Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about our services? We’ve gathered answers to some of the common questions below. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out to us through our contact page HERE!

About Us

  • Practice San Francisco is a family-focused mental health and wellness practice with locations in San Francisco and Mill Valley. We provide evidence-based clinical and assessment services, as well as educational programs, to support the mental health and well-being of children, teens, young adults, and parents.

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

  • Our group programs are designed to help kids, teens, and families build lifelong skills in a supportive, engaging environment. Here’s what makes our programs stand out:

    • Research-based skills taught by licensed and experienced therapists, giving your child tools they can rely on for life.

    • Qualified medical expense: our programs are reimbursable through PPO insurance, FSA, or HSA, making care more accessible.

    • Fun, age-appropriate activities that keep kids engaged and learning while feeling supported.

    • Small group sizes with a 1:5 therapist-to-child ratio, ensuring your child gets the personalized attention they deserve.

    • Practical tips and resources for parents—We provide concepts, strategies, and tools taught after every session, empowering parents to confidently support their child in reinforcing these skills at home.

  • Our group programs are led by licensed and highly experienced therapists who specialize in working with children, teens, and parents. Each therapist brings expertise, warmth, and a collaborative approach to create a supportive and engaging environment where every participant feels seen, heard, and understood.

    To learn more about our team, please click here.

  • Your first intake call is a chance for us to connect and understand how we can support you. During the call, we’ll discuss your current concerns, goals, and what you’re looking for—whether that’s individual therapy, group support, or assessment services. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions and learn more about our approach. We’ll work with you to match you with the right service or therapist to best meet your needs and goals.

    For a step-by-step overview, watch our short video here to see what to expect.

Why Group Therapy?

    • Affordable & High-Quality Care: Group therapy provides the same high-quality support as individual therapy but at a fraction of the cost. It’s an accessible way for children to build essential emotional and social skills for long-term success.

    • Life-Long Skills for Children :In group therapy, children acquire essential skills such as emotional regulation, stress management, and effective communication. These skills serve as practical tools they can apply daily, and they benefit from learning alongside their peers, rather than exclusively from adults.

    • Personalized Care from Clinicians: Our therapists collaborate with children, tweens, and teens in group sessions, observing their interactions and integration of the taught skills and concepts. This means that, should your family opt for individual therapy later, we will have already established a solid foundation for personalized support care.

    • Support for Parents Too: We provide group therapy for parents to concentrate on stress management, enhance communication, and develop strategies to support both you and your child’s mental health journey

    Group therapy creates a safe, collaborative environment where families feel supported, children thrive, and everyone learns and integrates skills they can carry into everyday life.

  • Group therapy is a great fit if your child:

    • Is new to therapy and would benefit from a supportive, community-based introduction.

    • Would benefit from building social confidence and practicing skills like emotional regulation among peers.

    • Learns best by connecting with others facing similar challenges.

    Individual therapy may be better if your child:

    • Needs one-on-one attention to focus on specific challenges.

    • Prefers a private, personalized space to work at their own pace.

    It doesn’t have to be either-or. Many families choose group therapy, individual therapy, or a combination of both, depending on what works best for their child’s needs. Group therapy helps build foundational skills and confidence, while individual therapy provides space for focused, personalized support. Together, they can create an integrated, well-rounded approach.

    For more details, click here to learn more. If you’re still deciding, schedule a free consultation call with our intake coordinator or email us at hello@practicesanfrancisco.com. We’re here to help you find the best path for your family!

Types of Group Programs

  • Clinical Programs:

    • Led by licensed therapists as part of mental health treatment.

    • Designed to address specific challenges and support therapeutic growth in a structured, supportive environment.

    • These programs are considered mental health treatment and are eligible for reimbursement through PPO insurance, FSA, or HSA.

    Educational Programs:

    • Designed to be educational in nature, not therapy or treatment.

    • Focus on teaching and practicing life skills that support emotional well-being.

