Frequently Asked Questions

How does the free consultation work?

It's a 20-minute phone or video call — no commitment, no charge. We'll talk about what you're looking for, how we work, and whether we seem like a good fit. If we are, we'll schedule your first full session.

How do I know which therapist is right for me?

During your free consultation we will listen carefully to what you are looking for and help match you with the right therapist on our team. You can also browse our team page to get a sense of each person's approach and specialties.

How long are sessions?

Standard individual sessions are 50 minutes. Extended sessions are 80 minutes and are recommended for EMDR, ecotherapy, and couples work — pricing is proportionate to session length. We'll discuss what makes sense for your situation during the consultation.

Do you offer online therapy?

Yes — secure video sessions are available to anyone in California. In-person sessions are available at our Santa Cruz office, our Berkeley office at the Root & Bloom Institute, and a private office in the Oakland Hills. Which office you visit depends on which therapist you work with.

Do you offer therapy in Spanish?

Yes. Several of our therapists offer services in Spanish — sesiones en español disponibles.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask for at least 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and missed sessions are charged the full session fee.

Do you accept insurance?

We accept Medi-Cal through the Central California Alliance for Health (CCAH). We do not bill private insurance directly, but can provide a superbill for potential out-of-network reimbursement. A sliding scale is also available — please reach out to discuss your situation.

Do you accept Medi-Cal?

Yes. We accept Medi-Cal through the Central California Alliance for Health (CCAH). Sessions with Sebastian Beca, Ingrid LaRiviere, and Abigail Coughlin are covered, with the exception of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. Eligibility is verified before your first session.

Who is eligible for Medi-Cal at Natural Bridges Therapy?

You are eligible if you are a CCAH member living in one of the five counties the Alliance serves: Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, or Santa Cruz. If you are not sure whether your Medi-Cal plan is through CCAH, reach out and we will help you verify before your first session.

What does the sliding scale mean?

A sliding scale means we adjust our fee based on your financial situation. We believe cost should not be a barrier to quality care. If the standard rate is out of reach, please bring it up during your consultation — we will do our best to find something workable.

What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?

KAP combines the use of ketamine — a legal, FDA-approved medicine — with psychotherapy to support deeper healing. It is particularly effective for treatment-resistant depression, trauma, and anxiety. Sessions include preparation, the medicine experience itself, and integration.

Do I need prior experience with psychedelics for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?

No prior experience is needed. We provide thorough preparation sessions beforehand and integration support afterward. Safety, intention, and readiness are central to how we approach this work.

What happens in an ecotherapy session?

Ecotherapy sessions take the therapeutic container outdoors — into the parks and natural spaces of Santa Cruz. Sessions may involve walking, sitting in nature, or working with the environment itself as part of the therapeutic process. It is particularly well-suited for those who find traditional office settings limiting.

What is the Enneagram and how is it used in Gestalt Viva?

The Enneagram is a map of nine personality types that illuminates deep patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. In Gestalt Viva — rooted in Claudio Naranjo's tradition — it is used as a tool for self-inquiry and liberation, helping you understand the habitual structures that shape your experience and find more freedom within them.