Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about what services Practice San Francisco offers ?

We’ve gathered answers to some common questions below.

If your question is not answered here please get in touch

About Practice San Francisco

  • Practice San Francisco is a family-focused mental health and wellness clinic with locations in San Francisco and Mill Valley. 

    We provide individual therapy, psychoeducational testing and assessments, coaching and programs for parents, school-based services and corporate programs, to support the mental health and well-being of children, teens, young adults, and parents and caregivers.

    Our mission is to help families navigate life’s challenges by fostering resilience through research-tested skills and strategies, along with community-based support.

  • Yes, Practice San Francisco’s team of multidisciplinary therapists includes highly trained Licensed Psychologists, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers, who can address and treat for a wide range of mental health issues with highly effective treatment modalities, offered either in person or online by telehealth.

  • Yes, Practice SF offers psychoeducational testing for children, teens, and young adults from the ages of 2 to 22. Our assessments provide a comprehensive sense of students’ cognitive, emotional, and learning profiles, including any areas of strength, relative weakness or growth.

    Schedule a call with our intake coordinator to learn more.

    Please note: some people call this type of assessment neuropsychological testing.

  • Yes, Practice SF has expertise with adoption, including foster care, foster adoptions, international adoptions, domestic adoptions, and the adoption trial (adopted persons, adoptive parents and birth families). 

    Learn more about Dina Greenwald and her expertise, and reach out to our team to learn more.

Registration & Scheduling

  • Appointments with Practice SF therapists are booked after an initial consultation call with one of our highly skilled intake coordinators.

    Book a consultation call

  • Your first call with the Practice SF intake team provides an opportunity for us to understand your needs and how we can support you. During the call we discuss your concerns and make sure that we know what you are looking for. We work with you to match you with the right therapist and/or services. 

    The initial consultation call also provides you with an opportunity to ask us questions and learn more about our approach.

  • Our admin team at Practice SF answers calls and emails from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday. 

    Clinician hours vary based on clinician availability, but are typically 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday. 

Services and Programs

Insurance and Payments

  • No, Practice SF does not accept any insurance directly.

    Our clinical services and programs are eligible for reimbursement through PPO health insurance plans, FSA, or HSA.  

    Our client EMR portal offers the documentation you need to submit for reimbursement, and can be accessed 24/7.

  • No, we do not currently offer payment plans for individual therapy, testing, or school-based services. 

    For group programs like Mighty Minds, you can choose to pay for the program in full at the time of registration, or pay a non-refundable deposit to hold your child's spot, and pay the balance in full the week prior to the first day of the program. 

    Please contact the director of group programs for more information.

  • Yes, we offer a limited number of sliding scale fee spots. Our intake team can let you know if we currently have sliding fee availability.

    We provide sliding scale school-based services to non-profit organizations. Please contact the director of school services for more information.

Payments, Refunds, and Insurance

  • We do not accept any insurance directly.  However, our clinical services and programs are eligible for reimbursement through PPO health insurance plans, FSA, or HSA.  We’re happy to offer the documentation you need to submit for reimbursement through any of these platforms (although please be aware that insurance requires documentation of attendance, so these claims must be submitted after your child’s participation in the program).

    • At the time of registration, you can choose to pay for the program in full or pay a non-refundable deposit to hold your child's spot. The deposit amount varies by group, so please refer to the specific group page for details.

    • If you opt to pay only the deposit at registration, the remaining balance will be billed to your card on file 10 business days before the start of the program. Please note that all payments, including the deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferable to future groups.

    • If you need to cancel within 10 or fewer business days before the first group session, you may be eligible for a transfer or refund only if we can fill your spot. Otherwise, the payment remains non-refundable and non-transferable.

    • Additionally, group fees are not prorated for any missed sessions, whether planned or unplanned. No refunds will be issued for absences due to the limited number of students and families participating in the group.

How to Prepare Your Child for Group

    • It’s completely normal for children to feel shy or nervous about starting a new group! Our facilitators are experienced in creating a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment where participants can feel safe and comfortable.

    • We encourage parents to talk to their child about what to expect and share any concerns with us before the group begins. We’re happy to provide tips and suggestions to help ease the transition. Many children find that their initial nerves fade quickly once they start engaging in the group activities and connecting with peers.

    • If your child continues to feel hesitant, we’re here to support them and will work with you to find the best way to help them feel at ease.

  • We encourage you to talk with your kids in advance about why you are signing them up for the group and what you hope they will get out of it..

    For Mighty Minds group: We created a Tip Sheet to support you in having this conversation with your kids.

  • If your child is worried about meeting new people in a group, it’s important to approach their feelings with understanding and support. Here are several strategies to help your child feel more comfortable and confident:

    1. Acknowledge Their Feelings

    -Validate their emotions: Let your child know that it’s normal to feel nervous or shy when meeting new people. Saying something like, “I understand that you’re feeling a little worried about meeting new kids. That’s completely okay,” helps them feel heard and supported.

