide you through every step.

General Questions

What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that life happens and plans sometimes change. We simply ask that you give us as much notice as possible when you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

Canceled or rescheduled 48 hours or more in advance: There is no charge.
Canceled with less than 48 hours’ notice: We will be happy to offer you the opportunity to reschedule your appointment at no cost within the same calendar week (Monday–Friday), subject to availability.
If we are unable to reschedule your appointment within the same calendar week: A $195 late cancellation fee will apply.

We know that unexpected circumstances can come up, and we are always happy to work with you when we can. Providing as much notice as possible helps us make the appointment available to another client who may be waiting for an opening.

What types of therapy do you offer at Riva?

We offer a range of therapy services designed to meet people where they are—emotionally, relationally, and across different stages of life. Our services include individual therapy, couples and family therapy, play therapy for children, EMDR, grief support, trauma-informed care, and group therapy. Sessions are available both in person and online, so care can be as accessible and comfortable as possible.

How do I know what type of therapy is right for me?

You don’t need to have it all figured out. When you reach out, our team will guide you through a thoughtful intake process to understand what you’re navigating, what your goals are, and what kind of support might feel right. From there, we’ll match you with a therapist and approach that fits your needs.

What can I expect in my first therapy session?

The first session is about connection. You’ll talk with our therapist about what brings you in, what you’re hoping to explore or work through, and what you’d like from the therapy process. You don’t have to share everything right away—this is your space to move at your own pace. Therapist may also ask about your background, current challenges, and goals to help tailor care that supports you fully.

Do you offer virtual therapy?
Yes. We offer HIPAA-compliant virtual therapy for clients across California. Whether you’re balancing work and family or simply feel more comfortable at home, virtual sessions make it easier to access consistent, high-quality care.
What is trauma-informed therapy, and why does it matter?
A trauma-informed approach means we understand how past experiences can shape the present—and we hold space for that with care, respect, and safety. Rather than focusing on what’s “wrong,” we explore what’s happened and how it’s impacted you. Therapy moves at your pace, with your story and strength at the center.
What ages do you work with?
Our team works with children (starting as young as three), teens, adults, couples, and families. We have therapists who specialize in early childhood development, adolescent mental health, adult life transitions, and aging-related challenges.
Do you accept insurance?

Yes. Riva Mental Health partners with several major insurance providers. We’ll help you confirm your benefits before you begin, so you have a clear idea of what’s covered. If we’re not in network, we can provide superbills for possible reimbursement.

How long are sessions, and how often do I need to come?
Sessions are typically 50 minutes long. Some clients come weekly, while others adjust over time depending on their goals and schedule. You and your therapist will create a plan together that feels sustainable and supportive.
Is therapy confidential?
Absolutely. Your privacy is a priority. We follow all legal and ethical guidelines around confidentiality, and we’ll go over any exceptions (like safety-related concerns) clearly at the start of your work with us.
Does therapy actually help?
Yes—and not just according to research, but also the lived experience of so many. Therapy can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. But beyond that, it offers a path toward insight, emotional clarity, and deeper connection with yourself and others.
How do I get started at Riva?

Just reach out. You can fill out our contact form, call us, or email us directly. Our intake coordinator will walk you through the next steps—answering your questions, helping with insurance details, and scheduling your first session.

