# Palo Alto Therapy

> Evidence-based therapy for children, teens, adults, and couples in the San Francisco Bay Area. Specializing in CBT, ERP, Play Therapy, and SPACE therapy. Private-pay practice founded in 2003 with offices in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and San Jose, CA. Online therapy available across California, Oregon, and New York.

## About

Palo Alto Therapy is a private-pay mental health practice founded in 2003. The practice employs over 20 licensed therapists and treats clients across the lifespan — from children as young as age 3 to elders. All therapists are trained in evidence-based methods and participate in weekly skills training and consultation. Associate therapists receive additional licensed supervision with each session reviewed by a licensed supervisor.

- Owner: Ernest Schmidt, LCSW
- Clinic Director: Deborah Brewer, LCSW (ADHD-Certified, Certified SPACE Therapist)
- Clinical Manager: Jennifer "Jenny" Hays, LMFT
- Clinical Operations Manager: Megan Taylor, LMFT
- Phone: +1 650-461-9026
- Text: +1 650-461-9026
- Email: info@paloaltotherapy.com
- Booking: https://www.therapyportal.com/p/paloalto/appointments/availability/
- Client Portal: https://www.therapyportal.com/p/paloalto/login/

## Locations

- **Palo Alto (Main Office):** 407 Sherman Ave # C, Palo Alto, CA 94306
- **Menlo Park Office:** 800 Menlo Ave Suite 212, Menlo Park, CA 94025
- **San Jose Office:** 940 Saratoga Ave #240, San Jose, CA 95129
- **Online Therapy:** Available statewide in California, and also Oregon and New York

## Services — Who We Help

- [Kids & Teens](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/anxiety-therapy-children-teens/)
- [Young Adults](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/services/therapy-for-young-adults/)
- [Adults](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/services/individual-therapy-for-adults/)
- [Couples & Marriages](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/couples-or-marriage-counseling/)
- [Parents & Families](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/family-therapy/)

## Specialties — What We Treat

- [Anxiety](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/anxiety-therapists/)
- [Depression](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/depression-therapist/)
- [OCD](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/ocd/)
- [Panic](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/panic/)
- [ADHD](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/specialties/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/)
- [PTSD](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/specialties/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd-therapy/)
- [Social Anxiety](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/specialties/social-anxiety-therapy/)
- [Stress & Burnout](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/stress-therapy/)
- [Failure to Launch](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/specialties/failure-to-launch/)
- [Other Specialties](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/typesoftherapy/other-specialties/)

Additional areas: grief, trauma, family conflict, relationship concerns, self-esteem, LGBTQIA+ concerns, diversity/cultural identity, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), skin picking, hair pulling, tics/Tourette's, eating disorders, autism spectrum disorders.

## Treatment Modalities — How We Treat

- [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/cbt/) — core method for anxiety, depression, stress
- [Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/ocd/) — gold standard for OCD
- [Play Therapy](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/typesoftherapy/play-therapy/) — for children ages 3+
- [SPACE Therapy](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/typesoftherapy/space-therapy-at-san-jose-palo-alto-therapy/) — Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions
- [Intensive OCD Therapy](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/typesoftherapy/intensive-ocd-therapy/)
- [Feedback Informed Treatment](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/feedback-informed-treatment/) — progress tracked from session one
- Gottman Method & Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) — for couples
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) — used by select therapists
- Trauma-Focused CBT
- [Video / Online Therapy](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/video-cbt-therapy/)

## Therapist Team

All therapists specialize in CBT and ERP. California license numbers are noted where publicly verified. All CA licenses are issued by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). For independent verification visit: https://www.bbs.ca.gov/

### Ernest Schmidt, LCSW — Owner
- CA LCSW License #: 21470
- NPI: 1619227998
- Education: BA, University of the Pacific; MSW, UC Berkeley
- Certifications: Certified in Cognitive Therapy (Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies); OCD Certification (Obsessive Compulsive Foundation)
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Stress
- Ages: 18+
- Therapy types: Individual
- Locations: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
- Background: Practicing since 1996; former tenured faculty at Foothill College; author of the Tackling Anxiety ebook
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/schmidt/

