The library

Everything the state makes hard, written down in one place.

Every page is a tool, a dataset, or a decision — never a lecture. Numbered sources on all of it.

Deciding

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CBT, EMDR, psychodynamic — which type of therapy do I pick?

How to find a therapist in California without losing two weeks to voicemail

It's not working with my therapist. Do I stick it out or switch?

LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, AMFT — what the letters after a therapist's name actually mean

Therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist — who do I actually need?

What actually happens in a first therapy session

Your rights

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Yes, you can take paid leave from work for your mental health in California

You have a legal right to a therapy appointment within 10 business days

Insurance routes

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"I don't take insurance" doesn't mean you can't use yours. The superbill route.

Aetna covers therapy. The route — and the self-funded catch most members hit.

Anthem covers therapy. Here's the route through California's biggest network.

Blue Shield of California covers therapy. Here's the route.

Buying a Covered California plan? Here's how to pick one that's good for therapy.

Cigna covers therapy. Here's the route through Evernorth.

Money

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Sliding scale is real. Here's how to ask for it without feeling like you're haggling.

What ADHD testing costs in California — and when you don't need the full battery

What an autism assessment costs in California — child, teen, and adult

What neuropsychological testing costs in California — and how to get insurance to pay

What therapy actually costs in Los Angeles

What therapy actually costs in Sacramento

Where you are

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College students — you already paid for some of this

Finding a therapist who gets it — LGBTQ+ Californians

For men who were taught not to need this

It's late and you can't sleep

Never done this before

New baby, and you don't feel like yourself

Comparisons

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BetterHelp vs. a local California therapist: the honest math

Every way to find a therapist online, compared honestly

Grow Therapy, Headway, Rula — what those platforms actually are, and what "independent" means

Talkspace vs. a local California therapist: the honest math

Quick answers

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Can I look for a therapist without anyone knowing?

Can I pay for therapy with my HSA or FSA?

Can I see a therapist in a different California city over video?

Can I see a therapist without insurance?

Can my employer find out I'm in therapy?

Can my insurance limit how many therapy sessions I get?