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FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is therapy, anyway?

​From the Latin origin, therapia, it means "healing". More specifically, psychotherapy is related to the mind/psyche and is specific treatment for challenges, struggles, or distress related to cognitive and emotional experiences. We believe in invitation over interrogation. You are invited to share whatever you would like in therapy. Sometimes therapy involves discussing family of origin history, experiences that caused harm or distress, ways of moving through the world, and strengths you identify within yourself. Therapists DO NOT give advice. We offer supportive reflection, validation, psychoeducation, and a good ol' CAREfrontation from time to time (think confrontation that comes from genuine care and concern). ​​

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Many of our therapists lead with their humanity - they provide therapeutic core conditions, such as empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. The therapeutic relationship can serve as a catalyst for change, an encouraging and secure place to process thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and a place to explore where you were, where you are, and where you would like to be in your life. 

What do all those letters after therapists' names mean?
Otherwise known as alphabet soup - there are many helping professions that may fall under an umbrella of providing therapy (or counseling). Below are some explanations of the various credentials (i.e., all those letters!) that our therapists have earned. Knowing what they mean will help you decide what type of support you need! 

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  • LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) typically have a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or related field where family systems/systemic therapy is at the core of their practice. Fully licensed practitioners have completed at least 2,000 (Colorado) to 3,000 (Texas) hours of clinical/systemic work with individuals and relational clients. In addition, they have thousands of hours of experience working with relational systems (i.e., couple's issues, communication, intergenerational trauma). 

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  • LMFT-Associate (TX) or MFT-Candidate/MFTC (CO): These practitioners are post-masters (graduated - yay!) and are working under the supervision of an LMFT-Supervisor, or American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor. Associates and Candidates are accruing their hours (minimum of 2 years of practice) and meeting with their supervisor weekly to consult and get support with complex cases. 

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  • LMFT-S / AAMFT-S: The dangling -S- indicates that the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is a Board-approved supervisor. The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor credential requires practitioners to accrue 18-months of additional training and professional mentorship by an AAMFT Approved Supervisor Mentor to become an AAMFT Approved Supervisor (the gold standard of supervision in the MFT-world!). 

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  • LPC: Licensed Professional Counselors have earned a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and related programs. They have completed 2,000 (Colorado) to 3,000 hours (Texas) of clinical/systemic work with (usually) individuals with mental health-related concerns (i.e., anxiety, dual-diagnosis, eating disorders, etc.). 

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  • LPC-Associate (TX) or LPC-Candidate/LPCC (CO): These practitioners are post-masters (graduated - whoop!) and are working under the supervision of an LPC-Supervisor, or an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). Associates and Candidates are accruing their hours (minimum of 2 years of practice in Colorado and 18 months in Texas) and meeting with their supervisor or group supervision weekly to consult and get support with complex cases. 

How much does therapy cost?

Our therapists have several types of experience levels and payment options. We offer private pay options and accept many Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and United Healthcare insurance plans.

 

For private pay (out-of-pocket) rates, please see the averages below:

  • Student Intern rates are between $50-$100 per 55-minute session

  • Associate and Candidate rates are between $90-$160 per 55-minute session

  • Therapists with specializations or several years of experience have rates between $175-$200 per session.

  • Longer sessions (i.e., couple's intensive workshops, crisis sessions, etc.) will be pro-rated based on the rates listed above. ​

  • If you choose to pay out-of-pocket, you will receive a Good Faith Estimate ("GFE"). 

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Using Insurance?

Reach out to us and we can verify your insurance plan benefits. If you prefer to not use insurance, we can provide a Superbill (a statement with dates, duration, and cost of sessions) you can submit to your insurance to seek reimbursement. It is important that you reach out to your insurance company (sometimes more than once!) and inquire.

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Please Note:

When using insurance or submitting a Superbill to your insurance, we are required to provide a diagnosis to submit claims. We openly collaborate with you before, during, and after the diagnostic process if this is the path you choose. 

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You will never have a mystery diagnosis in your file.

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Transparency is essential. 

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Why does therapy cost so much per session?

When you see your therapist for 55-minute sessions, that is not all we do! The fee each session covers allows us to take care of the first 7 things on the list below. Here are some behind-the-scenes things we do when we are not in session:

  1. Maintain clinical documentation and meaningful treatment plans and progress notes

  2. Scheduling, correspondence, and marketing our services

  3. Attend trainings for continuing education credits to maintain licensure

  4. Study, read, and prepare for complex cases and crisis situations

  5. Coordinate care with other providers on behalf of our clients

  6. ​Attend or provide weekly supervision 

  7. Pay for and maintain our professional insurance, office space, and record-keeping systems

  8. Work other "side-gigs" to support ourselves and our families

  9. Partake in self-care because we are the athletes of the clinical world, holding heavy and tender space for our clients for several hours a day. Our sacred inner peace is our livelihood

What if I am in a crisis?

We want to ensure you are safe and get the care you need. Please use the contacts below if you are in a crisis situation. Our practice is not equipped for emergencies. Providers at our practice only respond to correspondence M-F from 8AM - 5 PM. If you are in crisis or in an emergency situation, call 911 or go to your nearest ER.

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NATIONAL:

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COLORADO:

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TEXAS:

  • Austin Travis County Integral Care 512-472-4357 (ATX area)

  • North Texas Behavioral Health Authority 866-260-8000 (DFW area)

  • The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD866-970-4770 (Houston area)

  • Bluebonnet Trails Community Services 800-841-1255 (Bastrop area)

  • MHMR Authority of Brazos Valley 888-522-8262 (College Station area)

  • Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Centers 877-466-0660 (San Antonio area)

  • Emergence Health Network 877-562-6467(El Paso area)

  • Border Region Behavioral Health Center 1-800-643-1102 (Border Towns)

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How do I find a therapist? 

We invite you to schedule a few 20-minute consultations with therapists to determine if their expertise fits your needs. You can review each practitioner's experience, training, therapeutic approaches, and where they practice (i.e., Texas, Colorado, in-person, virtual) on the Clinical Team page. Don't see anyone who fits your needs? We can provide referrals to clinicians in our network!

When and where do sessions occur?

Our therapists offer morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend appointments. In addition, you can decide if you would like to meet virtually, in-person, or a combination of both options. We have office locations in the Denver area and Dallas area. Whether you are a same day/same time type of person, or you like to switch things up, our scheduling app is open around the clock for easy access to your therapist's availability each week.

 

Sessions are typically weekly at first, then sometimes space out to biweekly or check-in once a month before termination. Sessions are also offered in 55-minute, 75-minute, and 90-minute, and 120-minute durations. We offer intensives for longer sessions.

What if I end up wanting to work with someone else?

This is a burning question that clients often have, but don't ask! If you find that you feel "stuck" and not making progress, or you feel like the vibe is off in the therapy room, please can speak up! We encourage you to advocate for your needs in the therapy space - there are no hard feelings! We will help you by offering referrals inside and out of the practice so that you can make an informed decision. We value autonomy and honor your needs, first and foremost. 

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