Frequently asked
questions

If you find yourself struggling with persistent feelings of anxiety, sadness, or stress - or if you sense that something in your life simply isn't working - therapy may be a valuable next step. You don't need to be in crisis to seek help.

Many people come to therapy not because they are overwhelmed, but because they want to understand themselves more deeply, improve their relationships, or make meaningful changes in how they live. If you're wondering whether therapy could help, that curiosity itself is often a good enough reason to reach out.

The first session is an initial consultation - a chance for both of us to get acquainted. You'll have the opportunity to share what has brought you to therapy, what you're hoping to address, and any questions you have about working together.

Dr. Cutler will listen carefully, ask questions to better understand your situation, and begin to get a sense of how he can be most helpful. By the end of the session, you should have a clearer picture of what treatment might look like and whether Dr. Cutler feels like a good fit for you.

There is no pressure or obligation after an initial consultation.

You can reach Dr. Cutler by phone at (858) 521-9382 or by sending a message through the contact form on this website. Dr. Cutler responds personally to every inquiry.

If you reach voicemail, please leave your name, a good number to reach you, and a brief note about what you're looking for. He will return your call as soon as possible, typically within one business day.

Yes. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychotherapy, and everything you share in sessions is kept strictly private. Dr. Cutler does not share information about you or your treatment with anyone without your written consent.

There are a small number of legally defined exceptions - for example, if there is a credible risk of imminent harm to yourself or others, or in cases involving the abuse of a child or vulnerable adult. Dr. Cutler will discuss the full scope of confidentiality with you at the outset of treatment.

Yes - Dr. Cutler is currently accepting new patients. Please reach out to schedule an initial consultation. Availability is limited, so early contact is encouraged if you are considering treatment.

A standard therapy session is 45 minutes. This is sometimes referred to as the "therapeutic hour." The consistent time frame helps structure the work and makes it easier to establish a regular routine.

In some circumstances, longer sessions may be arranged. This would be discussed and agreed upon in advance.

Most patients begin by meeting once a week. Regular weekly sessions provide continuity and allow the therapeutic work to build momentum over time.

Depending on the nature of your concerns and your treatment goals, sessions may be more or less frequent. This is something Dr. Cutler will discuss with you during your initial consultation.

The length of treatment depends entirely on what you're working on and what you'd like to achieve. Some patients benefit from a focused, short-term course of therapy - perhaps three to six months - to address a specific issue or transition.

Others find that longer-term work allows them to explore deeper patterns, gain broader self-understanding, and make more lasting changes in how they relate to themselves and others. Dr. Cutler will work with you to match the scope of treatment to your needs and circumstances.

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please provide at least 24 hours' notice. Sessions cancelled without sufficient notice may be subject to a cancellation fee, as that time has been reserved specifically for you.

Life happens - emergencies are handled on a case-by-case basis with good faith on both sides.

Dr. Cutler is not an in-network provider for any health insurance plan. However, he is an out-of-network provider for many plans, and will submit claims on your behalf directly to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Many patients with PPO plans receive meaningful reimbursement for out-of-network mental health services. It is worth contacting your insurance provider directly to ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits before your first appointment.

Session fees are discussed directly during the initial consultation. Please contact Dr. Cutler for current fee information.

Dr. Cutler is committed to making treatment as accessible as possible and is happy to discuss your situation and any practical constraints you may have.

Dr. Cutler accepts checks, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle. For patients using out-of-network insurance benefits, the doctor will submit claims on your behalf directly to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Yes. Psychotherapy with a licensed psychologist is typically an eligible expense for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). We recommend confirming this with your plan administrator, as specific eligibility can vary.

Yes. Dr. Cutler offers secure video sessions for patients who prefer the convenience of meeting remotely. Telehealth sessions are conducted through a HIPAA-compliant platform and are available to California residents.

Many patients find telehealth sessions just as effective as in-person sessions, and appreciate the flexibility they offer. See the Telehealth page for more details.

You'll need a device with a camera and microphone (a smartphone, tablet, or computer works well), a stable internet connection, and a private space where you can speak freely without interruption.

Dr. Cutler will send you a link prior to your appointment. No special software installation is required - sessions run directly in your browser.

Telehealth reimbursement policies vary by insurer. Many plans that cover out-of-network psychotherapy will also reimburse for video sessions at the same rate as in-person sessions, particularly since California has telehealth parity laws in place.

We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm your telehealth benefits before your first remote session.

Psychotherapy is a collaborative process in which you and Dr. Cutler work together to understand the thoughts, feelings, and patterns that are causing you distress - and to find healthier ways of living. It is sometimes called "the talking cure," and while that phrase is over a century old, it remains an apt description.

Research consistently shows that therapy is effective for a wide range of emotional and psychological problems, and that its benefits tend to endure long after treatment ends.

Dr. Cutler works with adults, seniors, adolescents, and couples presenting with a wide range of concerns, including:

Anxiety and worry · Depression and low mood · Relationship and couples issues · Family conflict · Grief and loss · Panic attacks · Low self-esteem · Workplace stress · Life transitions · Loneliness · Sexuality

If you don't see your concern listed here, don't hesitate to reach out - this is not an exhaustive list.

A previous experience that wasn't helpful is a very understandable reason for hesitation - but it is also worth knowing that outcomes in therapy are strongly influenced by the fit between patient and therapist. A different approach, or a different clinician, can make a significant difference.

Dr. Cutler brings over 30 years of clinical experience and advanced training to his work. If you're open to discussing what worked and what didn't in your previous experience, that information can be used to shape a more effective approach this time.

Yes. Dr. Cutler works with individuals (adults and seniors), adolescents, couples, and families. Each type of treatment has its own particular focus and approach, tailored to the people involved and the nature of what they're working on.

Visit the Services page for more detail on each type of treatment.