Frequently Asked Questions

What is psychotherapy/therapy and how does it work?

Through psychotherapy, psychologists help people of all ages live happier, healthier and more productive lives.

In psychotherapy, psychologists apply scientifically validated procedures to help people develop healthier, more effective habits. There are several approaches to psychotherapy —  including cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal and other kinds of talk therapy — that help individuals work through their problems.

Psychotherapy is a collaborative treatment based on the relationship between an individual and a psychologist. Grounded in dialogue, it provides a supportive environment that allows you to talk openly with someone who’s objective, neutral and nonjudgmental. You and your psychologist will work together to identify and change the thought and behavior patterns that are keeping you from feeling your best.

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By the time you’re done, you will not only have solved the problem that brought you in, but you will have learned new skills so you can better cope with whatever challenges arise in the future.

(American Psychological Association)

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To learn more Dr. Yam's approach to therapy, please see the Approach and Therapies sections on this site. 

What is online therapy? 

Online therapy is regular psychotherapy that is provided over the internet through email, video conferencing, online chat, or the telephone. 

We offer online video-based therapy sessions via the secure, HIPAA-compliant, videoconferencing platform called SimplePractice. 

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy? 

Research shows that for most mental health conditions, online therapy is as effective as therapy done in person (see these research articles for more information about efficacy  (Lamb et al., 2018; Norwood et al., 2018; Osenbach et al., 2013; Shigekawa et al., 2018).

Over the past several years, patients have been increasingly requesting online and phone-based therapy services. Online therapy and telehealth in general allows for more flexibility and greater convenience because there is no traveling to and from the provider's office. Many working individuals schedule sessions during lunch. Furthermore, patients who are pregnant or have babies and small children often prefer to attend tele-sessions from home. 

We are able to work with patients who live anywhere in the state of California. This is helpful for individuals and families who reside in areas with a dearth of specialists, those who have difficulty traveling to attend appointments, and those with busy schedules wishing to avoid another commute.

Do you offer sliding scale rates?