Rates & Information
Ellie Messinger-Adams is a licensed therapist, maternal mental health specialist, and childhood development expert providing in-person therapy in North County San Diego and virtually anywhere in CA.
ĒMA Therapy is a boutique practice. I intentionally maintain a small caseload to be more accessible, flexible, and responsive to your needs—and provide the deeply personalized care moms deserve.
My rates reflect more than a decade of experience, specialized training, and a commitment to evidence-based, tailored support for mothers navigating the anxiety, identity shifts, and challenges of matrescence and motherhood as a whole.
You deserve a therapist who is highly trained and deeply invested in providing care that is uniquely designed for you.
Therapy Rates
For new cilents, I offer a free introduction session. Please note that I am an out-of-network provider and do not accept insurance at this time. I am paneled with Lyra which is an EAP program.
Mother/Child Relational Therapy
From newborns to teens
$280 per 45-minute session
first session $250
Individual Therapy for Moms
For all stages of motherhood
$250 per 45-minute session
first session $220
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my out-of-network (OON) benefits?
Absolutely! If you have a PPO plan you may be eligible to use out-of-network insurance benefits. Please note: Using OON benefits means you will be responsible for paying for each session in full at time of appointment.
Good News: I work with Thrizer, a platform that helps clients get money back on OON therapy sessions. If you have OON benefits, Thrizer will file claims and handle the insurance paperwork to make sure you get reimbursed.
Note: Thrizer’s goal is to save you time and money. It's completely optional, and as your therapist I do not benefit in any way from your participation.
Click here to learn more about how Thrizer works and set up an account to instantly check your OON benefits.
Do you take insurance?
No, I am an out-of-network provider and do not accept insurance at this time.
Like many specialized providers, I don’t work directly with insurance companies, as they often limit the type and length of treatment. Paying out of pocket protects your privacy, offers flexibility, and allows for more personalized care. It also lets me keep a smaller caseload, so I can fully support you in healing motherhood anxiety, reclaiming your identity, and building confidence—without insurance-imposed restrictions.
Insurance also requires a formal diagnosis, which not all mothers need. Many challenges—like identity shifts, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of motherhood—aren’t medical conditions but still deserve support. Without insurance constraints, therapy can be tailored to your specific needs.
If you have out-of-network benefits, I can provide a “superbill” for potential reimbursement. I also partner with Thrizer to help streamline that process and maximize your benefits.
What if I need to cancel a session?
I have a 48 hour cancelation policy. What this means is that I require 48hrs notice of a cancelation otherwise there will be a fee of the cost of a full session. This fee is not covered by insurance so would be out of pocket. The reason for this policy is to ensure that I am able to keep my doors open and my business running. It also allow me ample time to fill any openings and plan for breaks to the best of my ability.
Do you offer a sliding scale option?
Yes, I offer a limited number of sliding-scale fee slots for those who require assistance. (Currently all spots are full)
Will you work directly with my kids?
I’m crazy about kids. For a time, I worked with kids exclusively, and then I discovered that what kiddos need most is moms who are connected and tuned into themselves so they can be connected and tuned into their kids as well.
As a result I do not work with children as my primary client, but I provide mother/child relationship therapy to foster the connection and bond between mothers and their children. This type of intervention can be done at any age and stage of your kids development. I find it especially helpful for teens and tweens.
Can I bring my kids to the session?
Yes, you’re absolutely welcome to bring your child(ren) to therapy. As a mom, I understand that childcare isn’t always available—and life with little ones doesn’t pause for therapy.
Babies are always welcome. Whether it’s tummy time, feeding, or diaper changes, we’ll make space for what you and your baby need. You’re free to nurse, bottle feed, or do whatever feels right.
For toddlers or older kids, my office can be a cozy play space. Bringing a toy, book, or tablet can help keep them entertained.
Sessions may feel a bit different with children present. We might pause or use “code words” for sensitive topics, so we can stay focused while respecting their presence.
Therapy is for you—and you deserve support, even when your little ones come along.
What’s your Privacy Policy?
At EMA Therapy, we value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your data.
