Your Questions,
Thoughtfully Answered
Starting therapy is a big decision—and we believe it should be an informed, empowered one. At Palo Alto Smart Therapy, we take your time, goals, and trust seriously. This FAQ page is here to help you better understand who we are, how we work, and what you can expect from the journey ahead. If you have additional questions after exploring, we’re always happy to connect and talk through them personally.
How Confidential is Therapy?
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy—and one of the reasons it can be so transformative. Many people come to therapy specifically because it offers a rare, private space to speak freely, without fear of judgment, repercussions, or breaches of personal information.
As licensed mental health professionals, we are legally and ethically required to maintain strict confidentiality. We do not share what is discussed in your sessions without your explicit consent, except in very limited circumstances defined by law (see “Limits of Confidentiality in California”).
In California, psychologists must follow both state privacy laws and the ethical guidelines established by the American Psychological Association (APA). Nationally, your rights are further protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
At the start of therapy, we’ll review confidentiality—and its limits—in detail, so you feel informed, safe, and empowered to make the most of your sessions.
What Are the Limits of Confidentiality in California?
- Serious risk of harm to self or others
- Suspected abuse of a child, elder, or dependent adult
- Court orders
- Legal proceedings involving mental health
- Planning or concealing a serious crime
Do You Take My Insurance?
At Palo Alto Smart Therapy, we are out-of-network providers for all insurance companies. We do not bill insurance directly, but many clients successfully use their out-of-network benefits for partial reimbursement.
If you wish to use insurance, ask your provider:
- Do I have out-of-network benefits?
- What percentage will be reimbursed?
- Is reimbursement based on a maximum allowable amount?
- Is there a deductible or session limit?
We are happy to provide you with a superbill to assist with out-of-network reimbursement. Most therapy sessions are billed under the procedure code 90834.
By remaining out-of-network, we’re able to offer highly personalized, confidential care—without the constraints and reporting requirements often imposed by insurance companies. This approach allows us to focus fully on delivering the high-quality, individualized therapy we believe our clients deserve.
What Works in Therapy?
We combine a strong therapeutic relationship with modern methods like EMDR, IFS, and somatic therapy to help our clients realize more than insight – because the clients we work with want real, lasting change.
Research consistently shows that the quality of the relationship between therapist and client is the strongest predictor of success (Norcross & Lambert, 2018).
At Palo Alto Smart Therapy, we practice modern psychotherapy, working with thoughts, emotions, and somatic (body-based) experiences. Our goal is to help you shift not just what you think—but how you feel and experience yourself—at a foundational level.
We integrate EMDR, IFS, somatic techniques, CBT, DBT, humanistic, and object relations models to support lasting, meaningful change.
How Is Going to Therapy Different from Getting Advice from People I Know?
Advice from friends or family can be helpful, but therapy offers something deeper.
At Palo Alto Smart Therapy, we create a structured, professional relationship designed for real emotional, cognitive, and somatic change. We don’t simply tell you what to do—we help you shift how you experience yourself and the world, using modern, research-backed techniques.
Why Should I Schedule a Discovery Call?
We require a complimentary discovery call before beginning therapy. This call ensures that we are a good match and that we can offer meaningful help.
The call is a low-pressure space to:
Share your goals
Learn about our approach
Ask questions
See if the connection feels right
It’s your first empowered step toward real change.
What Kinds of Therapy Do You Offer?
We integrate EMDR, IFS, somatic therapy, and traditional methods like CBT and DBT to create real, lasting emotional and nervous system shifts.
At Palo Alto Smart Therapy, we offer modern psychotherapy that integrates deep emotional and somatic work with practical, evidence-based strategies.
Our therapists draw from:
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Somatic therapy techniques
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills
- Existential-Humanistic and Person-Centered Therapy
- Object Relations Theory
This flexible approach is tailored to your unique goals and pacing, designed to help you not just gain insight—but shift your experience from the inside out.
Do You Offer Telehealth Appointments?
Yes. We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions for clients who prefer the convenience of online therapy.
Dr. Amy Sharp works exclusively via telehealth. Dr. Krista Regedanz and Jon Sarlin, LMFT, offer both in-person sessions at our Portola Valley office and telehealth, based on your preference.
Whether in person or online, our commitment to high-quality care remains the same.
What Can I Expect in the First Few Sessions?
We clarify if we are the right team for your goals and disposition, clarify your goals, and co-create a therapy plan that fits your pace. Early sessions focus on practical progress, safety, insight, and direction.
We’ll get to know your history, current challenges, and hopes for therapy. Rather than rushing into solutions, we take time to co-create a plan that fits your needs and pace.
Our approach is collaborative, goal-oriented, and grounded in emotional safety—so you can do the kind of work that leads to lasting change.
How Long Does It Take to Get Results in Therapy?
The timeline depends on your goals, how long the issue has been present, its connection to your nervous system, and how engaged you are between sessions.
Some people feel better within a few sessions. Deeper work—like resolving trauma or shifting long-term patterns—may take longer. We track your progress together so therapy stays effective and aligned.
Can Therapy Really Help If I’m Already High-Functioning?
Yes. Many of our clients are high-achieving professionals who want more than just coping skills—they want clarity, fulfillment, and deeper alignment with their values.
Therapy can help you break old patterns, reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and thrive with greater authenticity.
Is Therapy Emotionally Difficult?
Therapy is a “choose-your-own-adventure” process. Some clients stay surface-level; others go deeper over time. We’ll meet you where you are and help you build the tools and confidence to go further when you’re ready.
How Often Should I Plan to Meet If I Travel Regularly?
Consistency matters, especially early on—but we understand that many of our clients travel frequently.
We offer flexible options, including secure telehealth, and we’ll work with you to keep momentum, even across time zones. If you’re away for an extended time, we’ll create a plan to help you stay engaged.
Should I Wait to Start Therapy Until After My Next Trip or Event?
You don’t need a perfect schedule to begin. Starting now—even with interruptions—can still help you build trust and clarity.
We’ll meet you where you are. You can always pause and return as needed.
Do You Work With Teens or Families?
Why Do You Refer to Your Clients as “Clients” and Not “Patients?”
What Makes Palo Alto Smart Therapy Different?
- Purpose-driven, collaborative work
- Tools that support real nervous system change—not just talk
- Deep respect for your autonomy and values
- Research-informed care with strong relational skill