Whether you’re navigating the challenges of a relationship, processing past trauma, or facing a major life change, you don’t have to do it alone. At The Heart of the Matter Relationship Counseling, our San Diego team is here to support you with care, expertise, and respect — every step of the way.
Meet Our Team!
Meghan “Meg” Semler
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Elizabeth “Beth” Deig
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Amber Gayler
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Jenna Evans
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
Sienna Kensington
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Nicholas Marquez
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Annie Musgrave
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Charles "Charlie" Adams
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Sarah Beiruty
Jillianne Naval
Client Care Coordinator
Susan Heemstra
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Kathryn "Kathy" Krane
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Our Services
Offered In Person and Telehealth
Couples Therapy
Individuals Navigating Relationships
Trauma & PTSD Therapy
Anxiety, Depression & Life Transitions
Menopause & Perimenopause
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Heart of the Matter Founder Message
Susan believes that couples — regardless of where they are in their relationship — can build loving, affectionate, intimate, and lasting partnerships. She also holds that even the most difficult relationship challenges can be worked through with the guidance of a skilled therapist, and without sacrificing dignity, compassion, or respect for one another.
That belief remains the foundation of every therapy relationship at The Heart of the Matter Relationship Counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before getting started. Can't find your answer? We're happy to chat.
The cost varies depending on which therapist you see. Most services cost between $180 and $250 per session, depending on the therapist and type of session. Sliding scale opportunities are available with each therapist—ask our Intake Coordinator for details.
Yes! You can absolutely use your HSA or FSA card for psychotherapy services because our therapists are licensed healthcare providers.
We are in-network with CIGNA and Aetna for individual therapy. Most insurance plans do not pay for Couples Counseling without a diagnosis. If we are out-of-network and you have a PPO, we can provide a Super Bill for reimbursement. We also submit Courtesy Claims on your behalf for Blue Cross/Blue Shield and United Healthcare PPOs. Our Intake Coordinator can check your benefits for you.
Before your appointment, you will receive a reminder with a link to join the virtual room. There is no software to download and no subscription required—just click the link and you're in.
Yes. We use completely confidential, HIPAA-compliant platforms. No video or audio from your session is ever recorded or stored without your explicit consent.
Most insurance plans cover telehealth in the same way as traditional in-person therapy. Check with your provider, or let our team verify your benefits for you.
Yes. While in-person couples therapy is preferred when possible, telehealth sessions can absolutely accommodate partners joining from separate locations.
Our Intake Coordinator handles all new client referrals and helps match you with the therapist best suited to your needs. Free 15-minute consultations are available to help you find the right fit.
Finding the right therapist is a bit like dating—the fit matters. You are absolutely entitled to keep looking. If you aren't connecting well, let our Intake Coordinator know and she'll help match you with someone who's a better fit. No pressure.
You are always in control of the pace. Therapy moves at the speed you're comfortable with—you choose when and how to move forward. Our therapists are trained to follow your lead.
Absolutely. Our therapists are trained to work with as little or as much detail as you feel comfortable sharing. If retelling your story isn't part of your healing, your therapist knows how to support your recovery in other ways.
The No Surprises Act (effective January 1, 2022) protects consumers from unexpected medical bills. As your provider, we are required to give you a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of expected charges before services begin. This estimate covers the type of therapy, estimated frequency, and projected 12-month costs. If your final bill exceeds the GFE by $400 or more, you have the right to dispute it.
A superbill is a detailed receipt with a diagnosis and billing codes you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Common codes we use include: 90791 (psychiatric evaluation), 90837 (individual therapy), 90847 (couples/family therapy with client), and 90846 (family therapy without client present). You pay at time of service and submit the superbill to your insurer.
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