TherapyWorks

Changing Lives

  • About
    • Our Therapists
    • FAQ
    • TherapyWorks Cares
    • Fees
      • Fees
      • Insurance
      • Benefit Verification
    • Careers
  • Services
    • Children
      • Child Anxiety
      • Angry Children
      • Depressed Children
      • Child Trauma
      • Grieving Children
      • Therapy for Autism
      • School + Academic Issues
    • Teens & Tweens
      • Teen Anxiety
      • Teen Depression
      • Angry Teens
      • Teen Trauma
      • Teen Self-Esteem/Confidence
      • Teen Social Skills
      • Grieving Teens
      • School Stress
    • Adults
      • Young Adults
      • Depression
      • Anxiety
      • Trauma
      • Anger Management
      • Stress
      • Work Stress
      • Grief and Loss
      • Relationships
      • Personal Growth & Personal Development
    • Family
      • Managing Step Family Transitions
      • Family Stress / Conflict
      • Divorce and Separation
      • Parenting Support
      • Therapy for Moms and Moms-to-Be
    • Couples
      • Infidelity and Affairs
      • Couples in Conflict
    • LGBTQ+ Mental Health
    • BIPOC Mental Health
    • Group Therapy & Classes
    • SHIFT Coaching
    • Online Therapy Services
    • Community Outreach
  • Blog
  • Better Together Live
    • Better Together Live | Season 2 Episode 3
    • Season 2 Episode 1 | Alsana
    • Episode 1 | Discovery Mood
    • Episode 2 | Good Sam Hospital
    • Episode 3 | Roots Collaborative
    • Episode 5 | NAMI SCC
    • Episode 6 | Empower Professional Organizing
    • Episode 7 | lifeSport Fitness
    • Better Together Live | Episode 8
    • Better Together Live | Episode 9
    • Better Together Live | Episode 10
    • Better Together Live | Episode 11
    • Better Together Live | Episode 12
    • Better Together Live | Episode 13
    • Better Together Live | Episode 14
    • Better Together Live | Episode 15
    • Better Together Live | Episode 16
    • Better Together Live | Episode 17
    • Better Together Live | Episode 18
    • Better Together Live | Episode 19
    • Better Together Live | Episode 21
    • Better Together Live | Episode 20
    • Better Together Live | Episode 22
  • Contact
    • Join Our List
    • Contact Us
    • Locations & Directions
      • Los Gatos
      • Capitola
      • Scotts Valley
    • Make a Referral
  • Helpful Resources
  • Schedule

FAQ

What is an MFT?

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are licensed mental health professionals who work with individuals; couples – whether or not married; family’s of all types; and groups to cure or relieve mental, emotional, and relational concerns of all kinds. MFTs work in a variety of settings throughout California and the rest of the country providing mental health services, as well as provide services in independent practice. MFTs have minimally acquired two-year master’s degrees, 3,000 hours of supervised experience, and have passed two rigorous exams.

Source: California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

What’s the Difference Between an MFT, LCSW and Psychologist?

  • MFT or LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a master’s degree in psychology, counseling psychology, clinical psychology, or marital and family therapy. Emphasis is on primary service in counseling and psychotherapy from a variety of therapeutic orientations with individuals, couples, families, and groups.
  • LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a master’s degree in clinical social work. Emphasis on primary service in psychosocial diagnosis, assessment and treatment, client advocacy, consultation, evaluation and research.
  • Psychologist: Possesses a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field with a license to practice therapy and conducts psychological testing and research.
  • Psychiatrist: A medical doctor who specializes in psychiatry. Emphasis on primary service in prescribing and monitoring psychotropic medications and sometimes offers psychotherapy.

Source: California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

What is Psychotherapy and Counseling?

Psychotherapy, often referred to as counseling or therapy, is a process for helping you feel better and relieving the symptoms that you may be struggling with. The counseling experience most often begins with an initial meeting with a therapist to gather information and personal history in order to develop a plan to meet you an/or your families needs. Counseling can include individual, group, and/or family sessions.

How Long Does Counseling Take?

Counseling sessions typically lasts 45-50 minutes. Session frequency is based on your specific needs and concerns and typically are once or twice weekly. Sessions are encouraged to continue you have met your specified treatment goals or until you are feeling better.

What About My Privacy?

A therapist is mandated by law to maintain your confidentiality.  There are however a few limits that pertain to this law, which include cases involving child abuse, elder abuse, or imminent danger to oneself or someone else.

How Do I Choose the Right Therapist?

It is important to choose a therapist who you feel is a good fit for you. This can often be identified through your initial and early assessment sessions with the therapist. Some practical things to consider also include the therapist’s qualifications, including education, training and experience, the fee for the session and the location of the office.

Schedule Now

Offices in Los Gatos, Santa Cruz/Capitola & Scotts Valley

Location & Directions

Our TherapyWorks Team

CEO & FounderClient Care Coordinator

Schedule Now!

Learn More

Follow us

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • linkedin
  • yelp

Recent Posts

The 3 Stages of Burnout (And How to Spot Them Early)

Live Better: Small Changes That Make a Big Difference in Your Mental Health

Therapist-Approved Gift Guide: Thoughtful Gifts for Everyone On Your List

Top Factors Impacting Kids’ Mental Health Today

Suicide Prevention: Resources and Support for Those in Need

The Importance of Mental Health Check-Ins for School-Aged Children: Supporting Academic Success and Well-Being

The Importance of Friendships for Mental Health

Escape Stress: Discover the Best Relaxation Spots in Santa Cruz

Contact

Email:  hello@mytherapyworks.com

LOS GATOS OFFICE
P: 408-508-6789
F: 408-399-8909
A: 334 Village Lane, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Click for Map

CAPITOLA/SANTA CRUZ OFFICE
P: 831-525-5000
A: 519 Capitola Ave. Suite A, Capitola, CA 95010
Click for Map

SCOTTS VALLEY OFFICE
P: 831-525-5000
A: 125 Bethany Drive, Bldg B, Suite 101, Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Click for Map

Happily serving our local communities, including Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Capitola, Soquel and Aptos.
Copyright © 2025 Therapy Works of Los Gatos · All rights reserved · Responsive site by Fremont Web Solutions          Sitemap