Frequently Asked Questions
What shall I expect when I call you for consultation?
The consultation call is for us to explore if I’m a good fit to assist you with your concerns. We will discuss the payment, insurance, scheduling, frequency of sessions etc. If you and I decide to continue working together, I will send you the new client paperwork via secure client portal which you can complete during the time between our consultation and the first session. We will meet for 53-55 minutes for our very first session and discuss your concerns more in depth and I will share my therapeutic approach. I will also assist you with any questions that you may have about the paperwork or other inquiries regarding our work together. The first few sessions will be dedicated towards your expectations and goals from engaging in therapy until we have a treatment plan established to keep an eye on our progress or setbacks.
How do I pay for your session?
Currently, I am accepting Cigna, First Choice Health, and Premera. I also take private pay and I offer a sliding scale as a means to make sure that you get the help you need and reduce as many barriers as I can that come in the way. Another popular option is that you can explore out-of-network benefits of your insurance which may cover a portion of my counseling fee. For the out-of-network option, I can provide invoice summary of the our sessions that you can give to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.
How often would I need to see you?
My therapy approach is to provide you skills and strategies that you can apply on your own to sustain your wellness for long-term, even when you’re not in therapy. Now, the duration of us working on the skills may differ from one person to the other. I emphasis on tailoring our therapy treatment to meet your pace and mutually decide on the length of our work together. Initially, I encourage clients to meet me weekly so that we are able to form a relationship that will help me and you to build a structure to our treatment.
What are your office hours?
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are the best days for my private practice in-person/virtual therapy appointments. For the remaining days of my week I work with two different group practice locations which are not affiliated with my private practice. My existing clients can get a hold of me via email or phone. I love to schedule a 15 minute consult with my new clients where we have a scheduled phone/video call and we can discuss the ins and outs of this therapy process. If this is the first time you’re reaching out to me, please submit a consultation form ( via https://malikabains.com/getstarted) or straight away schedule a consult call (via meetmonarch.com/therapist/malika-bains-tukwila-wa). Lastly, Sundays and Mondays are my days off :)
Do you offer telehealth/video conference?
I do. I have partnered with an internet platform for therapists to provide telehealth to our clients who are unable to visit our physical location. You can learn more about the privacy and limitations of the telehealth care here.
What languages do I provide therapy in?
I am fluent in English, Punjabi, and Hindi. I am open to provide therapy in any of the three languages that you feel comfortable with.
Where is your office located at?
I am located in Tukwila and will be happy to provide the exact location once we get in touch.