Where is your office located?

Address: 370 W. Grand Blvd, Suite 104, Corona, CA 92882

What is your contact information?

You can call my office, or text me, at 951-497-6001. You can also send me an email at info@alanwagerlmft.com.

What are your hours?

I know that clients seeking therapy can have busy lives. Because of this I offer appointments ranging from 10 AM to 7 PM Monday through Friday.

I also provide sessions every other Saturday.

So how long do sessions usually last?

A “session hour” is typically 50 minutes. Most of my sessions fall within that range; but if prior arrangements are made, sessions can be scheduled for 80 minutes.

How much will a session with you cost me?

My fee is $120.00 for a 50-minute session. Of course, if we arrange for a longer session that amount increases.

So, do you prefer cash or credit?

That’s up to you, I’ll accept whatever form of payment that works best for you.

Will you take my insurance?

There are very few insurance companies with whom I work. My primary means of payment is cash or credit card.

What’s wrong with accepting my insurance?

Therapists differ on if and how many insurance companies to work with. My own reasons for not accepting insurance have to do with the amount of paperwork and oversite by the insurance companies. I have chosen to keep my practice more intimate, which means I honestly do not have the time to process all the forms needed for submitting your information to the insurance companies.

To be honest, I would rather not pin a label on you just to get paid. Sometimes problems don’t fit neatly into a single diagnosis. My goal for you in therapy is for you to define yourself, so I don’t want to force another label on you.

More importantly, your confidentiality and privacy are compromised whenever your mental health information is submitted to an insurance company. Insurance also needs a diagnosis to authorize your session and payment.

There are many excellent therapists who accept your health insurance. If you wish to utilize your insurance, I would suggest giving them a call to get a referral in your area.

How can I set up an appointment with you?

Give me a call or text me on my office number, 951-497-6001. You can also send me an email at info@alanwagertherapy.com.

Do you have a cancellation policy if I can’t keep my appointment?

I set up appointments to accommodate your schedule. I understand that things happen, so sessions sometimes need to be rescheduled or canceled. Let me know as soon as possible if you can’t keep your appointment, and I’ll work with you to find a better time.

If you don’t let me know within 24 hours, it makes it almost impossible to fill your session slot. My policy is to charge for a full session rate if your spot can’t be filled before your scheduled time.

Do you work with any age range in particular?

My practice is open to clients from 14 years old to adult.

Who do you work with?

My clientele are primarily individuals, but due to the nature of therapy it may be helpful to talk to other people in your life.

As your therapy progresses, we can talk about whether this is a good idea for you.

What do you do in sessions with your clients?

This is a common question when clients first start therapy. It’s understandable that people are guarded about telling a stranger the most intimate details of their life. I see our therapy as cultivating a trusting, secure relationship.

During our time together, we work to unpack and sort out those problem areas that tend to create barriers and weigh you down. I’ll offer challenges, insights, and strategies that will help you to come to resolution. It starts with a conversation.

I’ve heard that people get assignments and homework to do between sessions. Do you do that?

I haven’t had much success with clients finding the time to complete homework during the week. So that I am not the cause of more stress in your life, I don’t usually give homework, although I have when it can help you to progress.

Most of the time I will offer suggestions and challenges to help you become aware of certain habitual behaviors or actions that happen throughout your day so that we can discuss them during your next session.

What type of therapy do you practice?

My primary therapeutic approach is CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy), although I blend other complimentary modalities in my practice.

Examples of other techniques are humanistic (client-centered) therapy, mindfulness practice, eastern and western philosophical traditions, and psychodynamic approaches.

What is your professional training and experience?

After earning a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology in 2006 I began to practice as a Registered Intern under the supervision of a licensed therapist. After completing my internship I became licensed to practice psychotherapy as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), on May 10, 2011.

Even though I have completed formal education, I believe my actual training began through my own life experiences and struggles to reconcile traumatic events in my own life. My path included seeking therapy before I ever considered becoming a therapist. My challenges are invaluable in providing you therapy that connects to real world experiences.

How can I know that you are the right therapist for me?

The primary key to successful therapy is based on the relationship between you and me. Without that no intervention strategy will work. Trust can’t be developed if you don’t feel secure and comfortable with me. Please contact me with any questions you have.

If you feel at ease with our discussion, consider scheduling an appointment with me. It all starts with a conversation.

So, I’ve been to other therapists and I leave feeling like I just went to church. Do you try to push your own religious beliefs on me, or try to convince me that my beliefs are wrong?

People seeking therapy are looking for answers for their problems. Even though I respect the religious beliefs of my clients I will not force my own beliefs on you, or disregard the value of your religious beliefs; this includes the strength those beliefs may bring you. My own beliefs are firmly secular. I strive to apply science-based interventions as part of my therapy practice.

If you are struggling with your own questions or doubts about your faith tradition my practice is one in which you can discuss those doubts openly. When one questions those beliefs that have been held for their entire life, and possibly for generations, your own emerging philosophy of life can be quite complicated. These questions can change families and relationships, so have serious implications. I do not think that feelings of guilt just for asking these questions are a failure of faith or you, nor can these doubts be cured simply with increased prayer.

Finally, therapy sessions are not the appropriate forum to debate religion with you, however I will not deny you therapy because of your religious philosophy or faith tradition.

What makes you think you’re so special and can give me all the answers?

I’m not so special and I don’t have all the answers. In fact, I can’t do anything for you that you aren’t willing to do for yourself. I’ve got some training and knowledge to offer and I have a passion to help you find peace in your life.

Progress is never guaranteed in therapy, but when it happens it’s because you’ve done the work, the heavy lifting, required to challenge and change your story. It’s your courage that motivates me to do this work. And it is my honor to be a small part of the story of your life.

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.

I have a question that I don’t see on your FAQ.

If you have any questions or comments about me or my practice feel free to email or call. I would be glad to address any concerns you have.

Finding a therapist is a big deal and you want to find the person who will work best with you.