Your Questions, Answered

Understanding the process

Svetlana Ishchenko of Vera Nova Therapy with long wavy hair, smiling, sitting cross-legged on a green couch in front of a window, wearing a dark gray sweater and pants, with notebooks and pillows nearby.
  • Vera Nova Therapy is an integrative, evidence-based approach to therapy focused on understanding emotional experience and strengthening meaningful connection. Sessions are collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each client’s lived experience, offering a safe space to explore emotional patterns, restore balance, and develop new ways of relating. Emotions are viewed not as problems to eliminate, but as essential signals that guide healing, resilience, and growth. Vera Nova, meaning new spring, reflects the belief that even after seasons of stress, loss, or emotional exhaustion, there is space for renewal, clarity, and lasting change.

  • Emotionally-Focused Therapy is a research-supported approach to therapy that helps people understand their emotions as meaningful and valuable. Rather than trying to “fix” or suppress emotions, EFT helps you listen to them, make sense of them, and use them to create change. EFT is especially effective for couples therapy and relationship work, but it is also deeply supportive in individual therapy.

  • I provide individual therapy and couples therapy for adults seeking support with emotional well-being, relationships, and life transitions. My practice also offers specialized therapy for those navigating cancer and chronic illness, as well as therapy for physicians and healthcare professionals and therapy for medical families. Each therapeutic relationship is individualized and grounded in evidence-based practice, with care given to emotional patterns, relational dynamics, and the unique stressors that accompany medical, professional, and family roles. Therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and focused on clarity, connection, and meaningful, lasting change.

  • Yes. I offer couples therapy for partners seeking to strengthen connection, improve communication, and navigate challenges such as conflict, life transitions, illness, or emotional distance. Couples therapy at Vera Nova is collaborative and emotionally attuned, helping partners understand the patterns that shape their relationship and develop new ways of relating with greater safety, responsiveness, and care. Sessions are tailored to each couple’s unique dynamic, with a focus on fostering clarity, trust, and lasting connection.

  • Yes. I offer individual therapy for adults seeking support with emotional well-being, anxiety, stress, grief, life transitions, and personal growth. Individual therapy at Vera Nova Therapy provides a compassionate, supportive space to explore emotional patterns, build self-awareness, and develop greater resilience. Sessions are collaborative and tailored to each client’s lived experience, with an integrative, evidence-based approach that supports clarity, emotional balance, and meaningful, lasting change.

  • Yes. We have a special focus on supporting individuals and families navigating cancer and chronic illness. Therapy can help with fear, grief, uncertainty, identity changes, caregiver stress, and the emotional toll that illness places on relationships. Our approach honors both the emotional and relational impact of medical journeys.

  • Yes. We provide therapy for physicians, healthcare providers, and their partners who are navigating burnout, emotional exhaustion, moral distress, and the challenges of caring for others while neglecting themselves. Therapy offers a confidential, attuned space to slow down, process emotions, and reconnect with what matters most.

  • The initial consultation is a 15-minute conversation designed to help us determine whether working together feels like a good fit. During this time, we will briefly discuss what brings you to therapy, your goals, and any questions or concerns you may have. I will also review fees, scheduling, and logistics, and share how my therapeutic approach may support your needs.

    For couples therapy, both partners are required to be present for the initial consultation. This helps ensure clarity, alignment, and a shared understanding from the outset.

    We will also review confidentiality, what therapy typically looks like, and the intake forms required to begin. If we mutually decide to move forward, we will discuss next steps, including scheduling ongoing sessions and completing paperwork. The consultation is not therapy itself, but a thoughtful first step toward determining whether Vera Nova Therapy is the right place for you.

  • There is no one-size-fits-all timeline. Some people come to therapy for short-term support around a specific challenge, while others engage in longer-term work for deeper healing and growth. We regularly check in together to make sure therapy continues to meet your needs.

  • Vera Nova Therapy is an out-of-network practice. We are happy to provide a superbill upon request, which you may submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement, depending on your plan. Please contact your insurance carrier for additional information.

  • Yes. All sessions at Vera Nova Therapy are provided via secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms, in accordance with California telehealth standards. At this time, telehealth is the only mode of therapy offered, and in-person sessions are not available.

    Telehealth therapy allows clients to receive care in a way that is accessible, flexible, and private, while maintaining the same level of professional care, confidentiality, and emotional connection as in-person therapy. Many clients find that meeting from a familiar environment supports comfort, consistency, and openness—particularly when managing busy schedules, health concerns, caregiving responsibilities, or geographic limitations.

    Before beginning telehealth services, clients review and consent to telehealth-specific policies, including confidentiality, privacy considerations, and the limits of telehealth care, as part of the intake process.

  • At this time, Vera Nova Therapy does not offer in-person therapy services. All therapy is provided exclusively through secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms, in accordance with California telehealth standards.

    Clients receive care remotely, with the same level of confidentiality, professionalism, and emotional attunement as in-person therapy. Telehealth consent, privacy considerations, and related policies are reviewed as part of the intake process.

    For additional details about how telehealth sessions work and the technology required, please see the “Do you offer online or telehealth therapy?” section above.

  • Because all therapy at Vera Nova Therapy is provided via telehealth, clients are required to be physically located in California at the time of each session, in accordance with California licensing regulations. At the start of therapy—and as needed thereafter—I will confirm your current location and an emergency contact as part of routine telehealth practice.

    Vera Nova Therapy does not provide crisis or emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For urgent emotional support, you may contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or text START to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. You may find additional information on our Resources page.

