Frequently Asked Questions
Starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions, especially if you are unsure what to expect. These FAQs are here to help you better understand Mimi Olavarrieta Psychotherapy, therapy in California, and how to begin.
-
You do not need to be in crisis or have a clearly defined problem to begin therapy. Many people start because they want support understanding their emotions, relationships, patterns, or life experiences more deeply.
Therapy can offer a steady space to slow down, reflect, and feel less alone in what you are carrying.
-
No. You do not need to have the right words, a specific diagnosis, or a clear goal before reaching out. Part of therapy can be exploring what feels difficult to name and beginning to understand what may be shaping your emotions, patterns, or relationships.
-
Individual therapy may include exploring emotions, relationship patterns, identity, self-esteem, life transitions, grief, trauma, substance use concerns, and personal growth. Sessions may include both deeper self-exploration and practical tools for daily life.
-
Couples therapy offers a space for partners to better understand recurring patterns, improve communication, navigate conflict, and rebuild emotional connection. Mimi approaches couples work collaboratively and without taking sides.
-
Teen therapy focuses on creating a space where adolescents feel safe, respected, and heard. Mimi supports teens navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, identity development, trauma, family conflict, substance use concerns, social challenges, and difficulty expressing what they are feeling.
-
When appropriate, Mimi may incorporate family therapy or a family systems approach. Family sessions can help improve communication, rebuild trust, understand relational patterns, create healthier boundaries, and support stronger connections between family members.
-
It is common for teens to feel unsure, guarded, or resistant at first. Mimi approaches adolescents with curiosity and compassion rather than judgment or pressure. Building trust is central to the process.
-
Yes. Mimi currently provides online therapy for clients located in California. Virtual sessions allow clients to receive support from a private, comfortable space.
Mimi also offers local walk-and-talk therapy when appropriate based on the client’s needs, location, schedule, and clinical fit.
-
Yes. Mimi offers local walk-and-talk therapy sessions when appropriate. These sessions take place outdoors while walking side by side, which can feel grounding, reduce pressure, and support reflection in a more natural setting.
Privacy, weather, accessibility, safety, and clinical fit will be discussed before beginning.
-
I am currently preparing to offer in-person therapy in Marin County. Virtual sessions remain available throughout California, and local walk-and-talk therapy is also offered when appropriate. Feel free to reach out if you would like to be updated about in-person availability
-
Mimi currently provides telehealth therapy for clients located in California.
-
The first step is to schedule a free consultation. This gives you a chance to ask questions, share what you are looking for, and explore whether working together feels like the right fit.
-
A free consultation is a brief 15-minute conversation where you can ask questions, learn more about Mimi’s approach, and talk through what kind of support you are looking for. It is also a chance to get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit.
-
Individual, couples, and teen therapy sessions are $185 per session. Family therapy sessions are $220 per session.
-
At this time, Mimi does not accept insurance. However, she is happy to provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance provider for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
-
Mimi asks that clients provide at least 48 hours’ notice if they need to cancel or reschedule a session.
Sessions canceled with less than 48 hours’ notice may be subject to the full session fee.
Come As You Are
You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. If you are curious about working together, a free consultation is a simple place to begin.