Welcome to the SLO County Center
The San Luis Obispo County Center was our first clinic and remains the foundation of our mission to expand access to evidence-based mental health care for children, teens, and families. Our clinicians are extensively trained in evidence-based treatments (EBTs), including CBT, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), ACT, DBT, and parent-based interventions, and receive ongoing supervision from Dr. Ramona Friedman, a nationally recognized expert in child and adolescent mental health. Our innovative model of care was recognized with the Morgan Stanley Innovation Award for expanding access to high-quality youth mental health services.
Meet Our Team
Paying for Treatment
CYMH does not bill private insurance companies directly. Families pay for services at the time of each appointment, and we can provide a Superbill at the end of each month or upon request.
A Superbill is a detailed receipt that includes the dates of service, CPT procedure codes, diagnosis codes, provider and supervisor information, and fees paid. Families may submit the Superbill to their insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Coverage and reimbursement depend on the terms of your individual plan, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider before beginning treatment.
The fee for an intake or assessment session ranges from $225 to $295. The fee for a 55-minute therapy session ranges from $125 to $225.
For questions about fees, payment, or Superbills, please call 831-222-0052 or email caroline@cymh.org
What to Expect at Intake
Before Your Appointment
Before your intake or assessment appointment, you will receive access to the client portal. Please complete all required consent forms, background information, and requested questionnaires before the session.
These materials help provide an initial understanding of your child’s strengths, challenges, symptoms, and areas of concern. A diagnosis is not made from questionnaires alone. The clinician will also consider the clinical interview, observations, history, and other relevant information.
Session Format
Intake and assessment appointments may be scheduled as either:
- Two 45-minute sessions, or
- One 90-minute session
The format will be determined according to your family’s needs and scheduling preferences.
During the Intake
During the intake or assessment, the clinician will:
- Review informed consent and the limits of confidentiality
- Explain practice policies, fees, and billing
- Conduct a clinical interview with the parents, caregivers, and/or child
- Review developmental, emotional, behavioral, and family history
- Observe the child’s current presentation and functioning
- Clarify your family’s concerns and treatment goals
The intake is a collaborative process focused on understanding the full context of your child’s needs.
After the Session
Following the assessment, your family will receive a written summary that includes clinical impressions, treatment recommendations, and suggested next steps or options for care.
If your child continues treatment, your family will be responsible for scheduling appointments according to the recommended treatment plan. Appointments must also be cancelled or rescheduled in accordance with CYMH’s 24-hour cancellation policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Child Receive a Diagnosis at the Intake Session?
Not necessarily. Questionnaires, interviews, clinical observations, and background information are considered together. A diagnosis is never based on forms alone, and additional sessions or information may sometimes be needed.
Do Both Parents or Caregivers Need to Attend?
When possible, it can be helpful for both parents or caregivers to participate. However, attendance can be discussed based on your family’s circumstances, availability, and the child’s needs.
Will My Child Be Present for the Entire Appointment?
This depends on your child’s age, needs, comfort, and the nature of the concerns. Your clinician will determine how the session time should be divided between the child and their parents or caregivers.
How Should We Prepare for the Intake?
Please complete all required consent forms, background information, questionnaires, and assessment materials through the client portal before your appointment. Providing complete information helps your clinician better understand your child’s strengths and concerns.
What Happens After the Intake?
Your family will receive a written summary that includes clinical impressions, treatment recommendations, and suggested next steps. If treatment continues, appointments will be scheduled according to the recommended treatment plan.
What if We Decide Not to Continue Treatment?
That is completely okay. You will still receive a written summary and treatment recommendations that may be used with another therapist, school professional, pediatrician, psychiatrist, or medical provider.
Can the Written Summary Be Shared With Other Professionals?
Yes. Many families find the summary helpful when working with schools, pediatricians, psychiatrists, therapists, and other professionals. It can be shared with your permission.
Does Insurance Cover the Intake Appointment?
CYMH does not bill private insurance companies directly. Families pay for services and may submit a Superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement, depending on their plan.
The Santa Cruz Center bills the Central California Alliance for Health directly for eligible Medi-Cal services. Families should contact their insurance provider to confirm coverage and reimbursement before treatment begins.
How Can We Help?
If you have questions or would like to make an appointment, please complete this form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also email kerri@cymh.org or call our SLO Center at (805) 996-0535 or our Santa Cruz Center at (831) 222-0052.
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