    -Normalize the experience: Reassure them that many people, both kids and adults, feel nervous in new social situations, and it’s part of the process of growing and making new friends.

    2. Talk About What to Expect

    -Prepare them: Discuss what the group will be like. Knowing what to expect can ease some of their anxiety. You might say, “You’ll get to play some games, and there will be a chance to talk and have fun with other kids. I’ll be nearby if you need me.”

    3. Practice Social Skills Together

    Role-play scenarios: You can role-play simple introductions or how to start a conversation with others. Practice greetings, asking questions, and showing interest in others.

    4. Encourage Positive Thinking

    Shift focus to positive outcomes: Help your child focus on what could go well, rather than what could go wrong. For instance, you could say, “Maybe you’ll meet someone who likes the same games you do, or you might have fun talking about your favorite books.”

    Promote confidence: Remind them of past experiences when they successfully met new people or handled a new situation. For example, “Remember how you felt nervous before your last playdate, but then you had such a great time?”

    5. Offer Reassurance and Support

    Stay calm and supportive: Children often take cues from their parents’ reactions. By staying calm and positive, you can model a healthy attitude toward new experiences.

    By showing empathy, offering reassurance, and helping your child take small steps toward socializing, you can help them feel more comfortable and confident when meeting new people in a group. Over time, as they practice these social interactions, their confidence and comfort level will grow.

Mighty Minds

  • No, Mighty Minds is not the only group program we offer for K-5 students. We have a variety of other group programs tailored to meet the unique needs of children in this age range. We encourage you to explore all of our offerings on our website to find the program that best fits your child's needs. If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out to us!

  • No, Mighty Minds is specifically designed for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. However, we offer other group programs tailored to different age groups, so we encourage you to explore our website to find a program that aligns with your child’s unique needs.

  • If you believe your child could benefit from learning about and developing skills in emotion regulation, cognitive awareness, impulse control, perspective taking, and adopting a growth mindset in order to improve their overall functioning, then our group is a great fit for them. Mighty Minds welcomes participants who are proactively building coping skills and resilience, as well as those who are already experiencing anxiety, stress, or difficulty with emotion regulation. Please note that all participants must be able to function cooperatively in a group setting.*

    *Mighty Minds is a coed group and inclusive, welcoming individuals of all genders to participate.

    Still not sure if Mighty Minds is a good fit? Click here to learn more.

  • Each session covers new topics that build on the previous ones. The topics and skills taught throughout the sessions include emotion regulation, cognitive awareness, understanding the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, impulse control, perspective taking, and utilizing a growth mindset when facing challenges or making mistakes. Parents receive a follow up email after each session which outlines what was discussed and best practices for reinforcing these skills at home.

  • Group programs, especially those focused on teaching emotional awareness and resilience while supporting children in group settings with peer interactions, can be incredibly helpful for children dealing with school-related anxiety or frustration.

  • This is not a social skills group. While the skills learned in Mighty Minds—such as emotion regulation, cognitive awareness, impulse control, perspective-taking, and having a growth mindset—can be applied to social situations and interactions, it is not specifically designed for managing social dynamics.

    If you’re interested in a social skills-focused group, we offer a program for 3rd–5th grade girls that specifically addresses building friendships and navigating social interactions. Visit our website to learn more.

  • We absolutely encourage you to talk with your child in advance about why you are signing them up for Mighty Minds. We created a Tip Sheet to support you in having this conversation with your kids.

  • Yes, group programs, especially those focused on teaching emotional awareness and resilience while supporting children in group settings with peer interactions, can be incredibly helpful for children dealing with school-related anxiety or frustration.

Mighty Minds 2.0

  • Mighty Minds 2.0 is designed for graduates of the Mighty Minds program, building on the foundational skills of emotion regulation and mindfulness. It introduces new strategies and activities to deepen self-awareness, resilience, and self-compassion. While the original Mighty Minds focuses on introducing these skills, Mighty Minds 2.0 offers advanced practice in a group of alumni peers, allowing kids to refine and expand what they’ve already learned.

  • Mighty Minds provides distinct curricula for the K-2 and 3rd-5th grade groups. We suggest that participants who have completed Mighty Minds K-2 proceed to the 3rd-5th grade program, as the skills are similar but more advanced. Additionally, we recommend that those who have finished Mighty Minds' 3rd-5th grade move on to Mighty Minds 2.0, allowing them to enhance their foundational skills in emotional regulation and mindfulness.

  • Mighty Minds 2.0 is specifically designed for graduates of the Mighty Minds program who are ready to deepen their skills in emotion regulation, mindfulness, and self-compassion. If your child has completed Mighty Minds and could benefit from continued practice and advanced strategies in a supportive group of peers, this program is likely a great fit.

    If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out to us! We’re happy to discuss your child’s needs and help you determine if this group aligns with their current stage of development.

