Frequently Asked Questions

Find Your Answers Here

Can I book an Intake Session?

Yes. Follow the link under the therapist you would like to schedule with or give us a call for more information.

What are your fees?

Please see our fees and payments page.

Will insurance cover counseling?

Please call our office at (214) 686-5856, and have our staff check with your insurance company as all services may not be covered by insurance. It is also the client's responsibility to make sure the provider they are seeking are in-network with their insurance plan,

What can I expect during the initial session?

During the initial session we attempt to gather some helpful background information. We also realize that there may be some issues that you desire immediate help with. Therefore, we attempt to balance assessment and diagnosis with actually beginning to work on issues that brought you in.

How structured are the session?

In this area we also attempt to provide balance. On the one hand, there is therapy with the counselor that just listens and provides little or no direction or feedback. There are also counselors who function more like educators rather than counselors. We attempt to provide feedback and direction without stifling clients or watching them wander aimlessly through the counseling process. We also provide guidance and direction while respecting the direction that the client wants to take their treatment. We frequently make suggestions regarding issues that we perceive need focusing on. However, it is ultimately the decision of the client as to how they desire to deal with these suggestions.

How long does the counseling process last?

This greatly varies from client to client depending on several factors. The first factor involves how deeply clients desire to work on issues. Some people hire us as professionals to get them through a current crisis only. Other clients feel that they need our help in sorting out deeper underlying issues that either got them into the crisis or that the crisis revealed. Another factor is the severity of the problem that brings someone in for treatment. Normally, goals are set at the beginning of counseling and progress is discussed along the way. When the goals are met, counseling either ends or new goals are made. Therefore, the average case lasts about 12-15 sessions with some shorter and some longer. Some clients come 3-4 times and have met their goals, while others with more chronic problems may be in counseling much longer.

How do I know if I need counseling?

This is a very personal question. For the same problem, one person may choose to not get counseling while another person chooses to seek out someone to help them navigate their issues. A basic rule is that if there are issues that trouble you to the point that they interfere with either your functioning in life or your well-being, then it may be time to seek professional help. This is especially true if you have tried to handle it on your own, and it has not gotten better. You can always come and see us for one session in order to help you decide whether or not we can be helpful to you.

How much are parents involved when a child/adolescent comes in for counseling?

This depends upon the nature of the problem. Normally, we involve the parents in some capacity in every other session when the child is in treatment. The older the child, the more he or she is treated individually. This issue involves a clinical judgment on the part of the clinician. If the main problem is assessed to be issues within the family, then family therapy is employed as the main treatment modality. Conversely, the assessment may reveal that the young person needs to have a safe place to talk confidentially with someone regarding particular issues. If this is the case, we still provide general feedback to the parents regarding progress and what we think they can do to offer support to their child outside the counseling environment. Under very few circumstances, if any circumstances, would we ever treat a child or adolescent and never give the parents any feedback or involve them in any way.

How does Telemental Health work?

Telemental Health services (i.e., video, phone, etc.) are provided on an individual basis and after a thorough assessment to gauge fitness for Telemental Health services has been completed. Please talk to your counselor to see if you qualify for Telemental Health services and how often or how many sessions can this service be provided to you. Please be aware that if your are using insurance this service may not be covered if not already a benefit of your coverage. In this case, this service would be an out-of-pocket expense. If you think virtual isn't a good fit for you, we are also doing in-person sessions at our Arlington location.

What are your views on medication, and do you work with psychiatrists or other healthcare professionals if medication is needed?

Some therapists may believe that medication can be a helpful component of treatment for certain mental health conditions, particularly when combined with therapy. Others may prefer to focus solely on non-pharmacological approaches. It's important to find a therapist whose views align with your own preferences and needs regarding medication.

Many therapists collaborate closely with psychiatrists or other healthcare professionals when medication is needed. This collaboration ensures that clients receive comprehensive care that addresses both psychological and biological aspects of their mental health. Therapists may work with psychiatrists to coordinate treatment plans, monitor medication effectiveness, and make adjustments as needed to support their clients' overall well-being.

Do you offer evening and weekend availability?