    Emergency procedures, confidentiality considerations, and telehealth limitations are reviewed as part of the intake and consent process to ensure clarity and safety before beginning therapy.

  • Yes. Confidentiality is an essential part of therapy. Everything shared in sessions is kept private, with limited legal exceptions related to safety. These limits are reviewed clearly during the intake process so you know what to expect.

  • Privacy Policy - Vera Nova Therapy

    Effective Date: December 25, 2025

    Vera Nova Therapy is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains how information is collected, used, stored, and protected in accordance with applicable federal and California law, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA).

    Collection of Information

    Vera Nova Therapy may collect limited personal information that you voluntarily provide through this website, email, phone, intake forms, or secure client portals. This may include your name, contact information, and general information related to scheduling or inquiries.

    You are encouraged not to submit sensitive clinical or detailed health information through website forms or email. Clinical and health-related information is collected only as part of the therapeutic process and through secure, HIPAA-compliant systems once a therapeutic relationship has been established.

    Use of Information

    Information collected is used solely for legitimate clinical and administrative purposes, including responding to inquiries, scheduling appointments, providing therapy services, maintaining clinical records, billing, and complying with legal, ethical, and professional obligations.

    Personal information is not sold, shared, or disclosed for marketing purposes.

    Information submitted prior to the establishment of a therapeutic relationship is considered administrative in nature and is not used for clinical treatment. Information related to fees, payment policies, and billing practices is addressed separately on the Fees & Payment Information page.

    Confidentiality of Therapy Services

    All therapy services provided by Vera Nova Therapy are confidential and governed by professional ethics and applicable state and federal law. Information disclosed in therapy will not be released without your written authorization, except as required or permitted by law.

    Legal exceptions to confidentiality may include, but are not limited to:

    • Situations involving risk of serious harm to self or others

    • Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult

    • Court orders or other lawful requirements

    Confidentiality and its legal limits are reviewed in detail as part of the informed consent process prior to the start of therapy.

    Electronic Communications

    Electronic communications, including email, text messaging, voicemail, and website contact forms, are used only for limited administrative purposes such as scheduling, appointment reminders, or responding to general inquiries.

    These communication methods:

    • Are not used for therapy or crisis services

    • May not be fully secure

    • Are not monitored continuously

    By using electronic communication, you acknowledge and accept these limitations. Secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms are used for therapy services whenever possible.

    For additional information about contacting Vera Nova Therapy and communication limitations, please review the Contact page.

    If you are experiencing an emergency or need urgent mental health support, please call 911 or contact appropriate crisis resources.

    Website Use, Cookies, and Analytics

    This website may collect limited non-identifying information (such as browser type or general usage data) to support website functionality and improve user experience. Basic cookies or analytics tools may be used for this purpose.

    Vera Nova Therapy does not knowingly collect personal information from minors through this website.

    Data Security

    Reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are maintained to protect personal and health information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Access to confidential information is limited to authorized individuals only.

    Your Rights

    In accordance with applicable law, clients have the right to:

    • Request access to their health records

    • Request corrections to their records

    • Receive information about how their information is used or disclosed

    Additional details regarding these rights are outlined in the Notice of Privacy Practices, which is provided to clients as part of the intake process.

    Changes to This Policy

    This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements, technology, or practice operations. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

    Contact Information

    If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or privacy practices, please contact:

    Vera Nova Therapy
    Email: info@veranovatherapy.com
    Phone: (844) VERA-NOVA

    Related pages:Contact | Fees & Payment Information

  • Fees are based on a standard 50-minute session and are outlined below:

    Individual Therapy

    • Initial 50-minute assessment: $300

    • Ongoing 50-minute sessions: $275

    Couples Therapy

    • Initial 50-minute assessment: $400

    • Ongoing 50-minute sessions: $375

    Vera Nova Therapy is a private-pay, out-of-network practice and does not bill insurance directly. Superbills may be provided upon request for clients who wish to seek potential reimbursement from their insurance provider. Reimbursement is determined solely by your insurance plan and cannot be guaranteed.

    A limited number of sliding-scale openings may be available based on financial need and current availability. Sliding-scale options are not guaranteed and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If cost is a concern, you are welcome to raise this during the initial consultation.

    Payment is due at the time of service. A valid credit card is required to be kept on file and is processed securely in accordance with applicable privacy and security standards. Fees, payment policies, and any related questions are reviewed during the initial consultation and intake process to ensure clarity before beginning therapy.

  • Therapy fees are determined by a combination of clinical training, experience, and the structure of the practice. At Vera Nova Therapy, fees reflect advanced post-graduate training in evidence-based, attachment-focused approaches, including Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Gottman-informed couples therapy, as well as experience working with complex relational and life stressors.

    Fees are also set to support a practice model that prioritizes depth, continuity, and ethical care rather than high-volume scheduling. This includes time dedicated to preparation, documentation, consultation, and ongoing professional development beyond the therapy session itself.

    While therapy fees vary widely across providers, my rates are intended to reflect the level of training, specialization, and care provided. A limited number of sliding-scale openings may be available based on financial need and current availability and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Still Have Questions?

It is completely normal to have questions—or to feel unsure about starting therapy. If you are wondering whether Vera Nova Therapy is the right fit, we welcome you to reach out. You do not need to have everything figured out to begin.

You can contact us through the inquiry form to schedule a brief complimentary consultation call or learn more about how we work together. I look forward to connecting with you and supporting your next steps toward healing, renewal, and growth.