    • May be led by licensed therapists or trained staff who are not licensed mental health professionals.

    • These programs are lower-cost options and not eligible for insurance reimbursement.

  • Clinical group programs are considered mental health treatment and are eligible for reimbursement through PPO insurance, FSA, or HSA.

    Educational group programs are not eligible for insurance reimbursement, as they are educational in nature and not considered therapy or treatment.

Program Details

  • Group sizes are kept small to ensure personalized attention and support, with a maximum of 10 participants per group. Each group is led by at least two facilitators, maintaining a participant-to-facilitator ratio of 5:1.

    After each session, participants receive handouts and practice materials to reinforce the skills learned and encourage continued practice at home. Parents will also receive a follow-up email with notes from group leaders, along with tips and resources to help them support their child’s progress outside of the group.

  • At the start of each group session, leaders establish clear boundaries and expectations for behavior and participation. They ensure that these expectations are consistent and applied equally to all participants.

    Leaders also foster positive relationships by encouraging respectful communication, teamwork, and collaboration, while creating opportunities for participants to build trust and friendships in a supportive environment.

    Additionally, they make certain that all participants, regardless of background, ability, or identity, feel included and respected.

  • The 5:1 participant-to-facilitator ratio enables group leaders to actively engage with participants, showing care and attentiveness to their needs and well-being. Group leaders can adapt activities or offer extra support to participants as needed.

    Moreover, our groups provide opportunities for participants and parents to voice concerns and ask questions throughout the sessions.

    At the conclusion of each group, we gather feedback via our survey to enhance the overall experience for families.

  • Families seeking extra support beyond the parent follow-up emails and parent toolkits who wish to understand their child's involvement in the session or have questions on how to help their child further develop skills from the group can schedule a 45-minute one-on-one session with one of the group leaders. *Please be aware that this session incurs an additional fee.

  • Your child is welcome to arrive 15 minutes early for the next session to review what was covered previously. Parents will still receive a follow-up email for the missed session, including a copy of the handouts provided, allowing them to review the materials at home.

  • Group participants are dropped off at the beginning and picked up at the end of the session, and parents do not stay with the group for the duration of the session. If parents expect their child to feel anxious on the first day, they are welcome to arrive 15 minutes early. This allows the participant to get comfortable with the group space and the group leaders before the other participants arrive.

  • After each session, parents will receive a follow-up email from the group leaders. These updates include:

    • An outline on what was covered during the session.

    • Tips and resources to help parents reinforce the skills learned at home.

    • Suggestions on how to support your child’s progress between sessions.

    These updates ensure you stay informed and equipped to support your child’s growth throughout the program.

    • Families seeking extra support beyond the parent follow-up emails and parent toolkits who wish to understand their child's involvement in the session or have questions on how to help their child further develop skills from the group can schedule a 45-minute one-on-one session with one of the group leaders. *Please be aware that this session incurs an additional fee. 

Registration & Scheduling

  • Yes, registration for our groups closes one week and one business day before the group starts. While we may consider late enrollments on a case-by-case basis, we highly recommend enrolling by the deadline to secure a spot. Our groups have limited spaces, and enrolling on time helps ensure your child’s participation and allows us to best prepare for the group’s success.

  • We offer a variety of evidence-based group programs tailored for children, tweens, teens, and parents. These programs are designed to address specific developmental needs and challenges, providing participants with valuable skills and support. Our group offerings rotate throughout the year, with new sessions typically starting each season. The frequency and timing of each group can vary based on demand and scheduling.

    For the most current information on our available groups and their schedules, we encourage you to visit our website's group programs page.

  • The start dates for our group sessions vary depending on the specific program. We regularly offer new sessions throughout the year, typically aligning with seasonal schedules. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about upcoming groups and their start dates, please visit our website.

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 one week 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 seven 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 with a student from our waitlist. 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.

Social Skills (Part 1 and 2)

  • 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.

Navigating Social Dynamics

  • 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!