FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What will happen in the first session?
It is normal and natural if you feel nervous or anxious at our first counseling session. I understand it takes a lot of courage to share your emotions and life experiences with someone you have just met. Depending on your needs, we will work together to fully define your areas of concern and develop a plan to make changes in your life. This process may take anywhere from one to several sessions.
How long does a session last, and how often do I go to counseling?
Typically, I see clients once a week for a 50 minute session. There are, of course, exceptions to this guideline, and I will make adjustments to meet your needs.
How many sessions will I need?
The process of therapy can range from one or two sessions to several months or longer depending on the nature of the issues needing resolving. You often know during the course of therapy when your issues are resolved or not. I provide you with the necessary support to help facilitate progress as quickly as possible. We will continually review your treatment goals and assess your progress toward those goals to determine whether counseling should continue.
Do you prescribe medication?
I do not prescribe medication. My treatments are based on "talk therapy". Some of my clients use medication to achieve their therapeutic goals, while others prefer not to use medication. Psychological medication is prescribed by Psychiatrists and other physicians including Internists and Gynecologists. With your permission, I will work closely with your physician to coordinate our treatment plans. If you need help finding a psychiatrist or other prescribing physician, I have several referral sources to share with you.
What about the fees?
My fee is $85 per 50 minute session. I accept cash, check, or credit cards (VISA, Mater Card, & American Express).
Do you accept insurance plans for payment?
No, I am considered an out-of-network provider and will provide you with a receipt to use for reimbursement with your insurance carrier.
What about confidentiality?
Under Texas law, our conversations are confidential except under certain conditions. I will review the details of these exceptions with you before we begin counseling in the first session. It is often helpful for me to discuss your case with your other health care professionals, and I may ask for your written permission to do this.
The most notable conditions under which I would be required to break confidentiality are:
If you tell me you are abusing a child or elderly person
If you tell me you are planning to hurt yourself or someone else
If I am ordered by a court to testify or release your records.
The most notable conditions under which I would be required to break confidentiality are:
If you tell me you are abusing a child or elderly person
If you tell me you are planning to hurt yourself or someone else
If I am ordered by a court to testify or release your records.