Whatiftherapy.com
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    • Whatif ERP Therapy
    • Meet Your Therapist
    • Fees and Insurance
    • Contact Us
    • Client Portal
  • Whatif ERP Therapy
  • Meet Your Therapist
  • Fees and Insurance
  • Contact Us
  • Client Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What conditions do you treat?

I specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), social anxiety, illness/health anxiety, general anxiety, panic disorder, and specific phobias. Treatment is delivered through secure telehealth to clients anywhere in California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, and surrounding areas.


What is ERP therapy?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard treatment for OCD and anxiety disorders. ERP helps you reduce compulsions, avoidance, reassurance seeking, checking, Googling, body scanning, and other anxiety-driven behaviors. The goal is to retrain your brain’s threat response, build tolerance for uncertainty, and rebuild trust in your ability to navigate daily life.


How does telehealth therapy work?

Sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. You can join from your home, office, or any private space in California. Telehealth ERP is supported by strong research and is equally effective as in-person treatment for OCD and anxiety disorders.


Do you accept insurance?

I am a private-pay therapist and do not bill insurance directly. However, I provide detailed superbills that you can submit to your insurance plan for potential out-of-network reimbursement. It is your responsibility to contact your insurance carrier to confirm your specific coverage.


How long does ERP therapy take?

Length varies by severity and consistency. Many clients begin experiencing meaningful improvement within 8–12 weeks of committed ERP work. Some complete a targeted course of ERP in a few months, while others continue longer-term to maintain gains and address additional themes or triggers.


How long are sessions and how often are they scheduled?

Most sessions are 50 minutes and occur weekly. The intensive or twice-weekly ERP during the first phase of treatment. Frequency can adjust as symptoms improve.


What is your treatment approach?

I use evidence-based behavioral interventions including ERP, cognitive-behavioral tools, behavioral activation, exposure shaping, and values-based frameworks. Treatment focuses on reducing avoidance, increasing tolerance, and helping you get back to living the life OCD and anxiety have interrupted.


What can I expect in the first session?

The first session focuses on understanding your symptoms, history, triggers, compulsions, avoidance patterns, and goals. You’ll leave with a clear sense of next steps, how ERP fits your needs, and what therapy will look like moving forward.


Is ERP scary?

ERP is challenging, but never unsafe or reckless. You will never be pushed into exposures you’re not ready for. Everything is collaborative, structured, and tailored to your pace and goals.


Do I need a diagnosis before starting therapy?

No. Many clients come in unsure whether they have OCD, panic disorder, or a specific phobia. Part of the intake process includes assessment and diagnostic clarity so treatment can be targeted and effective.


Do you treat children or teens?

At this time, I work with adults 18+ located anywhere in California.


What areas do you serve?

Because therapy is delivered through telehealth, I work with clients statewide including:

  • Los Angeles
  • Long Beach
  • Irvine
  • Orange County
  • San Diego
  • San Francisco
  • Sacramento
  • Fresno
  • Inland Empire
  • Bay Area cities and suburbs


If you're in California, you can work with me.


How do I get started?

You can request an appointment or consultation directly through my website. I’ll reach out to schedule an intake and answer any remaining questions so you can begin effective, evidence-based ERP therapy as soon as you're ready.

Frequently asked questions for ERP telehealth therapy with matthew baker, lcsw in california

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Whatif provides evidence-based ERP treatment for OCD, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Illness Anxiety, GAD and Specific Phobias.  through secure telehealth across California—including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, and surrounding areas.


Matt Baker, LCSW, of Whatif offers specialized, results-driven ERP counseling focused on helping clients break free from avoidance, reduce compulsions, and regain confidence in daily life. 

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