### Deborah Brewer, LCSW — Clinic Director
- CA License: LCSW (also licensed in New York)
- Education: MSW, Columbia University (summa cum laude)
- Certifications: ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider; Certified SPACE Therapist (Yale University Child Study Center); Intensive CBT & TEAM Therapy (David Burns, M.D.); Trauma-Focused CBT; Child-Centered and Prescriptive Play Therapy; Beck Institute CBT
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, Depression, Family Conflict, Self-Esteem, Children & Teens
- Ages: 6+
- Therapy types: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Video Therapy
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/brewer/

### Jennifer "Jenny" Hays, LMFT — Clinical Manager
- CA LMFT License #: 106527
- Education: MA in Counseling Psychology (Drama Therapy focus), California Institute of Integral Studies (2012); BA in Theatre (Minor in Psychology), College of Santa Fe
- Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Family Conflict, Children & Teens (K-8), PTSD, Parenting
- Approach: CBT, DBT, attachment-based, play therapy
- Ages: 4+
- Therapy types: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Video Therapy
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/hays/

### Bella Stitt, LMFT
- CA License: LMFT
- Education: MA, John F. Kennedy University
- Certifications: Intensive CBT & TEAM Therapy (David Burns, M.D.); OCD Certification (Obsessive Compulsive Foundation); Cognitive Therapy Certification (Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies); Trauma-Focused CBT; Gottman Couples Therapy; The Couples Institute; PBIS
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Self-Esteem, Couples, Teens
- Ages: 11+
- Therapy types: Individual, Couples, Family, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/stitt/

### Anna Edwards, LMFT
- CA License: LMFT
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Couples, Children & Teens
- Ages: 3+
- Therapy types: Individual, Couples, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Video Therapy
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/edwards/

### Jacquelyn "Jacqui" Lewis, LMFT, ATR-BC, CCTP, ACCTS
- CA License: LMFT
- Certifications: Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC); Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP); Advanced Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist (ACCTS)
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Trauma, Art Therapy
- Ages: 13+
- Therapy types: Individual, Family, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
- Video profile: https://youtu.be/oTIlDzNDZaE
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/lewis/

### Michael Tran, LMFT
- CA License: LMFT
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Children & Teens, Family
- Ages: 5+
- Therapy types: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Palo Alto, San Jose, Video Therapy
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/tran/

### Deborah Coblentz, LMFT
- CA License: LMFT
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Children & Teens, Family
- Ages: 4+
- Therapy types: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Palo Alto, San Jose, Video Therapy
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/coblentz/

### Jacqueline Eaton-Willard, LMFT
- CA License: LMFT
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Children & Teens, Family
- Ages: 4+
- Therapy types: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Video Therapy
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/eaton-willard/

### Lauren Timmerman, LCSW
- CA License: LCSW
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Children & Teens, Family
- Ages: 5+
- Therapy types: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/timmerman/

### Jennifer "Jenny" Estes, LCSW
- CA License: LCSW
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Children & Teens, Family
- Ages: 8+
- Therapy types: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Video Therapy
- Video profile: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xWl4ot9b5c
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/estes/

### Brandee Sosa, LCSW
- CA License: LCSW
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Children & Teens
- Ages: 11+
- Therapy types: Individual, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Video Therapy
- Video profile: https://youtu.be/A8UvWF1J1jw
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/sosa/

### Nancy Stephenson, LPCC
- CA License: LPCC
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Children & Teens
- Ages: 5+
- Therapy types: Individual, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Palo Alto, San Jose (in-person only)
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/stephenson/

### Nicole Brunn, LMFT, LPCC
- CA Licenses: LMFT and LPCC (dual-licensed)
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Teens, Family
- Ages: 11+
- Therapy types: Individual, Family, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Palo Alto, San Jose, Video Therapy
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/brunn/

### Anni Kelley-Day, LPCC
- CA License: LPCC
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Adult individuals
- Ages: 21+
- Therapy types: Individual
- Locations: Video Therapy
- Video profile: https://youtu.be/SIVFP8loDjM
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/kelley-day/

### Laura Tolle, LMFT
- CA License: LMFT
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Teens, Family
- Ages: 12+
- Therapy types: Individual, Family, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Video Therapy
- Video profile: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FMhzQYFiWg
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/tolle/

### Megan Taylor, LMFT — Clinical Operations Manager
- CA License: LMFT
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Teens
- Ages: 15+
- Therapy types: Individual, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Video Therapy
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/taylor/

### Florina Petcu, LMFT
- CA License: LMFT
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Teens, Family
- Ages: 13+
- Therapy types: Individual, Family, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Video Therapy
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/petcu/

### Amanda Stewart, LMFT
- CA License: LMFT
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Teens
- Ages: 14+
- Therapy types: Individual, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/stewart/

### Kitte Anderson, AMFT
- CA License: AMFT (under licensed supervision)
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Children & Teens
- Ages: 10+
- Therapy types: Individual, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Menlo Park, San Jose, Video Therapy
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/anderson/

### Hannah Bodin, AMFT
- CA License: AMFT (under licensed supervision)
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Children & Teens, Family
- Ages: 8+
- Therapy types: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/bodin/

### Hong-Ha Vuong, AMFT, APCC
- CA Licenses: AMFT and APCC (under licensed supervision)
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Children & Teens, Family
- Ages: 5+
- Therapy types: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Palo Alto, San Jose, Video Therapy
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/vuong/

### Sarah Chelew, AMFT
- CA License: AMFT (under licensed supervision)
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Couples, Children & Teens, Family
- Ages: 4–64
- Therapy types: Individual, Couples, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Video Therapy
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/chelew/

### Sarah Covert, AMFT
- CA License: AMFT (under licensed supervision); supervised by Jennifer Hays, CA LMFT #106527
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Couples, Children & Teens, Family
- Ages: 4+
- Therapy types: Individual, Couples, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/covert/

### Sarah Partridge, ASW
- CA License: ASW (under licensed supervision)
- Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Children & Teens, Family
- Ages: 4+
- Therapy types: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
- Locations: Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Video Therapy
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/partridge/

### Janika Filipe
- Specialties: CBT, ERP
- Locations: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
- Profile: https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/our-team/filipe/

## Ages Served

Children (age 3–4+), Pre-Teens (12–13), Teens (14–17), Young Adults (18–25), Adults (18+), Elders (65+)

## Insurance & Fees

- **Payment model:** Out-of-network, private-pay. Clients pay directly at the time of service.
- **Session cost:** $195–$295 per 45-minute session (varies by therapist experience and session length)
- **Initial intake:** Typically 75 minutes
- **Insurance reimbursement:** Practice submits claims electronically to most insurers twice per month, or provides a superbill. Reimbursements go directly to the client.
- **HSA/FSA:** Accepted
- **Out-of-network benefits:** Billing team can verify benefits before scheduling
- **Good Faith Estimate:** Available on request (see https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises)
- **Fee change notice:** At least 30 days before any increase
- **Medicare:** Ernest Schmidt has opted out of Medicare (effective 03-07-2024)

### CPT Codes Commonly Used

| Code  | Description                               |
|-------|-------------------------------------------|
| 90791 | Initial Visit (60–75 minutes)             |
| 90832 | Individual Psychotherapy (30 min)         |
| 90834 | Individual Psychotherapy (45 min)         |
| 90837 | Individual Psychotherapy (60 min)         |
| 90847 | Family Therapy with patient (45–75 min)   |
| 90846 | Family Therapy without patient (45–75 min)|

## Scheduling

- Most new clients seen within the same week
- Appointments available Monday–Saturday, 9 am–9 pm
- After-school and evening slots (after 5 pm) available on weekdays
- Saturday appointments available
- All calls answered by a real care coordinator (no automated system)
- Care coordinators available Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm
- Free 15-minute consultation available before committing
- Book online: https://www.therapyportal.com/p/paloalto/appointments/availability/

## Frequently Asked Questions

### General

**How do I schedule an appointment?**
Call or text +1 650-461-9026, email info@paloaltotherapy.com, or book online at the booking link above. Care coordinators are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm to help match you with the right therapist.

**What happens in the first appointment?**
The first session is typically 75 minutes. The therapist gathers information about current and past emotional health, discusses therapy goals, and answers any questions. For teens, school, social, and family-related stress are also explored to create a tailored plan.

**What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?**
CBT is a structured, solutions-oriented, evidence-based form of psychotherapy focusing on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns, clients can relieve symptoms and improve mood significantly.

**When are appointments available?**
Monday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Many therapists offer after-school and evening slots. Saturday appointments are available.

