FAQs

What is an MFT?

The term MFT stands for Marriage and Family Therapist, and is the official terminology used by the State of California. MFTs are relationship specialists who treat persons involved in interpersonal relationships. The term LMFT stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

What agency licenses MFTs in California?

Marriage and Family Therapists are regulated and licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). Requirements for licensure include a related doctoral or two-year master’s degree, the completion of at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience, and the passage of two comprehensive examinations.

What if I'm not married or I want individual therapy?

Of course, an MFT also provides therapy for individuals as well as couples and families.

What about privacy?

All of your conversations with your therapist are completely confidential (except where mandated otherwise by law, as in the case of child abuse or eminent danger to yourself or others).

How does counseling work?

People seek counseling for numerous reasons: a crisis, the disruption of a life-threatening disease, a major life change, to sort things out to have a healthier and happier life or to improve their relationships with others. Counseling begins with an initial meeting with the therapist to gather information and history in order to develop a plan to meet each individual’s/family’s needs. Counseling may include individual, group and/or family sessions.

How long is a counseling session and how much does it cost?

Unless otherwise arranged, for a standard session, it is 45 minutes. Therapy works best with regular and consistent sessions, usually once a week. Fees are competitive with other clinicians in the Bay Area, and payment, which depends on the services provided, is generally collected at the time of session. Dr. Betjoseph is not contracted with any insurance carrier, and therefore, he will be considered out-of-network if dealing with a PPO-type medical insurance plan.

How many counseling sessions will I need? The number of sessions depends on several factors, including but not limited to the goals for therapy, the severity of the issues encountered, and of course, the client's willingness to actively participate. What if I have to cancel my counseling session? There is no charge for any session cancelled more than 24 hours prior to the scheduled time. However, sessions cancelled within 24 hours or less will be charged the full fee. Will my insurance company pay for counseling? Many PPO plans will, and many HMO plans will not. So keep in mind that payment is expected at the time of service, and that reimbursement is the responsibility of the client. Be sure to check with your insurance company that the type of counseling you'd like is covered, and in addition, that the percentages and maximums that apply for out-of-network providers like San Jose Counseling are acceptable to you. How do I start counseling? Simply contact us to schedule a session at our mutual convenience. Call 408-920-1730 or email us at [email protected]

408-920-1730

San Jose Counseling with Dr. Invia Betjoseph

Dr. Invia A. Betjoseph is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, MFC 44618.

As a Psychotherapist, and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, he provides Psychotherapy, or Counseling and Sex Addiction Treatment for Sexual Addiction and Pornography or Porn Addiction.