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Mind Your Self Counseling

Help. Hope.

Mental Health Counseling, Coaching and Consulting in San Antonio

FAQ

Please reach out to us at: 210.564.9116 if you cannot find an answer to your questions.

What is therapy?

Therapy is an opportunity to discuss/talk about issues that are important to the client while having a trained objective person (Therapist) help work through not only the current situation but in dealing with similar situations in the future. Therapy can be about one specific problem, or it can be about multiple. Something to mention is that therapy is a collaborative event, it requires an active role from both the client at the therapist for change to occur.

What are the benefits of therapy?

Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and coping strategies for a wide range of issues. Therapists, being objective, can provide a different or a fresh perspective on a problem that you have been struggling with. The benefits of therapy depend on your commitment and level of readiness. Some benefits can include, boosting self-confidence or improving self-esteem, improving communication skills, learning/finding new coping skills, attaining a better understanding of yourself, changing old patterns and developing new ones, or managing your emotional feeling such as sadness, anger, or other highly charged emotions you may be feeling.

What are the letters behind a person's name?

LPC, LCSW: Licensed therapist (Professional Counselor, Clinical Social Worker), completed supervised hours

PLPC, PLCSW: Provisional therapist, working on supervised hours after obtaining graduate degree

What does the first session look like?

The initial session will be an initial assessment to discuss the client’s history and needs for treatment. The first session is usually about 90 minutes. During this first session, the client will have the opportunity to see how therapy will work, review office policies, privacy, and confidentiality, as well as determine whether or not they are comfortable with the therapist.

Side note: It’s vital to have a positive working relationship with your therapist, so it’s recommended that the client and therapist meet 2-3 times before deciding whether or not the relationship will continue.  The therapist will provide the client with referrals of specialists or trusted colleagues if they feel someone else might better be able to work with the client.

How long is each therapy session?

The initial session will be an initial assessment to discuss the client’s history and needs for treatment. The first session is usually about 90 minutes. During this first session, the client will have the opportunity to see how therapy will work, review office policies, privacy, and confidentiality, as well as determine whether or not they are comfortable with the therapist.

Side note: It’s vital to have a positive working relationship with your therapist, so it’s recommended that the client and therapist meet 2-3 times before deciding whether or not the relationship will continue.  The therapist will provide the client with referrals of specialists or trusted colleagues if they feel someone else might better be able to work with the client.

What is the difference between seeing a therapist, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist?

For mental health therapists / counselors, the scope of treatment is talk therapy.  Typically, therapists have their master’s degree, and yearly continuing education. 

While psychologists also provide counseling services they also provide psychological testing for schools, courts, and other entities.

Psychiatrists tend to limit their talk therapy / counseling services and are typically available for medication management. If your therapist feels that you may need medication, they will provide you with a referral to doctors that they may recommend. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in behavior. If medication is necessary, medication and talk therapy are typically used together. Medication therapy is not a replacement for talk therapy.

How do I use my insurance to pay for a session?

It’s important to check with your insurance provider directly to understand your unique plan and coverages. The best way to avoid any unexpected costs is to call the number on your insurance card before your therapy session. Be sure to ask about mental and behavioral health benefits, as those can differ from other medical benefits.

What if I need or want to consider medication as an adjunct to psychotherapy?

Medication can often be helpful in supporting a person to feel a greater sense of well-being. If you are suffering from persistent or debilitating depression, anxiety, or other troubling symptoms, you may be interested in discussing the benefits of medication with your therapist. If you are interested in exploring this option, your therapist will either refer you to a psychiatrist for a consultation or help you in obtaining a referral through other means.

If you wish to consider other methods of symptom management, such as the use of alternative remedies available through non-medical sources like homeopathy, they may also have recommendations or referrals.

How long can I expect to be in therapy?

The length of therapy is dependent on many factors, including your goals, how frequently and consistently you attend sessions, your level of motivation for change, and the type of concerns or issues you are addressing in therapy. In general, recent situational stresses or problems can be addressed in fewer sessions than longer-standing issues, or situations involving trauma or abuse.