  • Yes, each session in Mighty Minds 2.0 builds on foundational skills with a specific focus. Topics include understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; recognizing and managing emotions; practicing mindfulness and coping strategies; reframing unhelpful thoughts; resolving conflicts; and repairing relationships. Sessions use engaging activities and reflections to deepen skills learned in the Mighty Minds program.

  • We cannot guarantee that your child will have the same facilitators as in their previous Mighty Minds group. However, all of our facilitators are highly skilled clinicians experienced in working with children and leading group programs. Regardless of who facilitates the group, your child will receive the same high-quality care and support to help them continue building their skills.

  • Yes, your child can still join Mighty Minds 2.0 even if some time has passed since they completed the original program. This group is designed to reinforce and build upon the foundational skills of emotion regulation and mindfulness, making it a great opportunity for children to refresh their knowledge and deepen their abilities, no matter how long it’s been.

Vibe & Thrive: Social Skills for Success (for 3rd-5th grade girls)

(formerly Social Skills)

  • It’s the same group, just with a new name! We updated the name to better reflect the goals and experience of the group. The curriculum, facilitators, and supportive approach all remain the same.

  • You're right! During the school year, we often offer this group in two separate parts, with weekly sessions that span several weeks.

    In the summer, we bring the full curriculum into one week of daily sessions. The content stays the same. We adjust the schedule to fit participants’ summer calendars.

    Kids still get the same supportive, skills-based experience, with the added benefit of daily connection and momentum.

  • No, there are no prerequisites for either part. Your child can enroll in Part 1, Part 2, or both, depending on their interests and needs. Each part is designed to stand alone while complementing the other, so your child can benefit from the program regardless of where they start.

  • This group is a good fit if your child is in 3rd–5th grade and could use support in building friendships, navigating social challenges, or gaining confidence in social situations. Whether your child finds it tricky to connect with peers, wants to feel more at ease in group settings, or could benefit from tools for handling conflicts, this program provides practical strategies in a supportive environment.

  • Groups will vary in size from 4 to 10 children. The pacing and structure of the group are specifically designed to develop and strengthen tools for navigating social situations. Each week participants will be introduced to a theme and corresponding skill. They will then be given the opportunity to practice skills with one another in a comfortable and safe environment under the supervision of licensed clinicians.

  • Mighty Minds focuses on emotion regulation, mindfulness, and coping strategies to help children manage their thoughts and feelings. The Social Skills group, on the other hand, emphasizes building friendships, navigating social challenges, and improving communication. While Mighty Minds strengthens self-awareness and resilience, the Social Skills group is more focused on interpersonal relationships and social dynamics. Both programs address different but complementary areas of growth.

Vibe & Thrive: Social Skills for Success (for middle schoolers)

(formerly Navigating Social Dynamics)

  • Yes! This is the same group, just with a new name. The curriculum, facilitators, and supportive group environment are all the same.

    We updated the name to better reflect the core goals of the group: building confidence, strengthening relationships, and navigating social situations with more ease and confidence.

  • Middle school is a time of such sudden change in social expectations, which provides a variety of social challenges. In our group we try to provide skills for as many of these challenges as possible! These include building and maintaining healthy friendships, managing social anxiety, positive communication, making repairs with peers, and setting boundaries. Whether your child is experiencing worry around engaging in new social situations, feeling excluded or often getting in unproductive conflict with peers or friends we’re here to provide support and skills to navigate these challenges.

  • This group is a great fit for middle schoolers (or 5th graders transitioning into middle school) who are looking to improve their social skills, build confidence in social situations, or navigate challenges like making friends, setting boundaries, or handling social stress. If your child could benefit from guidance in developing healthy relationships and managing social dynamics, this program is likely a good match.

  • Yes, each session focuses on a specific aspect of navigating social dynamics, such as understanding different types of relationships, setting and maintaining healthy boundaries, managing conflict and repairing friendships, recognizing and reframing unhelpful thoughts, and practicing positive communication. These topics are covered through engaging discussions, activities, and practical strategies designed to help middle schoolers build confidence and strengthen their social skills.

  • Our program is wonderful for children who identify as shy or may be lacking confidence in social settings. Not only do we provide skills to help identify and manage social worries and anxieties but we also provide a supportive small group setting where children can practice these skills in a small group and are supported by peers and leaders.

  • Absolutely! While bullying is a complex issue that often requires direct adult intervention, the skills we provide in our program can be directly applied when peers are unkind or exclusion is happening. We provide skills around setting boundaries, making a repair and discussing how and when to get help from trusted adults.

  • We follow up each week with conversations around how they have applied skills learned so far. We even provide a self-care bingo rewarded with prizes for participating in self-care activities!

  • The skills we provide and practice together are life long social skills that can be used in school and in other settings! While school often comes up in our conversations we also encourage discussing social interactions on weekends, and in after school activities.

  • Yes, we welcome children who identify as neurodivergent in our group!

  • In the summer, we offer the same curriculum in a one-week format, with daily sessions from Monday through Friday. The content and structure remain the same. We adjust the schedule to fit participants’ summer calendars.