Frequently Asked Questions

For additional questions not covered here, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly. We're here to support you on your journey.

General Inquiries
About Us
Who We Serve
What We Do
Fees/Insurance
Careers

General Inquiries

  • Getting started is easy! You can contact us at (310) 962-0432 or email admin@beseentherapy.com to schedule your consultation. During this brief call, we'll discuss your needs and answer any initial questions you may have.

  • Your first session will involve a comprehensive evaluation of your needs. We'll discuss your treatment goals, create an initial treatment plan, and help you feel comfortable with the therapeutic process.

  • Individual sessions are typically 50 minutes long. We also offer 90-minute sessions for EMDR therapy when recommended, available for private pay clients at a prorated rate. For insurance clients who need more intensive support, we can provide sessions twice per week rather than extended sessions, if they qualify for increased frequency. All sessions are currently conducted via telehealth.

  • Session frequency varies based on your individual needs and treatment goals. Most clients attend weekly sessions initially, though some may benefit from more or less frequent appointments. We'll work together to determine the best schedule for your healing process.

  • Yes! All our sessions are currently conducted via telehealth. This allows us to provide convenient, accessible care while maintaining the same quality of therapeutic support you would receive in person.

  • No, all our services are provided via telehealth. This allows us to serve clients throughout California while providing the flexibility and comfort of receiving therapy from your own safe space.

  • We have a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 48 hours notice to avoid being charged the full session fee. For last-minute cancellations or no-shows, you'll be responsible for the full session cost unless it's an emergency situation.

About Us

  • Be Seen Therapy was founded by Briana Smith, LMFT (License #117210). Briana has over 10 years of experience in the therapy field and is an EMDR-certified therapist. She created Be Seen Therapy as a place for people to feel listened to, heard, validated, and seen.

  • We utilize a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to treatment. Our therapists are trained in various evidence-based modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Somatic Therapy and Parts Work techniques.

  • Our team includes multiple licensed therapists and associates under supervision, each bringing their own specialties and approaches. Our therapists include:

    • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)

    • Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFTs)

    • Associate Clinical Social Workers (ACSWs)

    • Associate Professional Clinical Counselors (APCCs)

  • At Be Seen Therapy, we're driven by a shared mission to empower individuals and transform lives through compassionate care. We believe there's no "one size fits all" method to therapy, and we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs. Our team specializes in trauma-informed care and creates a safe, supportive environment where you can explore your emotions and embark on meaningful healing.

  • Technically, no! Ruby, our Rhodesian Ridgeback/Australian Cattle dog mix, sometimes joins sessions to provide additional support for clients, however she has not been trained as a therapy dog. Ruby loves helping people feel more comfortable during their therapeutic journey. Learn more about Ruby here.

Who We Serve

  • We work with adults, couples, and families. Our therapists have experience with clients across all life stages and are trained to address the unique needs of different age groups.

  • Absolutely! Many of our therapists specialize in couples therapy and are trained in approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method. We help couples improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen their relationships.

  • Yes, we offer family therapy services. Our therapists understand that family dynamics can significantly impact individual well-being, and we work with families to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships.

  • Yes, we proudly provide affirming care to LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples. Our therapists are trained in culturally competent care and understand the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.

  • Absolutely. We work with individuals with various disabilities and neurodivergent individuals. We recognize that factors such as physical abilities, neurological differences, and other aspects of identity profoundly shape each person's experience.

  • Yes, we specialize in religious trauma therapy. This focuses on addressing the emotional and psychological distress resulting from harmful or traumatic experiences within a religious or spiritual context, providing a safe and supportive space to process these experiences.

What We Do

  • We specialize in treating:

    • Trauma and PTSD

    • Anxiety and Depression

    • Anger empowerment issues

    • Grief and loss

    • Religious trauma

    • Neurodivergence-related challenges

    • Relationship difficulties

    • Life transitions

    • Childhood trauma and abuse

    • Complex trauma

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an eight-phase therapy modality that helps process "stuck" traumatic memories in both the mind and body. EMDR allows the brain to process events that happened to us instead of storing trigger responses in the body, helping to alleviate symptoms of PTSD and trauma.

  • Yes! We understand the unique challenges faced by mental health professionals and offer specialized therapy for therapists. This addresses burnout, compassion fatigue, and the emotional toll of therapeutic work, while fostering personal growth and cultivating resilience.

  • Trauma-informed therapy recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery. We integrate knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices, and seek to actively reduce re-traumatization.

  • While we provide ongoing therapeutic support, we are not a crisis intervention service. In case of emergency, please contact:

    • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

    • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

    • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

    • Your local crisis line or mental health agency

    • Go to your local hospital Emergency Room

    • Call 911

    If you feel you are in danger from a family member or domestic partner, contact law enforcement or your local domestic violence agency immediately.

Fees/Insurance

  • We accept the following insurance plans:

    • Aetna

    • Anthem Blue Cross

    • Blue Shield

    • Blue Shield of CA

    • Cigna

    • ComPsych EAP/Managed Care

  • Our standard fee is $250 for licensed therapists and $180 for associate therapists. Insurance rates may vary - please contact us to verify your specific coverage and any copay requirements.

  • We can provide you with a Good Faith Estimate for services if you don't have insurance or choose not to use insurance. We can also provide a Superbill for OON benefits. We'll help you understand the costs upfront so you can make informed decisions about your care.

  • We recommend calling the number on the back of your insurance card and asking about your "mental health, outpatient, office visit" benefits. You can also ask your member representative about your deductible, copay, and any limitations. We're happy to help verify your benefits and explain your coverage, but ultimately you are responsible for understanding your insurance benefits. We cannot guarantee coverage, as insurance policies can vary widely and change frequently.

  • Under the No Surprises Act, we're required to provide clients without insurance or those not using insurance with an estimate of expected costs for services. This estimate is based on information known at the time it was created and helps you understand potential costs before beginning treatment.

  • All payments are due at the time of service. You may pay via credit card through our secure SimplePractice platform. If you have concerns about payment, please discuss this with us during your consultation.

Careers

  • Yes! At Be Seen Therapy, we're driven by a shared mission to empower individuals and transform lives through compassionate care. If you're committed to making a difference, advancing your skills, and growing in a supportive and dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply.

  • To be a provider at Be Seen Therapy, we require you to be trained by an EMDRIA-approved training or currently enrolled in EMDRIA-approved training. We require that you have an associate number. If you are an ACSW, we require that you have completed 1700 hours with an LCSW.

  • We offer the opportunity to create your own schedule and operate fully under telehealth. Providers are required to attend group supervision and triadic supervision. We also offer opportunities for EMDR certification upon completion of training, supporting continued professional development and clinical specialization.

  • To apply, please email your resume, cover letter, three professional references, and answers to the following questions to staffsupport@beseentherapy.com:

    • How many total hours have you obtained?

    • How many relational hours have you obtained (child, family, couples)?

    • Are you signed up for an EMDRIA approved EMDR training, and if so, when is Part 1 and when is Part 2?

    • Have you completed both parts 1 and 2 of an EMDRIA approved EMDR training?

    • What is your associate number?

  • We support continued professional development through EMDR training opportunities and ongoing supervision. Our team is committed to helping therapists grow in their clinical skills while providing excellent care to our clients.

  • We provide both group supervision and individual triadic supervision to ensure our associate therapists receive comprehensive support and guidance in their professional development.