Help

Frequently asked questions

Short answers to what people ask us most before they start. If you don't find your question, write to us through the contact page.

Getting started

How do I start?

Sign up online in a few minutes or ask us to call you. You tell us which state you live in, which language you want to speak and what you'd like support with, and we match you with a therapist licensed in your state. Then you and your therapist schedule your first session. See the steps in How it works.

How do I know if I need therapy?

If what you feel is affecting you, that's reason enough to talk about it. For example, if you've felt sad, worried or drained for weeks, if it's hard to sleep or focus, or if something you went through still weighs on your days. You don't need a diagnosis or to be in crisis to start. Read “How do I know if I need therapy?”.

Can I choose my therapist?

You don't choose a specific person: we match you with a therapist based on the state where you live and your language, so they're licensed to see you and you can talk naturally. If at any point the connection doesn't feel right, you can talk about it with your therapist. Learn more about how it works.

Do you see minors?

No. dafne offers individual therapy for adults only, 18 and over. If you're looking for support for a minor, talk to their doctor or your local mental health services, who can guide you to options for their age. Learn more about us.

Do you offer couples or family therapy?

Not for now. dafne offers individual therapy for adults only. Even so, in your sessions you can talk about your relationship or your family, what you feel and what you want to change, even if the other people don't take part. Learn more about online therapy.

The sessions

What are the sessions like?

They're by phone, 45 minutes long and in Spanish. At the time of your appointment, your therapist calls you from the dafne platform and you just answer from a quiet place. You talk at your own pace with a therapist licensed in your state, about whatever you need. Learn more about phone therapy.

Do I need a camera or video call?

No. You can do everything by phone: you just need your phone and a place where you can talk privately, like your home or your parked car. You don't have to install anything or worry about how you look. Learn more about phone therapy.

Are the sessions in Spanish?

Yes. We match you with a therapist who speaks fluent Spanish, so you can express yourself naturally, without translating what you feel. When you sign up you tell us which language you want to speak, and your therapist also understands where you come from. Learn more about our online psychologists in Spanish.

What if it's hard to talk in the first session?

Tell your therapist: it's more common than you think, and you don't need to arrive knowing what to say. In the first session your therapist asks questions to get to know you, and you decide what to share and at what pace. Read “How to prepare for therapy”.

License and states

Why does the state I live in matter?

Because each US state issues its own licenses for therapists, and your therapist must be licensed in the state where you are during the session. That's why we ask where you live and match you with someone licensed there. See the states we serve.

What if I travel or move to another state?

During every session you need to be in a state where your therapist is licensed. If you're traveling, let them know beforehand so you can move the session to when you're back. If you move, tell us so we can find you a therapist licensed in your new state. See the states we serve.

My state isn't listed. What do I do?

Join the waitlist. If there are no therapists available in your state yet, we keep your details and let you know when a therapist licensed in your state can see you. Meanwhile, if you need urgent help, call 911 or 988. Leave your details on the waitlist.

What's the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?

“Therapist” is a general term for anyone who provides therapy. A psychologist is one kind of therapist, but licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists and licensed counselors provide therapy too. What matters most is that they're licensed in your state. Learn more about our online psychologists.

Payment

Do I need health insurance?

No insurance needed. At dafne you pay directly, without health insurance, so you can start without waiting for approvals and with no copays or deductibles. You choose a single session or a package of sessions, whichever works best for you. See our pricing.

How do I pay?

You pay dafne directly: you choose a single session or a package of sessions. That way you know from the start how much you'll pay, with no copays, deductibles or hidden fees, and without depending on what an insurer covers. See pricing and packages.

How much does it cost?

A single session costs $99. With a package of sessions you pay from $95 per session. You pay directly, without insurance, and you know the price before you start. See the details of each option on Pricing.

Therapy attendance letter

What is a therapy attendance letter?

It's a short document your therapist issues to confirm that you're their client, that you attend therapy and the dates of your sessions. It doesn't describe what you talk about in therapy, it isn't a psychological evaluation and it doesn't guarantee any outcome in a legal case. Learn more about the therapy attendance letter.

How do I request it?

Tell us when you sign up that you'll need one. Your therapist issues it as part of your therapy, so you need to be in therapy with dafne: they can only confirm the sessions they have with you. If you have legal questions about how to use it, talk to your attorney. Learn more about the therapy attendance letter.

Does the letter say what I talk about in therapy?

No. The letter only confirms that you attend therapy and the dates of your sessions. What you talk about with your therapist is confidential and doesn't appear in the document. Learn more about what the attendance letter includes.

Topics you can work on

Can you help me with anxiety, depression or grief?

Yes. Our therapists support adults with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and stress, among other topics, in individual therapy and in your language. Learn about therapy for anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, depression, trauma and stress, and grief.

Can you prescribe medication?

No. Our therapists provide therapy but do not prescribe medication. If your therapist thinks medication could help, they will suggest you talk to a doctor or psychiatrist, who can prescribe it. Learn more about therapy for anxiety.

If you need urgent help

Is dafne a crisis line?

No. dafne offers scheduled therapy sessions, not a line that's open 24 hours. If it's an emergency, call 911. If you're thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, 24 hours a day. For support in Spanish, call 988 and press 2, or text AYUDA to 988.

Start today, in your language.