PHOTO COURTESY OF RACHEL SARAH THURSTON, PHOTOGRAPHY
About Cecily Longo, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist:
I have been an advocate, facilitator, and therapist in the mental health field since 1998, and have assisted hundreds of clients to create more meaningful, healthier, and connected life for themselves.
I received my Master's in Clinical Psychology in 2011 from Antioch University, Santa Barbara, and became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in early 2014. I was fortunate to receive in depth Dialectical Behavioral Therapy training during my last 4 years of internship serving at-risk youth in correctional facilities, adults in inpatient psychiatric facilities, and adults in intensive outpatient treatment programs.
I have provided therapy and case management for teens, families, and adults, while addressing varying degrees of mental health diagnoses, complex childhood trauma, and substance abuse issues ranging from moderate to severe.
I continue to receive ongoing training and experience in evidenced based modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other current evidence based methods so that we can work together in a productive way to help you meet your mental wellness goals.
At the end of the day, the most important part of therapy is that you have a trusting, supportive relationship with your therapist. Therapy is "working" when you are developing new insights, learning more effective coping skills, healing your relationships, and living the happier, healthier life you desire.
Things to consider before you start therapy:
Confidentiality Agreements: One of the most important and unique thing about working with a therapist, is that you have an opportunity to express your thoughts and emotions in a healing and non-judgmental atmosphere that is confidential. Many people ask, "Why would I need a therapist if I have a friend to talk to ?" Friends are an essential part of your health well being. However, a therapist is an extensively trained and licensed mental health professional who can provide you with the objective support you need and therapists are bound by law to protect your confidentiality. There are however some legal exceptions to confidentiality designed to protect your safety, as well as the safety of others. The only exceptions to confidentiality include:
1. You are an imminent threat to your own life (danger to yourself).
2. You are an imminent danger to others.
3. I am a mandated reporter, which means that if you disclose or there is reason to suspect child abuse or abuse of dependent adults or individuals 65 years and older, I am mandated by law to report this information to the proper social services or law enforcement agency.
4. If you opt to have a billing statement submitted to your insurance. Insurance companies typically require a mental health diagnosis and information about your treatment.
For Parents: If you are a parent seeking help for your teenager, it is important to note that teenagers are entitled to confidentiality, but parents will receive ongoing general updates about your teen's progress. Parent-teen coaching is almost always integrated into your teenager's treatment. If you are a parent seeking help for your teen who struggles with self-injury or suicidal ideation, you will be a very important part of your child's safety planning and healthy coping skills agreements.
Rates and Insurance: I am currently an insurance provider for Optum/United Behavioral Health, MHN/Healthnet, Magellan/Blue Shield, and Cigna.
Out of pocket rates are $125 per 50 minute appointment for individual sessions, and $150 for couples and families. I may offer a sliding scale based on financial need, although these spaces fill up quickly. Cash, Check, Paypal or Venmo Accepted.
I look forward to hearing from you and helping you develop healthier relationships, fill your “tool box” of coping skills, and assist you to feel more empowered in your life!
-Cecily Longo, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, MFC#86591