Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you accept insurance?
We’re in-network with Aetna and United Insurance 🎉

If you have a different insurance provider, we’ve still got options. We can provide a Superbill (basically a detailed receipt) that you can submit to your insurance for potential partial reimbursement.

A quick heads up: reimbursement isn’t guaranteed, and full payment is required at the time of each session. Every plan is a little different, so we always recommend checking with your insurance provider about your out-of-network benefits ahead of time.

2. What can I expect at my first session?
If we decide we’re a good fit during your consultation call, we’ll schedule your first session—also known as an intake session (a fancy way of saying a “get to know you” session).

Before we meet, I’ll have you fill out some paperwork so I can learn a bit about you ahead of time. Then during our session, we’ll talk through what’s bringing you in, your goals, and anything you feel is important for me to know.

There’s no pressure to have it all figured out—this is a space for you to show up exactly as you are.

3. How often do we meet and for how long?
It depends on your needs, goals, and schedule.

That said, we typically recommend starting with weekly sessions for the first 4–6 weeks. This helps us build a strong foundation, create momentum, and really get to know each other.

From there, we can adjust the frequency together—whether that’s continuing weekly or spacing things out as you feel ready.

4. Is teletherapy as helpful as in-person therapy?
Short answer: yes, it absolutely can be.

Teletherapy is very similar to in-person therapy in terms of effectiveness. The biggest difference? You get to show up from the comfort of your own space—whether that’s your couch, your car, or your favorite cozy corner.

For many people, that added comfort and privacy actually makes it easier to open up.

5. Are there mental health challenges you don’t work with?
Each of our therapists (ASWs & LCSWs) has their own strengths, specialties, and areas of focus.

6. What are your therapy fees? Our session fees are $150 per session with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and $100 per session with an Associate Social Worker (ASW). All ASW sessions are provided under the clinical supervision of Lynzie Genel, LCSW. For full details visit our Fees & Insurance page.

7. Do you offer therapy for overwhelmed moms and women? Yes. Many of our clients are women balancing careers, parenting, partnerships, and personal growth all at once. We provide a supportive space to work through the mental load, burnout, identity shifts, boundary challenges, and anxiety that often come with these roles.

8. Do you offer teen therapy in California? We work with adolescents navigating social anxiety, school stress, perfectionism, self-esteem concerns, and emotional regulation — all via secure telehealth. Sessions are tailored developmentally and we collaborate with parents when appropriate.

9. What therapy approaches do you use? Our clinicians draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Somatic Experiencing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and attachment-based approaches. We tailor the approach to each individual client rather than using a one-size-fits-all method.

10. What if I've tried therapy before and it didn't help? That's more common than you might think — and it often comes down to fit, approach, or timing. Different therapists and different methods work differently for different people. We offer a free consultation so you can get a feel for our approach before committing to anything.

11. Do you offer Spanish-language therapy? Yes. Our therapist Kimberly Robertson is bilingual in English and Spanish and welcomes clients who prefer to conduct sessions in Spanish.

12. What if you're not the right fit for me? If it turns out we're not the best match for what you're looking for, you won't be left without support. We have a strong referral network throughout California and are happy to help connect you with someone who's a better fit — because finding the right therapist matters most.

13. Do you offer online therapy in Bakersfield, CA? Yes. Conscious Connections Therapy provides online therapy in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County. We work with adults and teens navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, and burnout — all via secure telehealth from the comfort of your home. We're in-network with UnitedHealthcare and Aetna, and offer flexible scheduling Monday through Sunday, 8am to 7pm. Learn more about our online therapy services in Bakersfield.

If it turns out we’re not the best fit for what you’re looking for, you won’t be left hanging—we have a strong referral network in Bakersfield and throughout California, and we’re happy to help connect you with someone who’s a better match for your needs.

Finding the right therapist matters, and we’re here to support that process, even if it’s not with us.