Policies, Information & Resources

COVID Precautions

All sessions are conducted via telephone or a secure video platform (telehealth) at this time. With telehealth, I can work with clients who reside anywhere in the state of California.

Office Location

My office is located at 1248 Solano Avenue, Albany CA 94706. There is street parking on Solano Avenue and in the surrounding neighborhood. Please note there are three steps leading up to the front door and the building does not currently have a ramp for wheelchair access.

After COVID passes, I will likely begin offering in-person appointments at my office. Telephone and video sessions will also be available.

What to Expect

Our first session will be an opportunity for us to get to know each other, and most importantly, a chance for me to learn about what you’d like to accomplish in therapy. I will answer any questions you have about therapy or about my experience.

During our follow-up appointments, we will focus on the goals we’ve created. You will often have tasks or exercises to practice between sessions.

The frequency of your sessions and the duration of your treatment can vary. I can provide brief/focused or long-term therapy. In our first session or two, we will focus on creating a treatment plan that meets your current needs.

Insurance & Fees

50-minute sessions: $195

Providing mental health care that is accessible to all is an integral part of my practice. For that reason, I reserve a portion of reduced-fee appointments, and in some cases pro bono (no charge to clients). If all of these slots are currently filled, I will provide you with a list of low-cost mental health options in the area. Payment is due at the time of your session.

In addition to my private practice, I contract with Octave Behavioral Health. At Octave, I am in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield/Anthem, Health Net and MHN insurance(s). If you have coverage under one of these plans, please visit https://www.findoctave.com/providers/margaret-lamb-lcsw to schedule an appointment with me. If you have insurance plan that is not accepted by Octave, upon request I will provide a document that you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. It is advisable to contact your insurance company prior to starting therapy to learn about your out-of-pocket costs.

Good Faith Estimate Notice

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. 

You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises. 

Between-Session Contact

If you’re not in crisis, but would like to reach me, please either call me (415.205.4444) or email me (mlamblcsw@gmail.com ) and I will respond to your message within 48 hours. Please note phone and email are not HIPAA-secure forms of communication, so please do not leave confidential/personal information.

If you’re experiencing a psychiatric emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Here are some other resources you might consider:

  • Crisis Support Services of Alameda County (24 hours) - 1-800-309-2131

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

  • Talkline Parental Stress Hotline- 1-415-441-KIDS (5437)

  • Postpartum Support International (5 am to 8 pm PST, 7 days a week) - 1-800-944-4773 (call or text)

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline- 1-800-799-SAFE-799

Other Resources

Lactation Specialists:

Acupuncture: