Therapy

Therapy

More about Cerebral therapists, our various approaches to therapy, and how our therapy plans work. 

21 topics

Does Cerebral provide assessments and documentation for medical paperwork requests or applications?

Providing paperwork or documentation is up to the discretion of your therapist or prescriber and is not guaranteed. Approval for any paperwork or documentation may take time, and may require meeting with your therapist or prescriber over multiple sessions so they can make an informed decision.

Our therapists and prescribers can complete paperwork or documentation related to:

  • Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • Leave Of Absence
  • Social Security Disability
  • Emotional Support Animals
  • Fitness for Duty
  • Return to Work
  • Housing Evaluations


This is not a comprehensive list. We recommend you discuss any paperwork or documentation requests with your therapist or prescriber to make sure they can support you. Therapist Associates cannot complete documentation or paperwork.


Cerebral can also provide clients with their medical records.
Log into your account to send us a message, or email support@cerebral.com to request them.

How do I switch therapists if it isn’t a good fit?

Most clients find a therapist they like on the first try, but it’s easy to switch anytime for any reason. 

Log into your account and click on your therapist’s profile to find a new one. 

If you need more help, log into your account and send us a message.

Can you diagnose depression, anxiety, ADHD, and insomnia online?

Yes. Diagnosing mental health conditions online is just as accurate as diagnosing in-person. The same clinical guidelines and tools are used in-person and remotely. You’ll meet 1-on-1 with a therapist and/or prescriber to get an evaluation and help them determine a diagnosis, if any, and corresponding treatment plan.

How do I track my progress?

Our program is built to help you see your progress over time. You’ll work with your prescriber and/or therapist to build a personalized treatment plan. About once a month, we’ll also send you a regular mental health assessment to check in about how you’re feeling. You can keep track of your results of these assessments over time in the Progress section of your account.

How long does couples therapy last?

The duration depends on your individual needs and goals. Some couples see significant progress after a few sessions, while others may need longer-term therapy. Your therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that suits your unique circumstances.

Do I need to be married to go to couples therapy?

Absolutely not. Couples therapy is for any two people in a committed relationship, regardless of marital status. Whether you're dating, living together, or engaged, therapy can help you build a stronger foundation for your relationship.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Therapy is a safe space for you to discuss and process difficult emotions and experiences and learn more about the way you experience the world. Our goal is for you to develop healthier thinking patterns and thrive in all areas of your life.

Therapy can be especially beneficial for those who are experiencing mild, medium, or severe symptoms of a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health condition. Some of the most common conditions we treat include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

If you think you may be experiencing a mental health condition, working with a therapist can help you learn more about your symptoms and develop long-term strategies to manage them.

What tools and techniques do Cerebral therapists use?

Our therapists use a variety of evidence-based approaches to support their clients, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Therapists who specialize in couples therapy also use approaches like:

  • CBT
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • The Gottman Method

Can I message my therapist between sessions?

Yes. 

Log into your account to send a message in the Therapist Chat section of the messaging feature. Your therapist will also use this space to share any summaries or notes about your sessions. 

Responses may take up to 2 business days.

Does Cerebral treat bipolar disorder?

Yes. We offer medication and therapy services that are proven to help reduce and manage symptoms of bipolar disorder.

You can meet with a prescriber or therapist to learn more about specific treatment options customized to fit your needs.

What happens in a couples therapy session?

Each session is unique, but typically the therapist will encourage open communication, listen actively to both partners, and offer tools and strategies for improving your relationship dynamics. Expect to discuss your concerns, learn new communication skills, and practice addressing challenging topics in a safe and supportive environment.

Do I get to choose my therapist?

Yes. After you sign up and choose a service, you’ll see all available therapists who are licensed in your state. 

From there, you can learn a bit about each one and see when they’re available to meet. Once you find a therapist you want to work with, you can book a session. Most of our clients are able to meet with someone within 3 days of signing up.

See available therapists in your state

Can I see any therapist or prescriber at Cerebral?

When you choose a therapy or medication service, we’ll show you therapists and prescribers who are licensed in your state. If you are using insurance, we’ll also show you therapists and prescribers who are in network with your insurance provider.

How do I choose a couples therapist?

You’ll choose a therapist when you sign up as a new client. We’ll show you all available therapists in your area, and you can read their bios and see their schedule. Then you can book your first session at any available time that works for you and your partner.

What are some signs that couples therapy might be helpful?

Couples therapy may be helpful if you are experiencing any of these things in your relationship: 

  • Frequent arguments and communication breakdowns
  • Difficulty expressing needs and feelings
  • Lack of intimacy or physical connection
  • Financial stress or disagreements
  • Infidelity or trust issues
  • Feeling disconnected or unfulfilled in the relationship

What if my partner doesn't want to go to therapy?

While it's ideal for both partners to be involved, you can still benefit from individual therapy. You can learn healthy communication skills, explore your own needs and expectations, and gain tools to navigate the challenges in your relationship.

What credentials do Cerebral therapists have?

All therapists at Cerebral have a doctoral or master’s graduate degree (PsyD, PhD, MSW, MSEd, etc.) from an accredited institution. Some therapists are licensed at the associate level, which means they are working toward independent licensure under the direction of a professional clinical supervisor.

Each therapist has their licenses included in their bios, which you can view before you decide to work with them.

Some of these licenses include:

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

All therapists maintain or are in the process of obtaining a license to practice in one or more states.

When should we consider couples therapy?

You might consider therapy if you're facing ongoing communication problems, intimacy issues, unresolved conflicts, or difficulty navigating life changes together. Even strong couples may benefit from therapy as a preventive measure or to enhance their connection.

What should I do if I'm experiencing a crisis or emergency?

If you are having an emergency — call 911.


If you are feeling suicidal — call 988.
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24/7/365 from anywhere in the U.S.

If you are not in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis — but do have questions about your current medication or treatment —  you can contact us.

Contact us:

  • Email: support@cerebral.com
  • Text or call: 415-403-2156

Our support team is available:

  • 6am – 6pm PT Monday – Friday
  • 7am – 4pm PT Saturday and Sunday 

Response times may take up to 2 business days.

Existing clients can log into your account to send us a message.

Please note:

If we have reason to believe you may hurt yourself or someone else, we may share necessary information with your emergency contact or local emergency personnel (in accordance with our safety protocols and any applicable laws and regulations).

Can I message my therapist or medication prescriber between sessions?

Yes, you can message your therapist or prescriber anytime between sessions.

Responses may take up to 2 business days.

Log into your account to start a new message.

How often can I meet with my therapist or prescriber?

Therapy

If you are subscribed to a 2x a month therapy plan:

Your subscription includes 2 sessions per month

If you are subscribed to a 4x a month therapy plan:

Your subscription includes 4 sessions per month

You may schedule additional sessions with either plan, which will be billed at $135 per session.

Medication

You will meet with your prescriber to complete your intake (typically done in one session). After that, you and your prescriber will decide how often you should meet according to their clinical recommendation and your specific needs. 

Need more support?

You can log into your account and send a message to your prescriber or therapist directly if you need more support. Responses may take up to 2 business days.

Call 911 if you’re having a
mental health emergency

Text Home to 741-741 if you're in emotional
distress and need immediate support

Call 988 For National Suicide
Prevention Hotline