Of course, therapy is a collaborative process, and we encourage you to share your preferences with your therapist. Even longer-term goals can be pursued in “chapters” if you prefer.

What is the cost of therapy?

The current average cost of therapy per session within the San Antonio ranges between $140 – $300 per appointment. While we cannot guarantee to accommodate all income levels, we will do our best to make counseling as affordable as possible. We also accept many insurance programs.
Coinsurance: The percentage of costs of a covered health care service you pay (20%, for example) after you’ve paid your deductible. Let’s say your health insurance plan’s allowed amount for an office visit is $100 and your coinsurance is 20%. If you’ve paid your  deductible: You pay 20% of $100, or $20. The insurance company pays the rest. If you haven’t met your deductible: You pay the full allowed amount, $100.

Fees, what are they?

No show fee $75
Late cancellation fee $75
Documentation requests by client $25
Service animal recommendations $425 (includes an assessment, two sessions, and a letter)

What are Mind Your Self Counseling's standard rates?

Intake / Psychological Assessments (up to 90 minutes) It is necessary for all therapy $200
Session (50 minutes) $125
Standard rates for therapy services are considered “private pay” and those that are covered by insurance that we do not accept (“Out of Network”). Out-of-Network clients are responsible for the full rate at the time of service. A Smart Bill/Invoice will be provided for submission to insurance by the client for reimbursement.

Why do you need my credit card information?

We keep your credit card information securely on file just in case you are responsible for any copays, coinsurance, deductibles, or no-show fees. A care coordinator will always notify you at least 3 days before your appointment of your copay, coinsurance, or pay rate amount. The day of your appointment necessary charges or fees are made to your card.

If I am using my insurance, why do you need my credit card information?

Sometimes insurance benefits don’t cover the full cost of a session. Every insurance plan varies and depending on your plan, you could be responsible for certain fees like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Why do I need to contact my insurance directly before getting therapy?

It’s important to check with your insurance provider directly to understand your unique plan and coverages. The best way to avoid any unexpected costs is to call the number on your insurance card before your therapy session. Be sure to ask about mental & behavioral health benefits, as those can differ from other medical benefits. We also need your credit card information in case you do not show up to your session. If your session is not canceled or rescheduled at least 24 hours before the original session date and time, you may be charged a no-show fee. These fees can be up to the full session cost.

How to avoid no-show fees?

To avoid no-show fees, be sure to cancel or reschedule your appointments at least 24 hours in advance. You can cancel or reschedule appointments directly with your therapist. If you’re responsible for any payment, we’ll let you know by email three calendar days before any charges. We keep your credit card information securely on file, just in case you are responsible for any copays, coinsurance, deductibles, or no-show fees. And if, at any point, you’d like to pay for sessions without using insurance.

How does Mind Your Self Counseling determine what I owe?

After each session, your therapist will submit a bill. We review each bill as it is submitted. If you aren’t using insurance, we’ll process the bill using your credit card on file. We’ll send you an email 3 days before the charges are made.
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If you are using your insurance, we’ll always submit a claim to the insurance plan on file first, before charging you. Typically, once that claim is submitted, your insurance provider determines what amount they will cover and what amount you owe. If you’re responsible for any payment, we’ll let you know by email three calendar days before any charges.
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It’s very important to make sure you provide the correct insurance information and that we have the most up-to-date insurance card for you on file. If we have the wrong insurance information, you’ll pay the full session cost—an average of $75 per hour. Remember, the best way to avoid any surprises is to call the number on your insurance card before your therapy session.

How do I start therapy step by step?

  1. Schedule a free Q&A Call with our Care Coordinator. We will see if we can help.
  2. Call your insurance company if you have insurance. If you private payer, know that your mental well-being is more than words can express.
  3. Stepping into therapy can be a life-changing experience and the start of a new journey. Finding the right therapist is crucial being open and ready for therapy is essential to embark on a change in your life.

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Mind Your Self

Counseling, Coaching, Consulting

210.564.9116
info@mindyourselfcounseling.com

210.564.9087 (fax)

ADDRESS
4203 Woodcock Drive Suite 216
San Antonio, TX 78228

Goliad Building
BRASS PROFESSIONAL CENTER

 

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