For Your Information
FAQ
Here are a few questions that come up frequently, if you do not see your question here feel free to e-mail us with your question.
Email: info@authenticbalancecounseling.com
Question
Q: Is counseling confidential?
A: Yes. Anything said during a counseling session is confidential. However, there are exceptions to this confidentiality in accordance with Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.
Question
Q. What should I expect during my initial visit?
A. You should arrive approximately 10-15 minutes prior to your appointment to fill out the paperwork online if you have not done so already by logging into the secure client portal. Opting to fill out the forms prior to your appointment can promote familiarity with our office and its policies and save time. We also encourage clients to put together a list of any questions they may have to be addressed during your first session.
Question
Q. What happens at our first session?
A. At the beginning of our first session, your counselor will briefly go over the new client forms and answer any questions you may have, you will then be invited to share your story and the reason(s) you have chosen to attend counseling. At the end of the session, your counselor will summarize what you have elected to share and assist you in identifying some therapeutic goals.
Your first session is also an opportunity for us to get acquainted with one another. It is also an opportunity to determine if we will work well together. All of our counselors take a collaborative approach to counseling and want to actively participate in the counseling process with you. After your first session, you can determine if you are comfortable enough to schedule your next session. If it turns out that you have not reached that level of comfort after one meeting we are always open to meeting with you again or happy to refer you to another licensed professional counselor that may be a better fit.
Question
Q. What happens at future sessions?
A. After our first session, we will both have a better understanding of your needs and goals, allowing us to have more solution focused sessions geared towards addressing your most pressing issues. At the end of each session, your counselor will reiterate some of the developed coping strategies, and in some cases provide you with homework to be completed before your next meeting.
Question
Q. How often will I need to see you?
A. Together, we can determine the appropriate number of sessions for you. However, in most cases, it is our recommendation that initially, we begin with weekly sessions. As the counseling progress continues, we can again assess whether an increase or decrease is more appropriate.
Question
Q. Do you accept insurance?
A. As of July 2021, our lead therapist will only be accepting insurance through Headway.co. We will continue to participate in certain employee assistance programs (EAP).
**Please note there are valuable benefits for not using insurance. For instance, your privacy is safe and your personal information stays with me alone with the exceptions required by HIPAA law. You have the maximum control of your records and privacy as well as freedom of choice in selecting who provides the services that you receive without any restriction.
Aside from the above exception, our LPC Associates are considered out-of-network providers. Please note many insurance companies do reimburse for out-of-network mental health services or more specifically marriage counseling, but you will have to verify what your particular plan covers. All clients may download and print a "Superbill" and receipt for services through the secure client portal.
Additional Payment Options: Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Medical Savings Account (MSA), or Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) you may be able to pay for therapy, consultation, and psychological assessment services from such accounts. Utilizing one of these options can in many cases make your services tax-deductible, again you will need to verify this information. Your receipt for services may be submitted for many HSA, FSA, MSA, HRA plans for reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits. Please be sure to call your health insurance carrier to verify your benefits for Out-of-Network and Outpatient Mental Health coverage. As an Out-of-Network Provider for all plans (except United Healthcare) we DO NOT FILE INSURANCE CLAIMS.
Question
Q. How long is a session?
A. Sessions are typically 45-60 minutes long.
Question
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: We accept cash and most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover). We DO NOT ACCEPT CHECKS. Payment is due at the time of service.
Please note: "An LPC Associate must not accept direct payment for services from a client." Texas Administrative Code, Rule 681.91