Information We Collect
We collect only the information necessary to provide you with the best possible therapy services. This may include:
Personal details (name, contact information)
Health information relevant to your treatment
Session notes and treatment plans
How We Use Your Information
Your information is used solely for:
Providing and improving our therapy services
Communicating with you about your care
Practice operations and quality improvement
Information Sharing
As a private pay practice, we do not share your information with insurance companies. We will only share your information:
With Mentaya, if you explicitly request and consent to this in writing
As required by law (e.g., in cases of imminent danger)
Your Rights
You have the right to:
Access and receive a copy of your records
Request corrections to your information
Ask us to limit the information we share
Request confidential communications
Data Security
We implement strong security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy periodically. Any changes will be reflected on this page.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this policy or your information, please contact Ellie Messinger-Adams LPCC 14196 here.
(Last Updated: 12/3/24)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my out-of-network (OON) benefits?
Absolutely! If you have a PPO plan you may be eligible to use out-of-network insurance benefits. Please note: Using OON benefits means you will be responsible for paying for each session in full at time of appointment.
Good News: I work with Thrizer, a platform that helps clients get money back on OON therapy sessions. If you have OON benefits, Thrizer will file claims and handle the insurance paperwork to make sure you get reimbursed.
Note: Thrizer’s goal is to save you time and money. It's completely optional, and as your therapist I do not benefit in any way from your participation.
Click here to learn more about how Thrizer works and set up an account to instantly check your OON benefits.
Do you take insurance?
No, I am an out-of-network provider and do not accept insurance at this time.
Like many specialized providers, I don’t work directly with insurance companies, as they often limit the type and length of treatment. Paying out of pocket protects your privacy, offers flexibility, and allows for more personalized care. It also lets me keep a smaller caseload, so I can fully support you in healing motherhood anxiety, reclaiming your identity, and building confidence—without insurance-imposed restrictions.
Insurance also requires a formal diagnosis, which not all mothers need. Many challenges—like identity shifts, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of motherhood—aren’t medical conditions but still deserve support. Without insurance constraints, therapy can be tailored to your specific needs.
If you have out-of-network benefits, I can provide a “superbill” for potential reimbursement. I also partner with Thrizer to help streamline that process and maximize your benefits.
What if I need to cancel a session?
I have a 48 hour cancelation policy. What this means is that I require 48hrs notice of a cancelation otherwise there will be a fee of the cost of a full session. This fee is not covered by insurance so would be out of pocket. The reason for this policy is to ensure that I am able to keep my doors open and my business running. It also allow me ample time to fill any openings and plan for breaks to the best of my ability.
Do you offer a sliding scale option?
Yes, I offer a limited number of sliding-scale fee slots for those who require assistance. (Currently all spots are full)
Will you work directly with my kids?
I’m crazy about kids. For a time, I worked with kids exclusively, and then I discovered that what kiddos need most is moms who are connected and tuned into themselves so they can be connected and tuned into their kids as well.
As a result I do not work with children as my primary client, but I provide mother/child relationship therapy to foster the connection and bond between mothers and their children. This type of intervention can be done at any age and stage of your kids development. I find it especially helpful for teens and tweens.
Can I bring my kids to the session?
Yes, you’re absolutely welcome to bring your child(ren) to therapy. As a mom, I understand that childcare isn’t always available—and life with little ones doesn’t pause for therapy.
Babies are always welcome. Whether it’s tummy time, feeding, or diaper changes, we’ll make space for what you and your baby need. You’re free to nurse, bottle feed, or do whatever feels right.
For toddlers or older kids, my office can be a cozy play space. Bringing a toy, book, or tablet can help keep them entertained.
Sessions may feel a bit different with children present. We might pause or use “code words” for sensitive topics, so we can stay focused while respecting their presence.
Therapy is for you—and you deserve support, even when your little ones come along.
What’s your Privacy Policy?
At EMA Therapy, we value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your data.
Information We Collect
We collect only the information necessary to provide you with the best possible therapy services. This may include:
Personal details (name, contact information)
Health information relevant to your treatment
Session notes and treatment plans
How We Use Your Information
Your information is used solely for:
Providing and improving our therapy services
Communicating with you about your care
Practice operations and quality improvement
Information Sharing
As a private pay practice, we do not share your information with insurance companies. We will only share your information:
With Mentaya, if you explicitly request and consent to this in writing
As required by law (e.g., in cases of imminent danger)
Your Rights
You have the right to:
Access and receive a copy of your records
Request corrections to your information
Ask us to limit the information we share
Request confidential communications
Data Security
We implement strong security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy periodically. Any changes will be reflected on this page.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this policy or your information, please contact Ellie Messinger-Adams LPCC 14196 here.
(Last Updated: 12/3/24)