Maia Huang, MFT, REAT

You may have questions about what healing arts psychotherapy is like. See below for some answers to frequently asked questions:

Q: What is a typical session like?

A: Most sessions last 50 minutes and involve a process of sharing and reflection about your life, a particular problem or issue you want to focus on, or past historical events that may be affecting you now. You will be guided to delve more deeply into the issue to uncover unconscious patterns or motives that are operating below the surface. This may be achieved through insightful questioning typical of traditional talk therapy, or, if it feels right to you, through creative means such as sandplay, drawing, or role play. Throughout the session, you will be supported with compassionate and kind understanding as a witness to your process.

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Q: How much does psychotherapy cost?

A: The cost of psychotherapy varies depending on your referral source, and copays required by your insurance plan. If I am not a member of your insurance panel, my services may still be partially covered as an out-of-network provider. Your insurance company will have more information regarding your allowable coverage. As well, we will discuss your particular situation over the phone to determine your applicable fee for each session.

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Q: What kind of insurance is accepted?
I am a panel provider for a number of insurance companies, including the following:
Blue Shield of California
Corphealth
Human Behavior Associates, Inc.
FEI Behavioral Health EAP
ESI Employee Assistance Group
Alameda County Medi-Cal
Alameda County Victims of Crime Compensation
I am also available to serve as an out-of-network provider for insurance companies which accept clinicians not directly on their panel.
We can discuss your particular insurance plan and benefits when we speak. An additional call may need to made to your insurance company to determine your specific individual benefits.

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Q: How many sessions are needed to feel better?

A: Each client is different, with their own set of issues to work on. Most clients come in for sessions once per week (sometimes more frequently as needed) on a regular basis. Psychotherapy typically involves a commitment of time and energy to be fully effective. After the first few sessions, you and I will go over a treatment plan to clarify the issues you want to work on, and desired goals to achieve. This will give a better sense of how long the therapy will take. As always, it's hard to predict the future, and the therapy may or may not fit within the time frame discussed.

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Q: Do I have to be artistic?

A: There is no need to be artistic. The expressive arts are all about process, not about product. The process of artmaking is valuable as it reveals the unconscious elements active in the mind and body. The actual art product itself is not the emphasis in this type of therapy, and is used more importantly to witness how you feel about it and your relationship to the art.

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Q: How soon can I get an appointment?

A: To schedule an appointment, please call me at (510) 496-6020. Typically openings are available within one week. Every attempt is made to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to accommodate your needs.

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Q: What do I do if I'm in crisis?

A: If you are in crisis and are not currently a client of mine, please contact Crisis Support Services at 1-800-309-3121 or dial 911. If you are in crisis and you are already a current client of mine, please leave a message at (510) 496-6020 and then immediately call Crisis Support Services at 1-800-309-3121 or dial 911.

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Q: Are children and families welcome?

A: I work with individual adults and couples. Although I do not work directly with children and entire families, I am skilled in working with parents. In particular, I focus on working with intercultural and interracial couples, adoptive parents of immigrant children, and same-sex and transgender parents.

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Maia Huang, MFT, REAT

(510)496-6020

 

3120 Telegraph Avenue, Suite 9#c
Berkeley, CA  94705

maiahuang@maiahuang.com