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The difference between counseling in Japan and the United States is ？

What are the qualifications of a California licensed clinical psychologist

To become a California licensed clinical psychologist, after completing an accredited graduate degree and 3000 hours of practice and experience in counseling children, individuals, couples and families （ this It takes approximately 5-6 years ） to become licensed unless you pass the California state certification exam. Clinical psychologist certification in the U.S. is administered and established under strict standards as a state-recognized credential in each state.

This reflects the status of counselors as officially established in American society.

California and New York are also notorious for having the most difficult certification exams in the country.

What is involved in counseling? What is the process of

Please feel free to contact us by phone or email. We will discuss what you would like to discuss and your insurance coverage. During the initial session, the counselor will begin by asking the client for personal and background information, and will also ask the client what goals and aspirations they would like to achieve through the counseling process.

After the first session, counseling is directed toward realistic goals. There is absolute confidentiality between counselor and client as required by state law, so what is said will not be divulged. Clients can therefore feel confident in talking about their concerns and feelings.

Sessions average about 60 minutes each. Depending on the severity of the problem and goals, sessions may be completed in one or a few sessions, or they may be repeated over a longer period of time. The final session concludes with the client and counselor reviewing the steps and progress made in the sessions to date and discussing specific measures for the future.

I have had counseling and listened to you ？

Counseling can help you face your feelings honestly, understand your emotions better, and live your life as yourself. Although the human nature that individuals are born with does not change, each of us is influenced by the environment in which we were born and raised, and we all grow and develop through our personal experiences. In the process, various habits and customs are formed, such as the way you think about things, behavior patterns, values, and lifestyle habits. Depending on how you deal with your human nature, life may become easier, your feelings may stabilize, and your worries and anxieties may ease. In fact, this "awareness" is what we call "change. Becoming aware of one's feelings means valuing one's emotions and changing to be able to affirm oneself. Counseling enables this process.

How many counseling sessions is normal ？

The number of sessions depends on your individual goals. Some people come regularly for many years to manage their own mental health, others may be in the middle of a major problem and only come for a short period of time until the problem is resolved, and others may come two or three times and then leave after the problem is resolved.

Do you use medication ？

if necessary? If necessary, we may use medication. If so, we will prescribe them through your medical insurance or instruct our affiliated psychiatrist to write a prescription for you.

What are the fees ？

Rates depend on how much your insurance will cover, so please contact your insurance company first. Our counseling ・ Practice is covered by long-term traveler's insurance from Japan and various types of U.S. medical insurance. If you prefer to pay privately without insurance, or if you are in an emergency and in a hurry, you may see us directly for counseling without insurance. The counseling fee* is ＄ 200/60 minutes or ＄ 230/80 minutes. Discounts for international students and sliding scales （ and general discounts ） are also available.

I want to start counseling but I am busy with childcare, school and work. I don't have time to attend.

Our practice offers online counseling as well as face-to-face counseling in our regular office. Online counseling sessions are usually conducted by phone, FaceTime, or Zoom. A study published in 2017 by the American Psychological Association found that online counseling is as effective as face-to-face sessions in a regular office setting. The results show that online counseling is as effective as in-person sessions in a regular office setting.

Can I quit counseling whenever I want ？

Of course. If you do, please let us know that you want to quit. We won't force you to stay, and we won't tell you to try it at least X number of times. And if you need to come back in the future and want to return, just let us know and we can resume at any time.