FAQS

Questions about what it’s like to work together?

Here are some of the most common questions I get about therapy. If you don’t see your question answered below, contact me here.

  • I am located in San Francisco, California and the Peninsula of the Bay Area.

    I offer in person services in San Francisco and Menlo Park and online service across California.

  • My fee is $225 per 55 minute individual session and $360 per 85 minute individual session. For couple and family sessions, my fee is $275 per 55 minute session and $440 for 85 minute sesison.

    I offer individual and couple therapy intensives at a prorated rate for those seeking meaningful progress in a shorter period of time. Please ask me more about this if it interests you!

    I offer limited spots for sliding scale clients who can not afford the full fee of therapy.

    You might be able to get reimbursed for out-of-network therapy! CHECK HERE.

  • I do not directly accept insurance, but I am an insurance friendly practice.

    If you would like, I offer a monthly superbill that you provide to your insurance for reimbursement to reduce the overall cost of therapy.

    You might be able to get reimbursed for out-of-network therapy! CHECK HERE.

    Please ask me about this process if you are unfamiliar with how it works.

  • Once we decide we are the right fit for each other, you will receive an email from Simple Practice (HIPPA compliant) asking you to log in to your portal. Simple Practice is where you will log on to session and access any necessary paperwork. 

    In order for online therapy to be effective, I ask that you are in a private, quiet and safe space to engage appropriately in session.

  • Yes, in San Francisco and Menlo Park.

  • Please visit: https://www.lindseymandell.com/contact and fill out the "Contact Me" section.

    You may also reach out to me via my contact information listed at the bottom of each page:

    email: lindseymandell@proton.me

    phone: 650-516-7161

  • Yes to both! We will decide together what kind of modality will fit your needs most.

    We can have exclusively talk therapy sessions or exclusively EMDR or Brainspotting sessions. We can also do EMDR and Brainspotting sessions in addition to traditional talk therapy.

  • Reach out so we can further discuss what you are looking for. If I do not have competence in an area of your needs, I have a list of refferals I am more than happy to pass along.

  • Generally, sessions are 55 minutes or 85 minutes and occur weekly. For focused, trauma reprocessing sessions, I tend to recommend 85 minute sessions. Depending on your needs, we can find a length and frequency that works best for your goals.

  • Each session will feel and look slightly different as we allow therapy to naturally unfold. However, you can generally expect each session to be a focused, 50-minute or 80-minute period .

    I am a relational therapist so I bring my authentic self into the room with you—I will authentically be with you in your laughter and your sorrows, in your celebrations and your hardships. When necessary, we might even reflect on our relationship and how that is impacting the course of therapy.

    While there will be times I offer direct feedback, questions, research-based interventions, and resourcing skills the majority of our work together will be client-directed. This client-centered approach allows you to gain the necessary insight and skills to thrive outside of therapy. My hope is that you can reduce your suffering and increase your capacity for joy. Through this exploration, you may also find a greater sense of purpose and peace.

    I will encourage ongoing feedback about your experience in therapy to make sure we are effectively addressing your needs.

  • That will vary based on your need and resources. Once I get a sense of your needs I am happy to discuss a general length of therapy. I also encourage you to share your hope for the length of time in therapy! 

  • You can end therapy at any time you would like throughout the process. Generally, though, ending therapy is an intentional, thoughtful process. We will reflect on how you met your goals, if you would like alternative support, and how to sustain your healing.

  • I am unable to provide 24-hour crisis service.

    If you need someone to talk to immediately, you may call or text the SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE at 9-8-8. “The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.”

    You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor for free 24/7 support.

    In the event that you are feeling unsafe or require immediate medical or psychiatric assistance, you should call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

    Additionally, if you are not in crisis but are in need of emotional or mental support in my absence, Warm Line is available 24/7 for anyone in California. You can call or text: Warm Line at 855-845-7415.

  • I am not an emergency service. If you need emergency services please refer to the emergency service information listed under the “Emergency Service” FAQ above. 

    If you need to get a hold of me outside of therapy for non urgent matters, please email me at lindseymandell@proton.me.

    If you need a check in or additional session, I will do my best to schedule one. Please use email or phone call to communicate with me.  Please refrain from texting.

  • Please email, call, or reach out through my website contact page. It is important we connect prior to a paid session so that we both can confirm my services will be helpful for your needs. 

    Once we have an initial consultation and agree we are the right fit, we can schedule your first session immediately.

  • Please email or call 48 hours in advance to cancel or reschedule your appointment. If you are within the 48 hour window for cancellation, you will be charged the full session fee. Please ask me about our cancellation/missed appointment practice policy if you have more questions.

  • Yes! Your confidentiality is of the utmost importance. I take all possible measures to keep your personal information private and confidential. Should you have questions about confidentiality, please don’t hesitate to ask. 

  • In accordance with the No Surprises Act, healthcare providers are required to provide clients who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services for the year, including psychotherapy services.

    You can request a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a session with me.

    For any questions please reach out to me or visit: www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

  • For more information on Notice of Privacy Practices, please visit: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/laws/priv/Pages/NoticeofPrivacyPractices.aspx

BOOK FREE CONSULT

BOOK FREE CONSULT

Ready to get started?

