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126,866 people sought individual therapy help in California in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a individual can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

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Carla Francisco

Hear from Carla Francisco, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

View Carla Francisco's profile

What is your go-to approach for individual therapy?

My go-to approach for helping people in individual therapy is getting people to uncover why they are seeking this type of help at this time in their lives. I enjoy helping people do the necessary inner work required to experience positive change. Positive change can subsequently lead to a reduction in mental health symptoms. Discovering your why, doing the inner work, and experiencing positive change are some of the great benefits associated with individual therapy.

What tools do you teach in individual therapy?

I teach the following tools in individual therapy:

  • Self-reflection worksheets: Spending time in self-reflection can be useful in managing multiple mental health concerns.
  • Positive affirmations: Powerful words or statements that help you remember who you are.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in individual therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in individual therapy when the client can describe how they utilized a learned coping mechanism during a difficult time outside of therapy. Changed behavior is also an indication that meaningful progress in therapy is being made.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement individual therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in individual therapy by listening to a podcast that discusses situations similar to their own, practicing self-care on a consistent basis, and completing homework assignments to reinforce what was learned in therapy.

What should someone do to prepare for starting individual therapy?

To prepare for your first individual therapy session, you can take a look at how your functioning in all areas of your life has been impacted by your current state of being. You can also decide what it is you hope to achieve during your time in therapy. Lastly, be open to the process as you explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Starting Individual therapy

What is individual therapy?

Individual therapy, also known as individual-counseling, allows people to engage in private sessions with a skilled therapist, counselor, or psychologist. The core objective of individual therapy is to establish a secure and confidential setting where you can openly discuss whatever emotional, psychological, or behavioral challenges you face. Through these one-on-one sessions, the client and therapist work together to delve into, comprehend, and ultimately find solutions for the issues at hand in their life.

How does individual therapy work?

Individual therapy unfolds in a structured process, commencing with an initial assessment in which the therapist gathers essential information about your history, concerns, and objectives. Together, you and your therapist collaboratively establish specific, attainable goals for your sessions, which can encompass symptom alleviation, personal development, or finding solutions to particular challenges.

Can individual therapy help me?

Yes, individual therapy, also known as individual-counseling, at Thriveworks can help you to improve your mental health and overall quality of life.

Is individual therapy conducted in person or online?

Individual therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and via Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does individual therapy last?

The duration of your individual therapy sessions will vary. The decision on the number and frequency of sessions is typically collaboratively determined by the client and therapist.

How much does individual therapy cost?

At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Irvine therapists and counselors accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Shield of California | BCBS

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

  • Imperial Health Plan Medicare Advantage

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Self-pay costs at Irvine
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
So thankful to have been connected to my therapist.
Sulyn Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Irvine is off of Irvine Center Drive and Yale Avenue. We are across the street from Wildwood Park, and near Good Shepherd Preschool.

Phone number

(657) 315-1250

Languages spoken by CA providers

  • Vietnamese
  • English
  • Spanish
  • Farsi
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in PT

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in PT

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