Question 1

What types of therapy do you offer in Ontario and Riverside, CA?

Accepted Answer

At Thrive Psychological Services, we offer individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults across the Inland Empire. Our therapists are trained in evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, psychodynamic therapy, play therapy for kids, and behavioral therapy. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, trauma, PTSD, or major life transitions, we'll match you with a therapist who fits your needs — not just whoever has the next open slot. We have locations in Ontario and Riverside, and some providers also offer telehealth for California residents.

Question 2

Do you accept IEHP, Kaiser, Anthem, or other insurance plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we accept several major insurance plans, including IEHP (Inland Empire Health Plan), Kaiser Permanente, Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, Health Net, and Blue Shield of California. We know navigating insurance is stressful, so our team handles verification on your behalf before your first appointment so there are no surprises. Coverage can vary depending on the type of service — therapy, psychological testing, or psychiatric medication management — so we always recommend calling us or submitting a consultation request and we'll walk you through exactly what your plan covers at our practice.

Question 3

How do I know if my child needs psychological testing or an evaluation?

Accepted Answer

If your child's teacher has raised concerns, if your child is struggling in school despite trying hard, or if you've noticed delays in speech, social skills, or emotional regulation — a psychological evaluation can give you real answers. Testing is not just for academic problems. It can help identify ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety disorders, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and developmental delays. One of the most common things we hear from parents after a completed evaluation is: 'I finally understand my child.' A comprehensive report gives schools, doctors, and families a roadmap — including specific accommodations and treatment recommendations — so your child gets the right support, not just more guesswork.

Question 4

What is psychological testing and what does the process look like?

Accepted Answer

Psychological testing is a structured evaluation conducted by one of our licensed psychologists. It's not a single test — it's a battery of standardized assessments, clinical interviews, behavioral observations, and sometimes questionnaires completed by parents, teachers, or other caregivers. The type of testing depends on the referral question (ADHD, autism, neuropsychological functioning, etc.). At Thrive, we provide evaluations for ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, learning disabilities, and neuropsychological concerns for children, adolescents, and adults. After testing is complete, you receive a detailed written report and a feedback session where a psychologist walks you through every finding and recommendation in plain language — because a report sitting in a drawer doesn't help anyone.

Question 5

What is a psychiatric medication evaluation and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A psychiatric medication evaluation is an appointment with one of our psychiatric providers — a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner — to assess whether medication might be a helpful part of your mental health treatment. This is not a commitment to take medication; it's a conversation to explore whether it's the right option for you or your child. You might benefit from a medication evaluation if therapy alone hasn't provided enough relief, if you've been diagnosed with a condition like ADHD, bipolar disorder, or major depression and want to explore all options, or if a therapist or primary care doctor has suggested a psychiatric consult. Our providers offer medication management on an ongoing basis, and we coordinate closely with your therapist when both services are used together — because integrated care almost always produces better outcomes.

Question 6

What is the difference between a therapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Therapists (licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, licensed professional counselors) provide talk therapy and counseling. Psychologists hold doctoral degrees and can provide therapy as well as conduct psychological testing and assessments. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health and can prescribe and manage psychiatric medications. At Thrive Psychological Services, we have all three under one roof — therapists, psychologists, a psychiatrist, and psychiatric nurse practitioners. That means we can coordinate your care across all levels without sending you to multiple different offices across the Inland Empire.

Question 7

How long does therapy take — and how often will I need to come in?

Accepted Answer

Most clients start with weekly sessions and transition to every other week or monthly as they build skills and progress toward their goals. Some people see meaningful change in 8–12 sessions. Others working through complex trauma, grief, or long-standing patterns may benefit from longer-term work. Your therapist will revisit your goals with you regularly so that you're always clear on where you are and what comes next. The goal is for you to feel genuinely better — not to keep you coming in forever.

Question 8

How do I get started at Thrive Psychological Services in Ontario or Riverside?

Accepted Answer

Getting started is easier than you might expect. You can call our office at (909) 295-5805, email us at referrals@thrivepsychservices.org, or schedule a free consultation directly online. Our intake team will ask a few quick questions to understand what you're looking for — therapy, testing, psychiatry, or a combination — and match you with the right provider from our team of over 45 mental health professionals. We serve Riverside and San Bernardino Counties and have openings for therapy, psychological evaluations, and psychiatric medication management. We accept most major insurance plans and will verify your coverage before your first visit.

Blog Admin | Thrive Psychological Services