"People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built." Eleanor Roosevelt
FAQS
1. Who will answer my phone call?
I will personally respond to all phone calls and do my best to return your call on the same day, or next business day, excluding holidays and weekends.
2. What does a therapy session consist of?
You will discuss the reasons that you came to therapy and we will work collaboratively together to help meet your individual goals. It will be important to be honest in therapy and to explore your thoughts and feelings, as well as share your experiences and make behavioral changes in order for meaningful change to occur. The development of an authentic relationship with me and your cooperation and work in therapy and outside of therapy will be essential to facilitate the results that you desire.
3. How long and frequent are the sessions?
Sessions typically range between 45 and 55 minutes minutes long. We will determine the frequency of sessions based on a variety of considerations regarding what is best for you.
4. How long will therapy last?
The length of therapy depends upon many factors. My hope is to help you progress towards your goals in a timely manner. After discharged from therapy, you may return if you need additional guidance.
5. How will I know if I am getting better?
By developing specific goals, we will be able to discuss and monitor your progress frequently. In addition, I believe in gathering your honest feedback about our sessions together and my part in the process which is important. If we feel that you are not making progress towards your goals, or at any time I believe that your goals would be better met under the care of another professional, I will refer you to another helping professional.
6. Is what I share with you confidential?
The information that you share with me is protected by the professional ethics of psychologists and by Texas state law and federal law. There are exceptions to this, however, mandated by laws which are covered in my intake paperwork.
7. Do you take insurance?
I take Medicare Insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas PPO, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage. For other insurance companies my services are considered out of network. If you do have insurance, your insurance company may reimburse you according to their guidelines for out of network providers. Please call your insurance company to verify coverage. We can discuss this during our initial phone consultation. My fees are competitive in the Dallas, Plano, Allen, Frisco, McKinney areas of Dallas. Payment will be due at the beginning of each session. Cash, check, and credit cards are accepted.
8. How do I submit an Out of Network Service claim for Mental Health services?
Once you have the appropriate information, submitting a claim is easy. You first need to call the Behavioral Mental Health number on the back of your insurance card. You need to determine what information they need to process a claim, if they have a form for you to use, as well as what address to mail it to. I will provide you with a receipt containing proper documentation related to my services. You will include this and mail it to your insurance company in order to receive reimbursement according to the terms of your insurance contract. I will be happy to discuss this during our initial phone call if you have additional questions, or with follow up in the first session to make this process easier.
9. What are the advantages to seeing you, if my insurance will not cover your services?
The first advantage is that you can choose your own psychologist, not one dictated by your insurance plan. You can also have services as often as you like and leave when you are finished with psychotherapy--a process that is not dictated by your insurance company who often mandates a specific number of approved sessions. Further, you do not have to have a diagnosis in order to receive services. Finally, your mental health record and information will be kept confidential, except for certain situations as dictated by state and federal law. Your insurance company will not have access to your mental health record.
10. What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel, please phone me and leave a voice message, if I am unable to answer. By phoning at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time, you will avoid paying a cancellation charge. This policy exists because your appointment time is reserved only for you.
11. Can we be friends on social media sites?
Due to the nature of the therapeutic relationship, I can not "friend" you on Facebook nor respond to you on any social media site.
12. Additional questions?
Please call me for a free phone consultation. Additional information is also provided in my intake paperwork once an appointment is made.