How do I know if I need mental health therapy?
Many people benefit from therapy if they’re experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD symptoms, trauma, or difficulty coping with daily life. Our therapists can help you understand what type of support is right for you.
What mental health conditions do your therapists in Redwood city, CA treat?
Our licensed therapists support clients with anxiety, autism, trauma, ADHD, relationship challenges, and everyday emotional stress. We create personalized care plans for each individual.
Do you have clinicians who specialise in anxiety and depression?
Absolutely. Our anxiety and depression specialists are experienced in evidence-based approaches including CBT, EMDR, psychotherapy, and trauma-informed therapy. We will help you find the right clinician match for your specific mental health goals and circumstances.
Do you offer ADHD therapy or counselling?
Yes. We provide both ADHD therapy and formal ADHD evaluations for children and adults in Redwood City. Our clinicians are skilled in helping individuals with ADHD understand their diagnosis, develop strategies for focus and emotional regulation, and access the formal assessment documentation they may need for school, work, or treatment planning.
Is there an autism therapist at your Redwood City, CA practice?
Yes, we have an experienced autism therapist on our team who works with children, teens, and adults. Our autism therapy focuses on strengths-based support, communication, emotional wellbeing, and helping individuals and their families thrive.
What is EMDR therapy and is it available in Redwood City, CA?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an advanced, evidence-based therapy used to process and ease trauma symptoms, supporting recovery from PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Yes, EMDR therapy is available at our Redwood City practice, delivered by clinicians with specific training in this approach.
Do you offer therapy and assessment for children?
Yes. We offer play therapy, child and adolescent therapy, and child-focused psychological assessment including ADHD evaluation and ASD testing delivered by clinicians who specialise in supporting young people. Our child specialists work with anxiety, ADHD, autism, behavioural challenges, and the emotional and developmental needs unique to children and teenagers.
Do you offer ASD Assessment or Autism Support at your Redwood City, CA practice?
Yes. We offer both ASD assessment and autism therapy at our Redwood City practice. Our assessment specialists provide formal ASD evaluations for children and adults — delivering clear, comprehensive results and a supportive experience throughout the process. Our autism therapy focuses on strengths-based support, communication, emotional wellbeing, and helping individuals and their families thrive.
What is the difference between therapy and psychological testing?
Therapy is an ongoing, collaborative process focused on emotional support, healing, and personal growth through individual, couples, family, or trauma-informed sessions. Psychological testing is a formal assessment process that evaluates cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning to arrive at a clinical diagnosis such as ADHD or ASD. Some clients begin with testing to gain clarity, then move into therapy. Others do both concurrently. Our team will help you understand which path or combination is right for you.
What is psychotherapy and how is it different from counselling?
Counselling typically focuses on specific challenges such as stress, grief, or relationship difficulties and is often shorter-term. Psychotherapy goes deeper, exploring underlying patterns, past experiences, and emotional processes that shape how you think, feel, and relate to others. Both are valuable and at Riva, we offer both, matching you with the right approach based on what you are bringing and what you are hoping to change.
How is Brainspotting different from EMDR?
Both are gentle, effective therapies for trauma; but they work in different ways. EMDR guides your eyes back and forth in a structured rhythm. Brainspotting finds one specific eye position where your brain holds the pain and stays there, letting it process naturally. Some people connect more with one than the other. At Riva Mental Health, our therapists are trained in both and will help you find what feels right for you.
Will EMDR Intensive feel overwhelming?
EMDR Intensive is conducted by our trained and licensed therapists. Your therapist will never push you faster than you are ready to go. Every intensive session is paced around you, and we always make time at the end to help you feel grounded and settled before you leave. You will not walk out of here feeling unsteady.

Horticultural Service

What is horticultural therapy?

Horticultural therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses gardening, plant care, and nature-based activities to support emotional, physical, and mental well-being. It’s guided by trained professionals and is tailored to individual goals—whether it’s reducing stress, building confidence, or reconnecting with the senses.

Who can benefit from horticultural therapy?
Anyone can benefit! It’s especially helpful for people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, chronic stress, or those recovering from illness. It’s also effective for older adults, children with sensory needs, people with disabilities, or anyone who feels grounded by nature.
Do I need to have gardening experience?
Not at all. Horticultural therapy is about the process, not perfection. Activities are simple, engaging, and designed to meet you where you are—whether you’ve never touched soil or you’ve gardened for years.
What does a horticultural session look like?
A session might include planting seeds, arranging flowers, repotting plants, sensory exploration with herbs, or just spending mindful time outdoors. Your therapist will tailor activities to your comfort level, therapeutic goals, and interests.
How does being in nature help with mental health?
Nature can be incredibly grounding. Studies show that time with plants and soil lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels, improves mood, enhances focus, and encourages emotional regulation. Horticultural therapy taps into that natural calm to support healing and connection.
Is it done indoors or outdoors?
Both! Sessions can happen in a garden, on a patio, or even indoors using potted plants or tabletop setups. The goal is to bring nature into the therapeutic space—wherever that may be.
How is this different from regular gardening?
While gardening can be therapeutic on its own, horticultural therapy is intentional and guided by a trained therapist. It connects plant-based activities with specific emotional or behavioral goals and creates space for reflection, conversation, and growth.

Insurance Related

Can I pay out of pocket if my insurance is not accepted?

Yes, we offer a cash pay option to ensure you can access the care you need regardless of insurance.

How do I verify if my insurance plan is accepted?
Contact our office directly with your insurance details, and we’ll help verify your coverage.
Will Riva bill my insurance directly?

The insurances we are in-network with, we will bill the insurance company directly. For the others we can provide a superbill upon request.

What if my insurance needs a referral or authorization?
Please check with your insurance company about referrals or authorizations. We can assist if needed.
Do I need to pay anything upfront?
Depending on your insurance, you may have a copay or deductible. We’ll let you know what to expect before your first session.
Can I change my payment method later?
Yes, you can update your payment method or insurance details at any time. Just let our front desk team know.
Are sessions covered the same for individual, couples, or family therapy?
Coverage may vary by service type and insurance provider. Our team can help clarify what’s covered under your specific plan.
Do you offer payment plans?
We understand that affordability matters. If needed, we’ll do our best to work out a flexible payment arrangement.
Can I use my HSA/FSA card?
Yes! Therapy services are typically eligible for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).