Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The therapist will return your call or email to arrange a free telephone consultation as soon as possible. We will talk about what you are looking for, if my practice is suited to meet your needs, fees and payment, and I will be happy to answer any questions you might have. If you decide to move forward, we will schedule an appointment.

You can reach us by calling our confidential phone at 415-484-9378 or using the links below to send us an email. All of our communication is private and we do not sell or share out contact or mailing lists.

• For Luke click here: Luke
• For Chad click here: Chad

Psychotherapy is different from talking with family and friends about your concerns. A welcoming and well-trained professional can help clearly identify the problem and provide guidance through the healing process. Lasting solutions and enjoying life are possible! If you are considering therapy, you are probably a good candidate for therapy. If you are not sure, you could try out one session to help you make a decision.

I encourage you to check in with yourself and see if the fit feels right to you. Through this website, Chad and Luke’s individual sites, our therapy blogs, and the initial email/phone contact you have with either of us, you will get impressions of the therapist and what it might be like to work together. At the end of the first session, the therapist will ask you how it felt to meet and share with him. Trust your intuition as you decide whether or not to move forward. Therapy requires an investment of your time, energy, and money, so finding a therapist who is the right fit for you is important.

Our goal is to offer everyone who walks into the office a warm welcome and a safe space as we explore the possibility of working together. It is normal to feel nervous during the first session, but most people feel more relaxed as we get started. The therapist will ask you to tell him about the reasons you are seeking psychotherapy and what outcomes you would like to experience. By the end of the first session, you will both decide if you are well matched and want to continue meeting.

Length of treatment varies significantly depending on the nature of your concerns and your goals. Some problems can be treated in a relatively short amount of time (8-12 sessions), while others take more time. During our initial meetings, we will discuss your treatment needs and length of therapy.

Luke and Chad offers individual psychotherapy for adults (Chad also works with adolescents age 16 and up), couples or poly relationship therapy, and family therapy. Luke also provides services in sexual risk reduction and infection prevention. Chad also provides services as a parenting specialist as part of divorce mediation.

The nonprofit accepts cash, check, major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex), and PayPal. Each healing professional has his or her own Identification code that you must use when paying.

Alternatively, if you choose to work with Luke or Chad in private practice, you should note the forms of payment accepted in such situations outside of Emerge™.

Please provide at least 24 hours notice to your Emerge™ professional for appointment cancellations. If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice, you may have to pay for the missed session if we are unable to reschedule within the same week.

A Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is a psychotherapist with either a Master’s or Doctoral degree in specified psychological coursework who applies therapeutic techniques through the lens of relationships.

Under California law and the law in most States, the application of marriage and family therapy principles and methods includes, but is not limited to: the use of applied psychotherapeutic techniques to empower individuals to mature and grow within marriage and the many definitions of family; the provision of explanations and interpretations of the psychosexual and psychosocial aspects of relationships; and the use, application, and integration of the therapist’s required psychological coursework and training (and additional coursework and training as may be elected by the therapist).

MFTI stands for Marriage and Family Therapy Intern. Under clinical supervision, a psychotherapist must fulfill 3000 hours of internship in specific areas of clinical practice before the State Board may grant a full MFT license. This is similar to when physicians are interns.

The practice of “marriage and family therapy” means that service of psychotherapy performed with individuals, couples, or groups, wherein interpersonal relationships are examined for the purpose of achieving more adequate, satisfying, and productive relationship adjustments. This practice also includes relationship and pre-marriage counseling.