Frequently Asked Questions

.How do I make an appointment?

To schedule a 20-minute free consultation, please email me at therapywithshao@gmail.com or use the contact form to send an inquiry. I’ll get back to you shortly with next steps.

.Is the therapy confidential?

Yes — confidentiality is a foundational part of the therapeutic relationship. The rest you share in therapy remains private.

There are a few exceptions required by law, such as if there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or if I learn of abuse involving a child or vulnerable adult. If you use insurance for reimbursement, please note that your provider may request information such as your diagnosis and how your symptoms impact daily functioning. Outside of these specific cases, I take great care to protect your privacy

.What’s the main population you work with?

I work primarily with adults and young adults navigating complex emotional, relational, and identity-related experiences. Many of my clients identify as East Asian or part of the Asian diaspora; queer or questioning (in terms of gender and sexuality); neurodivergent (ADHD, ASD, or highly sensitive); international students or immigrants; or individuals who move between multiple cultures, languages, and expectations.

I also work with people in high-pressure academic or professional environments, as well as those drawn to inner work—whether through self-inquiry, spirituality, or a desire for deeper meaning and connection.

.Do you offer therapy in Mandarin?

Yes. I offer sessions in both English and Mandarin Chinese. You’re welcome to use the language that feels most natural to you.

.How often do we meet?

In most cases, we’ll meet once a week. A weekly rhythm helps build continuity, trust, and momentum in the work. If you're in acute distress or addressing longstanding patterns, we may meet more frequently for a time. In some cases, biweekly sessions may also be appropriate — we’ll decide together what works best for you.

.How long will therapy take?

There’s no set timeline for therapy. The issues we explore often unfold over years—sometimes across generations — so it’s natural that healing and change take time.

Some clients come with a focused concern and feel ready to end therapy after a few months. Others stay longer, using therapy as an ongoing space for reflection, integration, and growth. We’ll revisit your goals and needs together along the way.

.What’s you session fee?

My fee is $250 per 50-minute session for individual therapy, and $300 per 50-minutes session for couple therapy. I do not accept insurance directly, but I can provide a superbill for clients who wish to use out-of-network benefits.

.Do you accept insurance?

I don’t bill insurance directly. However, if your plan includes out-of-network benefits, you may be able to receive partial reimbursement for your sessions. I can provide you with a monthly superbill to submit to your insurance provider.

.How does using out-of-netwok bebefits work?

When using out-of-network benefits, you’ll pay the full session fee at the time of service. You can then submit a superbill—a detailed receipt that includes diagnosis and session information—to your insurance company. Many companies allow submission through their online member portals. If you’d prefer not to manage this process yourself, services like Reimbursify can submit claims on your behalf for a small fee (the first one is free).

.How can I check if I have out-of-network coverage?

You can call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask:

Do I have out-of-network coverage for outpatient mental health services?
What percentage of the session fee is reimbursed?
What is my deductible, and how much of it has been met?
Is telehealth (online therapy) covered?
What is the allowed amount for CPT codes 90834 (45–50 min individual session), 90837 (60 min individual session), and 90847 (family/relationship session)?

Knowing this information in advance can help you plan for coverage and reimbursement. I’m happy to assist if you need help interpreting your benefits.

.What’s your cancellation policy?

Therapy works best with consistency and rhythm. For cancellations, I ask for at least two weeks’ notice—late cancellations will be charged the full fee.
Rescheduling is totally fine as long as you let me know at least 24 hours in advance. You can reschedule anytime within the two-week window—just email me as soon as you can so we can find another time.