GENERAL FAQs
What services does AMALY offer?
We currently offer individual therapy, couples/marriage therapy, premarital coaching, support groups, consultations for organizations, religious leaders, school organizations, and workshops on mental health issues.
What if I can’t afford an AMALY service?
We have a sliding scale with discounts based on income. We also offer financial support for our open support groups and offer free 20 minute consultations in finding resources in your area. Sign up for a service here and we can connect you to a clinician to discuss options.
How do I sign up for therapy?
You can sign up for services here and we will connect you with one of our clinicians for a free consultation to make sure it’s the right fit for you!
Do you have to be Muslim to use AMALY’s services?
Nope! Although we provide specialized services for the Muslim community, our services are open to EVERYONE.
Does AMALY take insurance?
We do not take insurance right now, but we are able to provide super bills that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. We also offer sliding scale discounts based off income. Sign up for therapy here and we can connect you to a clinician to discuss payment options.
What does AMALY do with my information and is it safe?
Basic personal information is all stored in an encrypted database and any emails you send to us are encrypted. This information is only accessible to our clinicians. Any clinical information is only seen by our clinicians and clinical supervisor, which is stored in a HIPAA compliant software. Our virtual meetings are also done through a HIPAA compliant software to prevent anyone who is not permitted from joining. HIPAA is the federal law for how information is stored and shared.
I’m a clinician. Does AMALY provide any workshops or consultations on working with the Muslim population?
Yes! You can book consultations and workshops with our clinicians. We currently offer cultural humility trainings for professionals. Contact us for more information.
I’m an organization/employer. Does AMALY offer workshops for mental health in the workplace?
Yes! We conduct workshops for teams, management staff, and employees on various mental health issues. Sign up for a workshop here!
THERAPY FAQs
How do I know if I should be in therapy?
If you feel there is something getting in the way of your daily routine, work, school, family, or just feel off, then this might be a sign. You don’t have to have a diagnosed mental health disorder or have something extreme happen to you to attend therapy. Therapy can be used to work on improving yourself and for growth. There are many ways of seeking mental health like support groups, group therapy, individual sessions, workshops, and even online chat rooms dedicated to mental health. You can go to our resources page for more information.
How do I find a therapist?
There are many directories for therapists near you. The biggest directory is on Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us ). There are also specialized directories for Muslim therapists, Latinx therapists, Black therapists, etc. These can all be found on our Resource page. You can also call your insurance company to ask about therapists near you that are covered by your health insurance.
How do I find the right therapist?
Finding the right therapist can take some trial and error. The first step is to find a therapist near you that you can afford. The next step is to ask yourself why you are seeking therapy and check if that therapist specializes in what you are dealing with. You can usually find this information online as well as by calling their office and asking directly. It’s also important to consider whether you feel the therapist should share the same religion, race, gender, as you or if you have any preferences. Once you find a therapist, you can ask for a consultation to see if it’s the right fit. If it’s not right for you, then you can try another one! Once you find a therapist you are comfortable with, it will all be worth it!
What if I don’t like my therapist?
If you don’t like your therapist, you don’t have to stay with them! The best approach is to talk to your therapist about why and come up with a plan. Your therapist can help you find another person who fits what you need better or work through what the issue is. Just remember, therapy can be uncomfortable and awkward in the beginning. It takes time to connect with someone and get more comfortable.
How do I pay for therapy?
Most therapists can take health insurance or offer a sliding scale. A sliding scale is based on how much you and the therapist agree that you can afford. If you do not qualify for health insurance, then a sliding scale is a great option. You can also call your insurance to ask if they pay for out-of-network providers. If they do, you can provide them with a superbill at the end of each month to get a reimbursement for the fees you paid.
Can minors get therapy?
The age to consent to your own therapy is different in every state. In California, if you are 12 or older you can receive therapy without getting parental consent. It’s encouraged to talk through this decision with a parent or trusted adult to help guide you through the process. However, if talking to a parent is not possible or will lead to more harm, then you can legally talk to a therapist once you are 12. AMALY currently provides therapy to 16+.
What if a family member’s mental health is putting themselves or others in danger?
If someone you know is having intense suicidal thoughts, planning to hurt someone, hurting themselves, or unable to take care of themselves like food or housing, then CALL 911. They can be evaluated in the ER and given proper treatment. It’s better to have that person mad at you and safe, rather than risk them getting hurt. If the person is safe at the moment, but perhaps extremely depressed, extremely anxious, or hearing voices then consider calling 211 for immediate appropriate resources.