frequently asked questions and how can therapy help

At Priority Counseling, we take pride in the relationships we build; therefore, all of your interactions with regards to your therapy will be communicated directly between you and your therapist. At first point of contact, your therapist will complete a brief initial intake assessment and discuss how can therapy help. Your therapist will ask for your full name, age, date of birth, phone number, email address, occupation, insurance information, preferred primary language, current medications, presenting problems, and referral source in order to provide you with your first initial appointment date and time. 

After setting up your initial session, your therapist will email you the intake documentation. Please complete the paperwork before your initial session.  If forms are not completed this may delay the start of your first session or cause the session to be rescheduled. If you would like to use insurance, your therapist will ask you to verify your coverage beforehand. Please be sure to verify by calling the customer service number on the back of your insurance card so you will be aware of your financial obligations, which is usually a small co-pay, or in some cases, if a deductible needs to be met. We may also ask for your insurance information to help verify your coverage. If you have questions about this process, please don’t hesitate to ask your therapist; we are happy to explain and walk you through this process and discuss how can therapy help.

At your first session, your therapist will go over your paperwork with you, and get to know you and your reason for referral. Each person has different needs, so you and your therapist will explore what works best for you and discuss how can therapy help you. Your therapist will focus on: Developing the client-therapist relationship, clarifying and assessing the presenting problem, identifying and setting treatment goals, and designing therapeutic interventions. All initial appointments will be between 45-60 minutes in which a bio-psychosocial questionnaire and a patient health questionnaire (PHQ) will be completed to gain a better understanding of the presenting problem. A treatment plan is generated by collaborating with the client to identify goals that will be met in therapy. Subsequent appointments will be between 45-60 minutes. Frequency of sessions will be based on the intensity of the client’s presenting problem. 

When considering obtaining services from a life coach vs an (LPC) or Licensed Professional Counselor, there is an essential distinction: While some 'life coaches' consider themselves therapists, life coaches are NOT licensed therapists or counselors. And it is against the law to practice therapy or counseling without a license. When seeking therapy for yourself, it is essential to obtain services from a Licensed Professional Counselor who is adequately trained to treat a wide array of mental health issues. 

At Priority Counseling our therapist is a Fully Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). To become an (LPC) Licensed Professional Counselor in Brownsville, an individual has completed a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in counseling or related field. After completion of a Master’s degree one must take the NCE exam and obtain a passing score to become an LPC Associate. Once becoming an LPC-Associate 3,000 counseling hours need to be completed under the supervision of an LPC-Supervisor to gain full licensure as an LPC. Additionally, to maintain licensure LPCs need to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years.

Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support. Counseling services can increase your problem-solving skills, help you identify triggers, re-direct damaging life patterns, support you in overcoming obstacles, and enhance your coping strategies for issues like depression, anxiety, stress, and family conflict. Many individuals find therapy to be an asset for managing personal life issues, personal growth, interpersonal relationships, and family concerns. Please contact us if you have additional questions of how can therapy help

 There is a wide array of goals to work on in therapy. Some of which include but are not limited to: developing specific strategies and skills, problem solving, improving the quality of relationships, changing problematic behavioral patterns and developing healthier patterns, improving self-esteem, developing a positive mindset, decreasing feelings of anxiety or depression, recovering from childhood trauma, healing from mental health illnesses, improving professional performance, learning to manage anger, and learning how to regulate emotions. It is important to remember that goals will be personalized according to your specific needs. 

Your insurance plan is between yourself, your employer, and the insurance company. Your insurance company is always going to offer more accurate information to you as the policy holder. The amount you owe out-of-pocket is determined by your plan and not by the provider or practice. Managed care plans such as PPO's and HMO's may require prior authorization. If you fail to obtain prior authorization, you may be required to pay for counseling services already provided. Some policies cover a percentage of costs and you as the consumer are responsible for the remaining percentage also referred to as your co-pay. Keep in mind co-pays are due prior to your session. 

In addition, Telehealth sessions may or may not be covered by your insurance plan. Please make sure to verify with your insurance company to see if you are eligible and keep your therapist informed of any changes to your insurance. In order to determine your insurance benefit coverage and your predicted out-of-pocket expenses, you will need to call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask the following questions:

• What are my “outpatient behavioral health benefits” for in-network providers and out-of-network providers?

• What is my deductible, co-insurance, or co-pay rate?

• Are Telehealth sessions included?

• Are benefits restricted to a specific platform?

• What is the name of the person you are speaking with?

• What is the confirmation number for this benefit verification?

Please note that ALL insurance benefit verifications are estimates only and it is not a guarantee of coverage. The actual amount owed may be more or less than originally estimated. As is the nature of using insurance, costs and coverage are only confirmed once the service has been consumed and claims are sent and received. Overall, therapy can be a significant and worthwhile expense.  

Counseling and psychotherapy services are confidential. This means that whatever is shared between you and your counselor will not be shared elsewhere. However, there are universal exceptions:   

• If insurance is used, medical record documents/information will be requested by your insurance company to help pay for services or to confirm medical necessity

• If you have given written permission to share information

• If you elect a 3rd party to financially contribute to your services

• If you are involved, or become involved in a court case and you inform the court that you  are involved in counseling and therapy services, your records may be subpoenaed

• If the counselor believes that you are in danger of harming yourself

• If the counselor believes that you are in danger of harming someone else

• If the counselor has concerns about the abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult

For child and family services:

In general, children under the age of 18 will be required to have parental involvement. Information shared by the child to the counselor will only be shared with the parents when deemed therapeutically necessary by the counselor. The counselor will discuss this with the child before parents are informed whenever possible. Please review your confidentiality agreement for more information pertaining to confidentiality limitations.

This is not a service we offer. However, in the event a client needs psychiatric services for medication management, we work closely with other psychiatrists in Texas to provide psychiatric services and medication management when necessary.

We are so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of therapy. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other once a week or in some cases, biweekly. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development. Completing In-Between Session Homework is essential to therapeutic progress as well as maintaining a personal journal. It is essential to be open and honest with your therapist about any significant life changes that may have an impact on your individual therapeutic process.

This can vary depending on each individual. Sessions are typically weekly or biweekly and are scheduled for 45 to 60 minutes in time. Overall treatment can range from just a couple of sessions to several months, depending on the individual’s therapeutic goals and needs.

Consistent attendance is essential to evoke progress with your desired treatment goals. Therefore, after two no-shows (not letting your therapist know in advance you cannot attend) you will be terminated and will be referred to another mental health provider within our community to continue services. Please keep in mind there is a $30 Fee for rescheduling and a $50 Fee for No Shows.