About Samantha Shepherd
Focus areas
Intergenerational Trauma
New Patient Visit
Psychotherapy
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Culturally Sensitive
Attachment-based
Dialectical (DBT)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
EMDR
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
Hispanic or Latinx, White
Languages spoken
English, Spanish
Getting to know Samantha Shepherd
I show up as my authentic self to therapy so my clients can, too. I love working with individuals who are ready to make meaningful changes in their lives. I am not a "one-size-fits-all" type of therapist, and that's what I love about my work. I work with many different issues such as trauma (childhood, intergenerational, complex), relationship challenges, attachment styles, cultural or identity questions, first-generation experiences, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and more. It's an honor to serve many of my communities. I hold a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego and a Bachelor's degree from the University of California San Diego.
What should a new client know about working with you?
I have experience working with clients who are struggling with depression, major life transitions, troubled relationships, childhood trauma, anxiety, attachment styles, chronic health, neurodivergence, and/or boundary setting. I take care in making sure there's room to discuss not only the impact of mental health, but also incorporating every client's unique identity, culture, intersectionality, race, ethnicity, and spirituality and how this shows up to define attitudes, beliefs, and values.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
The sessions are usually about 50 minutes in length and will begin with a check-in. Have there been any updates or things of significance since last session? I use a client-centered approach which means you can decide if you want to continue where we left off last week (Forgot—don’t worry, I have notes for that). Maybe you’ll want to start somewhere new.
We’ll then team up into deciding what the goal of the session will be. After we come up with our game plan, we’ll dive into the stuff to make those goals happen. Picture a mix of insightful back-and-forth conversation, education, and practical skill-building or guided exercises.
Before we wrap up, I'll toss some considerations your way – things to continue to think about and exercises to use in between sessions. It's a team effort and the real magic often happens between our sessions.
Samantha Shepherd, LMFT is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $220 for 50 minutes
Ongoing session: $220 for 50 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
- Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork
More information on payments and coverage
Insurance Coverage: I may be able to accept certain insurance plans; however, this requires verification beforehand to ensure that your coverage is accepted.. many insurance plans offer partial reimbursement for out-of-network mental health services. I can provide you with a superbill, which is a detailed invoice that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Before starting therapy, it may help to contact your insurance provider to understand your specific out-of-network benefits, including any deductibles, co-insurance, and reimbursement rates. If you’re not sure how to navigate this, I can help guide you on which questions to ask your insurance company.
Payment: Payment is due at the time of each session. I accept various forms of payment, including credit/debit cards and HSA/FSA cards, which can cover out-of-pocket mental health expenses if your account permits. Payment can be processed automatically, making it more convenient and ensuring a smooth experience.
Sliding Scale and Reduced Rates: I believe therapy should be as accessible as possible. If my standard rate presents a financial barrier, I may have sliding scale spots available depending on my current caseload. Reduced fees are determined on a case-by-case basis. Please feel free to inquire about this option if needed.
Session Types and Rates: My standard 50-minute individual therapy session is $220 for cash paying clients.
Understanding payment and insurance upfront can help reduce stress around therapy.. Keep in mind that reimbursement varies by plan, and it's best to contact your insurance provider for details on out-of-network benefits.
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- University of San Diego, Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy
- University of California San Diego (Bachelor's)
NPI number
1710449186
How soon can I make an appointment with Samantha Shepherd?
Generally, Samantha Shepherd has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Samantha Shepherd's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Samantha Shepherd accepting new patients?
Samantha Shepherd generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Samantha Shepherd's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Samantha Shepherd accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Samantha Shepherd is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Samantha Shepherd online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Samantha Shepherd using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Samantha Shepherd work with?
Samantha Shepherd works with Not Just Another Therapist.
What are common reasons for patients to see Samantha Shepherd?
Samantha Shepherd frequently sees patients for Anxiety, Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Samantha Shepherd on their profile.
What languages does Samantha Shepherd speak?
Samantha Shepherd speaks English and Spanish.