first steps & faq

DUE TO COVID-19, ALL THERAPY SERVICES ARE BEING PROVIDED VIA ZOOM

Step 1: Initiate Contact

Schedule a free informational call or intake or call us at (424) 371-5191. If you are unable to reach our Intake Coordinator when you call, please leave a message with the best phone number to reach you directly, times you are available to have a private telephone conversation, and the type of therapy you’re seeking: Individual, Couples, Family, Group.

Step 2: Telephone Intake

After you schedule an intake, you will be sent a link to our Client Portal so you can provide us with information that will be helpful for us to best serve you. Once we receive this information and your intake is approved, a WILA psychotherapist will call you on your chosen day and time to conduct a 15-20 minute initial intake interview. This call will cover a variety of areas including: important aspects of your personal life, any risks you are facing, and the fee you can afford. The therapist will answer questions you have regarding WILA, the types of therapy we provide, and next steps. There is no charge for this confidential conversation. If WILA is not a good match for your needs, you will be provided with referrals.

Step 3: Schedule Your First Session

Your new therapist will call to schedule your first session. Once scheduled, you will receive a welcome email with a link to our Client Portal. Please be sure to login to eSign your new client paperwork 24 hours in advance of your first session or the session will be cancelled.

Step 4: Ongoing Therapy

At WILA, we practice psychoanalytic psychotherapy. You and your therapist will meet at the same time every week. Sessions are 50 minutes long. As therapy progresses, you and your therapist may decide that you would benefit from multiple weekly sessions. This is always an option at WILA. You may continue your work with your therapist for as long as you both see fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is WILA's treatment philosophy?

Above all, WILA believes that all people have equal potential if they receive equal opportunities. That’s why we work hard to ensure the highest quality therapy at an affordable cost.

WILA specializes in psychodynamic psychotherapy, informed by modern and contemporary psychoanalysis. This means that our therapists work from the inside out to consider how your early life experiences influence your current actions and relationships. We encourage honesty and foster intimacy in the relationship you form with your therapist as a way to discover your true self and grow. Many people who have tried shorter-term therapies find WILA’s unique and comprehensive approach to be transformational. Our goal is to help you reduce troubling symptoms such as depression and anxiety while developing self-awareness and a happier healthier life for the long term.

What are my therapists' qualifications?

WILA’s therapists are advanced pre-licensed therapists enrolled in WILA’s Psychology Internship and Postgraduate Fellowship. They are actively studying with and supervised by a highly trained and experienced faculty of clinical psychologists, psychoanalysts, and other mental health professionals. You will be provided with the name and contact information of your therapist’s licensed supervisor should any concerns arise.

How much does therapy cost?

WILA is a sliding scale clinic, meaning our fees are determined by your income, expenses, and specific life circumstances. During your phone intake, you will be asked questions about your financials and your fee will be determined. The fee will be reviewed by you and your therapist throughout the course of treatment, as necessary. We are not a free clinic; if you are in need of no cost services we will provide you with referrals.

Read about WILA’s compliance with the No Surprises Act

Will my insurance pay for therapy at WILA?

In keeping with WILA’s mission, our therapy services are priced to be an affordable alternative for those who do not have adequate health insurance benefits and/or cannot afford expensive private treatment. Clients are expected to pay WILA directly at the time of service. If requested, your therapist will provide you with a superbill, an itemized form listing healthcare services rendered, which you must submit directly to your insurance provider to request reimbursement. This is a common way to have insurance to pay for out-of-network benefits. Approval for reimbursement as well as rates will depend on the terms of your insurance policy. We encourage you to call your insurance provider to better understand these terms before beginning therapy.

Read about WILA’s compliance with the No Surprises Act

I have a substance abuse problem, is WILA right for me?

It depends. Substance abuse is often a symptom of another mental health issue. In such cases, it may be recommended that you seek help for your substance abuse prior to beginning therapy at WILA. During the initial phone intake process, a therapist will help you formulate a plan that’s right for you.

I work full-time. Can I get an evening appointment?

Yes, our therapists are available from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Thursday and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Friday.

How long will therapy take?

It is difficult to estimate the length of a psychotherapy because each person’s situation is unique. The first five sessions with your therapist will be an evaluative period during which you can discuss your goals and expectations. We remain one of the very few settings in Los Angeles where no limits are placed on treatment length or session frequency. Termination should be determined collaboratively.

Where will my sessions take place?

Due to COVID-19, all therapy sessions are conducted remotely via secure video or telephone. Otherwise, all therapy sessions take place at our West Los Angeles location which provides a safe, comfortable, accessible, and confidential atmosphere. We are conveniently located at 11845 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 505W, Los Angeles, CA 90064. Ample street parking is available nearby.

I am a clinician and would like to refer to WILA. Who do I contact?

We welcome referrals! Schedule an informational call or call (424) 371-5191 to speak to our Intake Coordinator who will help you determine the goodness of fit for your referral.

What is WILA's mission?

WILA is at the forefront of a therapy movement, changing the ways people are treated when they need help but are held back by financial, cultural and systemic barriers. We serve the diverse communities of Los Angeles by providing affordable high-quality psychotherapy services while training the next generation of socially conscious mental health professionals. [Learn More]

The Hedda Bolgar Psychotherapy Clinic at Wright Institute Los Angeles is licensed as an outpatient psychology clinic by the California Department of Health Care Services.

Read our Privacy Policy or about WILA’s compliance with the No Surprises Act.