I also offer Motivational Interviewing training and consulting. Go →
Valerie Alt, LCSW

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do you see people in person?

Yes — I see clients in person at my Berkeley office at 830 Bancroft Way inside Root & Bloom Institute, as well as via telehealth for clients located anywhere in California.

How does online therapy work?

Sessions happen over secure, HIPAA-compliant video — you’ll get a private link before each session. It works the same as in-person therapy; you’ll just need a quiet, private space and a stable internet connection.

Do you take insurance?

I’m an out-of-network provider, which means I don’t bill insurance directly, but I provide a monthly superbill you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.

How long do I need to be in therapy?

That depends on what brought you in. Some clients come with a specific goal and see meaningful change in a limited number of sessions; others are doing longer, deeper work and stay for months or years. We’ll check in regularly on how it’s going and adjust as needed.

Can I use HSA/FSA to pay for my sessions?

Yes — therapy is an eligible expense under most HSA and FSA plans. I can provide documentation (a superbill or receipt) for you to submit.

What can I expect from my first session?

The first session is mostly about getting to know each other — what brought you here, what you’re hoping for and whether working together feels like the right fit. There’s no script to follow and nothing you need to prepare. From there, we’ll build a plan together.

What are your fees, and how does payment work?

My standard rate is $220 for individual sessions and $250 for family sessions, each 50 minutes. I’m an out-of-network provider and don’t bill insurance directly, but I provide a superbill monthly that you can submit for possible reimbursement — many of my clients get a portion of the cost back through a PPO plan, a Health Savings Account (HSA), or a Flex Savings Account (FSA). I also hold a limited number of sliding-scale spots.

It is a priority for me that therapy feels accessible, so please reach out if we seem like a good fit but you’re concerned about the cost.

What is your cancellation policy?

Your session time is reserved just for you each week, so I ask for at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and no-shows are billed at the full session fee.

Get started

Wherever you’re starting from, let’s talk and see if this is the right fit.

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