Questions & Answers

We understand that you may have some questions about Transforming Minds and about counseling.

Below you will find answers to some common questions: 

How is it free? 

You will pay a $40 booking fee for your appointment, but when you come in for your first appointment the $40 is handed back to you. As a result, the first 1-hour of counseling is free. 

Why do I have to pay a booking fee?

The benefit for you of having a booking fee is that it secures your appointment session. In other words, with your secure booking you can be sure that your appointment is reserved, your therapist will show up on-time, and your appointment time will not be made available to someone else. The $40 booking fee is refunded when you arrive for your initial appointment. For example, when you arrive for your first appointment, the booking fee is given back to you in order to make your first appointment completely free. If you choose to make another appointment, a $40 booking fee is still required. In fact, a booking fee is required for each and every appointment, but your booking fee is refunded when you arrive for your appointment or the $40 can be used for the overall payment of $100 (see below). if you don't keep your appointment or decide to cancel without a minimum of 24 hours notice, then your booking fee becomes a non-refundable cancellation fee. 

How much after the first hour?

Many find that, as they start to unravel the trials they are experiencing, an hour does not provide enough time to fully express the current problems. Because of this, you may want to schedule your free hour followed by an additional (not free) hour to make your first visit last a complete two hours. It is not required, however, that your first visit consist of a total of two hours. After the initial free hour, Transforming Minds offers ongoing professional counseling at a rate of $100.00 per hour. This rate is well below the cost of other licensed counselors throughout Southern California. 

Adults Only?

Counseling is provided for those 18 years and older. Sorry for the inconvenience, but child psychology is a specialty. Dr. John Quinlan PsyD, therapist for Transforming Minds Christian Counseling Center, does not specialize in providing mental health services to minors. 

Will my insurance be accepted (including Medical or Medicare)?

Transforming Minds does not accept insurance, but some insurance providers allow "out of network" counseling. In this case, Transforming Minds will help by providing receipts, so that you can submit these to gain reimbursement. Transforming Minds can not guarantee that your insurance provider will give a reimbursement to you, since this "out of network" agreement is between you and your insurance provider. In order to maintain the low cost of therapy ($100) for all, Transforming Minds will not enter into a "Single Case Agreement" (SCA) where your insurance provider requires additional expenses (paid by Transforming Minds) towards the cost of therapy. 

Can I afford therapy?

You can afford the first therapy session at Transforming Minds, because it is free. That way you can discover the benefit of receiving counseling at no cost to you. If you desire additional therapy sessions, you will find that the rate ($100/hour) for counseling has been reduced in order to make it affordable. In the event that you are unemployed, then a reduced rate (sliding scale of $80) is available, but you must show proof of being unemployed like a proof of unemployment letter from your former employer or unemployment benefit award letters. Another thing to consider is: "Can I afford not to have therapy?" or "What problems will persist if I do nothing?".

Do I need professional counseling?

You may be wondering if you even need counseling from a professional therapist. It is common for a person going through a stressful situation to wonder if they are "blowing things out of proportion" or making things up. It is this uncertainty that prompted Transforming Minds to offer a free hour of therapy. Your therapist, at Transforming Minds, understands that you have questions, might be unsure, or even a little concerned about starting therapy. That is why a professional therapist is available to answer your questions and provide compassion in a safe and supportive environment all for free during your first hour of counseling. 

Do I have to have a particular faith or be a Christian? 

Professional therapy, at Transforming Minds, starts where you are in your faith (or even lack of faith). To help you, the therapist will want to know what you think, where you are in your life, what beliefs are important to you, and what challenges or problems you are facing. This is all done in a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment. For some, especially those with a Christian faith (based on Biblical principles), knowing that the therapist shares Christian beliefs results in a feeling of being understood. Consequently, Transforming Minds creates a counseling environment where a Christian can be open, honest, and real about their mental health needs. In addition, your therapist will encourage you to grow in your faith and use your relationship with God as part of the healing process. If you want to know more about having a faith in Jesus and what it means to be a Christian, then bring this up during your counseling session. 

Who is my counselor?

There is only one therapist available at Transforming Minds - Psychologist, Dr. John Quinlan PsyD (License #PSY23794). Dr. Quinlan graduated from Trinity College of Graduate Studies with the focus of integrating Christian spirituality and psychology. He has spent many years working to improve the health of those diagnosed with depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, anxiety, trauma, infidelity, and addictions. No matter how severe or mild your symptoms may be, Dr. Quinlan looks forward to being a part of your healing. 

Do I have time for counseling?

Everyone is busy, so this is a good question. Transforming Minds provides counseling on Saturdays, after work, and at a time that is convenient for you. Of course, Dr. Quinlan is limited with his time as well, so you may not find a time that fits. In fact, Dr. Quinlan also works for the Los Angeles Christian Health Centers by providing counseling for those on Skid Row. As a result, Dr. Quinlan is not available on Mondays or Tuesdays. With an emphasis on a relationship with God, appointments are not available on Sunday. If you can't find an appointment on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, it could be that the date and time your are looking for is already booked by other people needing counseling or it could be that Dr. Quinlan is on a vacation. If this occurs, please check other weeks for day and time availability. 

Transforming Minds provides a way for you to make an appointment from this web page. Simply click on the "Make Appointment" button below or you can access the "Appointments" link above and choose the date and time convenient for you.