If you've never done therapy, it might feel scary or unknown. These questions cover frequent concerns from clients about therapy, services, insurance, and other needs. Feel free to ask me anything not listed here.
It is talking, but it's structured, intentional talking, often with frequent use of worksheets, techniques, and exercises. I always approach therapy as a natural conversation, and listen/observe for verbal and visual cues to your emotions and needs. I ask intentional questions to elicit responses (this is the heart of MI or Motivational Interviewing). Therapists provide objective, unbiased reflections based in clinical training and education. We focus solely on you, while someone you know may not be able to be as objective or provide different reflections.
Insurance is complicated. but often the only or best way to get much-needed mental health support. I always take insurance to be as accessible to clients as possible, but use billing platforms to manage the process. If we agree to begin therapy, I will run your information through my platforms to verify benefits. Some plans may not partner with the platforms I use, but most do. Verification of benefits is not a guarantee of coverage or payment by the insurance company and your coverage is usually fully clarified after the first claim is processed. I recommend that you also contact your insurance company prior to beginning sessions to obtain and fully understand the benefit details for your specific mental health plan. (i.e. so you aren't surprised by having to meet a deductible)
I use TherapyNotes as my EHR (Electronic Health Record) to securely transmit and complete paperwork. All clients complete intake paperwork to meet legal, ethical, and therapeutic requirements including a payment authorization to keep a credit card on file. Private Pay clients review and sign a GFE or Good Faith Estimate that shows the costs of items and services you can reasonably expect for your health care needs. You have the right to receive a GFE for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. The GFE does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. EMDR therapy requires a signed consent.
The first session is for us to get to know each other and set the roadmap for therapy. I'll briefly go over the intake paperwork and answer any questions you have before taking a history and getting a sense of your past, present, and future concerns. I do this organically and keep it conversational since it can be difficult to talk about trauma in the first session. Sometimes the intake will take two sessions. This is also a chance to see if we connect because research shows the most important predictor of therapeutic success is the relationship between therapist and client. If we don't vibe or you don't want to continue therapy, no worries, I will provide you with referrals.
I don't complete paperwork related to obtaining/maintaining disability, SSI, FMLA, ESA (Emotional Support Animal) letters for service animals, or any other similar paperwork that is best completed by medical providers or providers who specialize in this type of documentation. I don't perform psychological testing or testify in custody hearings or give opinions on custody arrangements. I don't participate in legal proceedings.
Per the TBHEC (Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council) and State of Texas rules and laws that govern all counselors, Texas counselors can only see clients via telehealth who physically reside in the state they are licensed in. Currently. I can only see clients living in Texas - but that means I can, and do, see people living outside Austin.