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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ: FAQ

HOW CAN THERAPY HELP ME?

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy and counseling. In general, therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits of therapy and counseling you obtain depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

  

  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values

  • Developing skills for improving your relationships

  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy

  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures

  • Improving communications and listening skills

  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage

  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

  • Improving you grades at school or performance at work

DO I REALLY NEED THERAPY? I CAN USUALLY HANDLE MY PROBLEMS.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there is nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need help, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy can provide long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, stop damaging patterns, improve your relationships and overcome whatever challenges you face. 

WHY DO PEOPLE GO TO THERAPY AND HOW DO I KNOW IF IT IS RIGHT FOR ME?

People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (beginning college, moving to a new city, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well.  Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, work life balance, and not being fully satisfied and fulfilled with their life. Therapy can provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get through these times.  Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. To summarize - people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges and ready to make changes in their life. 

WHAT WILL THERAPY BE LIKE?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual.  In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session.  Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term for a specific issue, or longer-term to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development.  Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).

 

It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process.  The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their life.

WHAT IS THE COST OF THERAPY?

Fee generally ranges from $250 to $125 per 50 minute session, depending on the clinician and type of service provided.  Please ask your specific therapist about their standard fee. Payment is due in full at the beginning of the session. Houston Therapy accepts payments in cash, check, or credit card.  Each clinician does provide a portion of their services at a reduced fee for those in financial need. We are happy to discuss your particular situation and the availability of any reduced fee services.

DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE? HOW DOES THAT WORK?

Currently Houston Therapy does not accept payment from any health insurance. We are considered out-of-network for every health insurance provider.  We are happy to provide you with a receipt of services which you can submit to your insurance agency. Reimbursement will depend on your out-of-network benefits. Houston Therapy does not guarantee any reimbursement. The only way to guarantee reimbursement is to use an in-network provider through your health insurance. Houston Therapy does accept payments from health savings accounts.  

GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.

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You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost

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Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

  • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

  • Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

  • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

  • Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises

WHAT ABOUT MEDICATION OR MEDICAL ISSUES?

It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. Here at Houston Therapy we work from an integrative approach to mental health and wellness to help you achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being. We cannot prescribe medication. However, we often work with a client's medical doctor, or psychiatrist if necessary. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. 

DOES WHAT WE TALK ABOUT IN THERAPY REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between our therapists and clients. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office (there are a few exceptions to this as indicated below).  Each clinician discusses and provides a written copy of the confidential disclosure agreement with each client. You can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone.  Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Attorney, etc), but by law we cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

 

We maintain strict confidentiality. However, Texas state law and professional ethics require therapists to report the following to the proper authorities:

  • Suspected abuse or neglect of children or dependent adults

  • If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself

  • If the therapist has reason to suspect the client was previously sexually abused by a member of the clergy or previous counselor

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If you have any other questions we have not addressed here, please do not hesitate to contact us.  

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