Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions people most often ask before beginning therapy with us. If yours is not here, write to info@beyondbleu.com
How much does therapy cost?
Individual sessions are ¥18,800 for 50–60 minutes. Child and adolescent sessions are ¥18,800 for 60 minutes. Couples sessions are ¥33,000 for 90 minutes. Family sessions are ¥40,000 for 80 minutes. Neurocognitive and psychological assessment is from ¥40,000 for 80 minutes, with the written report included in the fee. Payment is private; Japanese National Health Insurance does not cover it.
Do I need a referral or a diagnosis?
No. You can book directly. Therapy at BeyondBleu is private pay, so no referral or diagnosis is required to begin.
Do your therapists speak English?
Yes. All sessions are offered in English. Some clinicians also work in Japanese or Italian. Tell us your preference when you write and we will match you with someone who can work in that language.
What if English is not the language you want to do this in?
Therapy is available in Japanese with Toyomi Sakai, Martina Bottazzo or Tumee Hugginson, and in Italian with Martina Bottazzo or Dr Lorenzo Geirola. Say which you would prefer when you enquire. Some people also find it useful to work in the language a difficulty happened in, which is not always their first.
Is online therapy as good as in person?
For most of what people bring us, online work is not a lesser version of therapy. It is therapy, held over a screen. What matters is the relationship between two people, and that crosses a video call more readily than most people expect. It is not right for everything: if you are in crisis, or need psychiatric care and medication, private online psychotherapy is not the right first step, and we will tell you so rather than book you in.
Is there an office I can come to?
No. All of our work is online. It is how we are able to see people across the whole of Japan rather than the part of it that can reach a particular street by seven in the evening.
Can I be seen if I do not live in Tokyo?
Yes. We work with people across Japan and outside it. Nothing about the therapy changes.
Do you take insurance?
No. BeyondBleu is private pay. Japanese National Health Insurance covers medical consultation at a 心療内科 or 精神科 clinic; it does not cover private psychotherapy. Some international and employer policies reimburse therapy — if yours might, ask us and we will provide a receipt with whatever details your insurer requires.
What happens in the first session?
We ask what brought you, what has been going on and for how long, and what you would like to be different. You are not obliged to tell us everything at once. Towards the end we will say what we think we could usefully do together, roughly how often we would meet, and whether we are the right people at all.
How soon can I be seen?
That depends on the clinician and the times you can manage, so rather than give you an average, we show you the real thing: the booking calendar lists every appointment currently available, in your own time zone. What you see there is what there is.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can change or cancel a session without charge up to 48 hours beforehand. Inside 48 hours, half the session fee is charged. A same-day cancellation, or a missed session without notice, is charged in full.
Can my child be assessed in English?
Yes. Neurocognitive and psychological assessment is available in English, carried out by a clinical neuropsychologist, with the written report in English for schools and treating doctors. The fee is from ¥40,000 and includes the report.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. BeyondBleu offers psychotherapy and assessment, not medication. Where medication may be worth considering, we will say so and, with your written consent, work alongside your doctor.
How do I book?
Book directly at beyondbleu.com/online-booking — the calendar shows every available appointment in your own time zone. If you would rather write first, email info@beyondbleu.com or call 03-4362-0480 and say what you are looking for.
What if I am in crisis?
BeyondBleu is not a crisis service and we cannot respond to emergencies. In Japan, TELL Lifeline is available on 03-5774-0992 and emergency services on 119. If you are outside Japan, please use your local emergency number.