Main Comprehensive FAQ for So Cal Christian Counseling

At So Cal Christian Counseling, faith is integral to our practice. The owner is a practicing Christian who operates the counseling center based on the principles and doctrines of Christianity, as outlined in the Bible. We strive to make all business decisions according to biblical principles and to bring glory to God through our services. This commitment influences how we provide counseling, ensuring that our approaches respect and incorporate your Christian faith. We aim to serve all clients—whether they are Christians, Catholics, Jews, or nonbelievers—by offering professional mental health support that honors spiritual beliefs while promoting healing and personal growth.

Yes, seeking counseling is a sign of strength, not a weakness in faith. Our Christian counselors provide a safe space to explore your struggles and find healing, reinforcing that needing help is not indicative of insufficient faith. We are here to support you without judgment, helping you to grow closer to yourself, your relationships, and your faith.

In your first session, you can expect a warm and respectful environment where you can share your concerns openly. The counselor will discuss your goals for therapy, get an understanding of your background, and begin to develop a personalized plan tailored to your needs and respecting your faith.

You can schedule an appointment by calling us at 562-551-1764 or you can also book directly through our website by clicking on the “Book Your Appointment” button.

Our mailing office is located at 18000 Studebaker Road, Ste. 700, Cerritos, CA 90703. We offer online counseling sessions to accommodate your busy lifestyle needs.

Absolutely! Our practice is now fully online, making therapy more accessible and convenient for you. We understand that life can be busy and hectic, with work, family, and other commitments taking up much of your time. That’s why we offer the flexibility to schedule therapy sessions from anywhere—whether you’re at home, at the office, waiting for your kids at school, or even during your travel time.

You can easily join your video sessions using your phone, laptop, tablet, or desktop computer, as long as you have a stable cell or Wi-Fi connection. If you prefer, you can also opt for a phone session. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to keep your appointments and receive the help you need, no matter how busy your schedule is.

Many of our clients find that Telehealth therapy is not only easier but also more convenient than in-person sessions. We use Simple Practice’s secure Telehealth platform to ensure your privacy and confidentiality. Our caring clinicians and staff are dedicated to providing you with high-quality therapy that is just as effective as in-person sessions, supported by studies showing that video Telehealth sessions are equally beneficial.

Our team consists of licensed marriage and family therapists  who are not only professionally trained and licensed by the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences in mental health care but also deeply rooted in Christian values. Among them are:

• Rebecca L. Schwarz, LMFT
• Debra Burianek, LMFT
• Brittney A. Loera, LMFT

Counseling sessions typically last about 50 minutes. The frequency of sessions can vary depending on individual needs and the specific issues being addressed. This can be discussed and tailored during your initial consultation or as your therapy progresses.

Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of our practice. We uphold strict confidentiality policies to ensure that everything discussed in sessions remains private, with few exceptions as mandated by law.

We accept various forms of payment and can provide documentation for clients who wish to file for insurance reimbursement. We have partnered with Thrizer.com, a company devoted to helping take the hassle out of Out-of-Network insurance claim submissions for clients who have a PPO insurance plan. For more information on how Thrizer can help you with your insurance claims, please log on to their website at Thrizer.com. Details about your individual cost expectation of therapy and insurance options will be provided upon request or during your initial consultation.

Our fees are based on clinical hours, which are typically 53-60 minutes long, and vary by the licensure and experience of the clinician. 

Initial Psychological Evaluation Sessions Rates:

• Rebecca L. Schwarz, LMFT: 
• $185.00 per clinical hour
• Debra Burianek, LMFT: 
• $185.00 per clinical hour
• Brittney A. Loera, LMFT: 
• $175.00 per clinical hour

Clinical Rates for Ongoing sessions for individuals, couples, or families

Per Clinical Hour Rates For individuals: 

• Rebecca L. Schwarz
• $170.00 per clinical hour
• Debra Burianek
• $170.00 per clinical hour
• Brittney A. Loera
• $150.00 per clinical hour

Per Clinical Hour Rates For Couples or Families: 

• Rebecca L. Schwarz
• $185.00 per clinical hour
• Debra Burianek
• $185.00 per clinical hour
• Brittney A. Loera
• $165.00 per clinical hour

We also offer 90-minute and two-hour intensive sessions, based on clinical necessity and recommendation. 

If you are experiencing a severe crisis or emergency, it’s important to seek immediate help. While we are equipped to handle various mental health issues, immediate crises such as thoughts of self-harm or other emergencies should be directed to local emergency services or a crisis hotline by calling 911.

We offer specialized therapy services for children and adolescents, including ADHD therapy and support for various emotional and behavioral challenges. Therapy for young clients is approached with a combination of family involvement and individual support, tailored to the child’s age and specific needs.

We strive to match you with a counselor who best suits your personal needs and therapeutic goals. During your initial contact or consultation, you can discuss any preferences you have for a counselor, including specific expertise, gender, or experience with particular issues.

Christian counseling integrates psychological principles with spiritual resources. At So Cal Christian Counseling, we focus on healing through a combination of faith-based principles and evidence-based psychological methods, offering a unique approach that respects and incorporates your Christian beliefs.

Our counselors are trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems Therapy, and more, depending on their specialization. We choose the method that best suits the client’s individual issues and goals.

Yes, while we specialize in Christian counseling and integrate faith into the therapy process, we welcome clients of all faiths and backgrounds. Our primary goal is to help each individual heal and thrive, respecting their personal beliefs and preferences.

If you are unable to attend your scheduled therapy appointment, we ask that you notify us at least 24 hours in advance. If you do not show up for your appointment, or if you arrive more than fifteen minutes late without prior notification, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session. This policy helps us manage our appointment schedule and availability for all clients efficiently.

To start therapy, simply contact us to schedule an initial consultation. During this consultation, we’ll discuss your needs and how we can help, go over logistics such as scheduling and fees, and answer any additional questions you might have.

We may offer group therapy sessions or workshops depending on current demand and areas of focus. These can be valuable for clients dealing with similar issues to come together in a supportive environment.

Progress in therapy can be evaluated through various indicators such as improved mood, enhanced coping mechanisms, and achieving personal goals. Your counselor will regularly review progress with you to ensure that therapy is meeting your expectations and needs.