Click the button below to request a free, confidential consultation with me.

RESOURCES

  • If you are experiencing an emergency or are in immediate danger to self or others please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. 

    I am not a crisis counselor. 

    Additional crisis lines: 

    National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 (Press 2 for Spanish) // Suicide Prevention Lifeline

    SF Suicide Prevention

    24/7 Crisis Line: 415-781-0500 

    24/7 Text Line: 415-200-2920 

    LA County Department of Mental Health Crisis Hotline:(800)-854-7771 // Department of Mental Health 

    Crisis TEXT line: Text “HOME” or “AYUDA” to 741741 to text with a crisis counselor 

    National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights:1-510-465-1984 For Spanish: 1-888-628-9454 // Immigration Hotlines | Líneas Directas de Inmigración | NNIRR 

    The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+):(866)-488-7386 // The Trevor Project 

    National Domestic Violence Hotline:(800)-799-SAFE (7233) // DV Hotline & Resources

    Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN):(800)-656-HOPE (4673) // RAINN Hotline & Resources

  • CA Warm Line: Call or Text 855-600-WARM (9276) to speak with a counselor 24/7 

    ● The California Peer-Run Warm Line is a 24/7 NON-crisis emotional support phone and chat line serving residents of California. The California Peer-Run Warm Line is made up entirely of peers, meaning that all Warm Line Counselors have lived experience with mental health challenges. The goal is to support callers in emotional distress before they reach a crisis point. 

    ● 3-call a day limit; resets at midnight

    Blackline Warm Line: Call 1800-604-5841 

    Call BlackLine Link

    ● Call BlackLine®provides a space for peer support, counseling, reporting of mistreatment, witnessing and affirming the lived experiences for folxs who are most impacted by systematic oppression with an LGBTQ+ Black Femme Lens. Call BlackLine® prioritizes BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). By us for us. 

  • 211: 211 website 

    ● Can call 211: Confidential calls 

    ● Offers an abundance of support: Health & mental health, caregiver resources, housing help, financial assistance, immigration support, etc. 

    One Degree:1Degree.org 

    ● Or text 844-833-1334 to search any keyword 

    ● For example: text "food stamps" or "shelter" 

    Find Help: FindHelp.org 

    ● Enter your zip code and find free or reduced-cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more. 

    California Community Resource Guide: CA Office of Community Partnerships ● Filter by need or service to find the support you are seeking

    ● I.e. disaster relief, CA fire resources, adoption resources, LGBTQ+ support, job & training resources, immigration support, caregiver resources, AIDS support, and more. 

    Ask your health insurance about case management benefits! 

  • American Civil Liberties Union - Know Your Rights 

    En Español: Derechos de los Inmigrantes 

    ● Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. 

    Immigrant Legal Resource Center: Red Cards / Tarjetas Rojas

    ● All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC's red cards give examples of how people can exercise these rights. 

    ● Todas las personas en los Estados Unidos, independientemente de su estatus migratorio, tienen ciertos derechos y protecciones bajo la Constitución de los Estados Unidos. Las tarjetas rojas del ILRC dan ejemplos de cómo las personas pueden ejercer estos derechos. 

  • San Francisco 

    https://www.sfcenter.org/ 

    ● LGBTQ+ community hub offering drop-in support, social groups, youth services, employment help, workshops, referrals to health/legal resources, and community events for all ages. 

    LYRIC Center for LGBTQQ+ Youth 

    ● Free, safe space and support services specifically for LGBTQ+ youth (teens/young adults), including groups, activities, and connection to resources in SF. 

    San Mateo County Pride Center 

    ● A community center offering affirming space, peer groups, social programs, educational events, and access to support services for LGBTQ+ folks of all ages across the Peninsula.

    Coast Pride 

    ● nonprofit serving the Half Moon Bay / Coastside area that hosts support groups for LGBTQ+ youth, families, and adults, and helps build a welcoming community through events and local advocacy 

    PFLAG 

    PFLAG offers peer support, family education, and advocacy support 

  • San Francisco Human Services Agency: Food Assistance 

    ● Supports food assistance for San Franciscans — including CalFresh (food stamps) benefits to help people buy food, groceries and meals (home-delivered, communal dining, pickup), CalFresh for immigrants, and a directory of free food locations and resources across the city 

    SF-Marin Food Bank 

    ● provides food assistance to people facing hunger in San Francisco and Marin counties — helping residents find free groceries and emergency food, distributing millions of pounds of healthy food each year through pantries and delivery programs, assisting with CalFresh (SNAP) enrollment, and partnering with local organizations to address food insecurity, plus opportunities to donate and volunteer. 

    Second Harvest of Silicon Valley 

    connects you to free food and nutrition support in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties — with a food-locator to find nearby free groceries or ready-to-eat meals, help applying for CalFresh (SNAP) benefits, and links to additional community nutrition resources 

    Community Fridges: LA Community Fridges 

    ● Free food. Comida gratis. Take what you need, leave what you can. Agarra lo que necesitas, deja lo que no. 

    LA County Department of Public Health: Food Assistance Programs 

    ● List of food and nutrition resources and organizations around Los Angeles County. 

    ● See more organizations that offer food insecurity support and resources listed in “General Support” section listed above.