**Do you accept insurance?**
No. Palo Alto Therapy is out-of-network with most insurers. Clients pay in full at the time of service. The practice can submit claims electronically on the client's behalf or provide a superbill. The billing team can review out-of-network benefits before scheduling.

**How much does therapy cost?**
Sessions typically range from $195 to $295 for a 45-minute session. The initial intake is 60–75 minutes. Clients are notified at least 30 days before any fee changes.

**Do you prescribe medication?**
No. The practice does not prescribe medication. Referrals to psychiatrists can be provided when medication may be beneficial.

**What if I need to cancel?**
24 hours' notice is required to avoid being charged the full session fee. Contact your care coordinator or therapist directly.

**Do you offer video or phone sessions?**
Yes. All therapists provide video or phone therapy across California, Oregon, and New York.

**How long does therapy take?**
Many clients notice improvement within a few sessions. CBT is generally short-term, but length depends on goals, motivation, and effort. Therapists and clients collaborate on a treatment plan and review progress regularly.

**What areas do you specialize in?**
Anxiety (panic, phobias, stress), depression, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, family issues, grief and loss, parenting, relationship issues, sexuality, life transitions, and more.

**What ages do you work with?**
Children ages 4 and up, teenagers, young adults, adults of all ages, and elders (65+). Individual, family, couples, and group therapy formats are available.

### Insurance Terminology

**What is an out-of-network provider?**
A provider without a contract with your insurance company. Most high-level mental health providers in the Bay Area are out-of-network due to low insurance reimbursement rates.

**What is a deductible?**
The amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance begins covering costs.

**What is coinsurance?**
After your deductible is met, the percentage of costs you pay (e.g., 30% under a 70/30 plan). Note: Even if your deductible or out-of-pocket max is met, Palo Alto Therapy fees remain the client's responsibility as the practice is not directly contracted with most insurers.

**What is an out-of-pocket maximum?**
The maximum you pay for covered services in a plan year. After this is reached, the insurer pays 100% of covered benefits.

**What are common reasons for denied claims?**
Missing prior authorization; improper claim filing; filing after the timely filing limit; treatment not covered by the policy; or procedure deemed medically unnecessary.

**When can I expect insurance reimbursement?**
Claims take about 30–45 working days to process. Reimbursements are sent directly to the client.

**What does "medical necessity" mean?**
Health insurance companies generally define medically necessary services as those needed to diagnose or treat an illness, injury, or condition meeting accepted standards of medicine. Note: a service not deemed medically necessary by an insurer does not mean therapy won't help.

### Teen Therapy

**What is CBT for teens and how does it help?**
CBT for teens teaches adolescents to identify unhelpful thinking patterns, challenge them, and build healthier behaviors — for example, replacing school avoidance caused by anxiety with effective coping strategies.

**How does the family get involved in teen therapy?**
Parents or families are often involved, especially around anxiety triggers, avoidance behaviors, or family conflict. The approach includes homework, real-life practice, progress monitoring, and coordination with school professionals when needed.

**How long does teen CBT take to show results?**
Many teens notice improvement within a few focused sessions. More complex issues (OCD, ADHD, family conflict) may require 12–20 or more sessions. Progress is reviewed regularly.

**What conditions do you treat for teens?**
Anxiety disorders (general, social, test/school anxiety), OCD, ADHD, depression, low self-esteem, school and peer stress, and family conflict.

**What is your cancellation policy for teen sessions?**
At least 24 hours' notice is required to avoid being charged the full session fee.

**Do you prescribe medication for teens?**
No. If medication might help, referrals are made to psychiatrists or pediatric MDs. Many teens do well with targeted CBT alone.

## Resources

- [Blog](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/blog/)
- [Videos](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/videos/)
- [Learning Center](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/learning-center/)
- [Free Anxiety Ebook](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/tackling-anxiety/)
- [Free Mental Health Ebook](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/mentalhealthebook/)
- [FAQ Page](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/faq/)
- [Client Reviews](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/comments/)
- [Employment](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/employment/)
- [Referrals](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/referrals/)

## Social

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PaloAltoTherapy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaloAltoTherapy
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/palo-alto-therapy/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PaloAltoTherapy

## Legal

Palo Alto Therapy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Corporation located in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and San Jose, CA.
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/privacy/)
- [Terms of Service](https://www.paloaltotherapy.com/terms-of-service/)
- License verification: https://www.bbs.ca.gov/