Investment and FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does counseling cost?
The private pay rate with a fully licensed counselor (LPC or LCSW) is $160 for the first session (about 1 hour or more) and $145 for all sessions after that (about 50 minutes).
The private pay rate with a temporarily licensed counselor/associate (LPC-associate or LMSW) is $85 for the first session (about 1 hour or more) and $75 for all sessions after that (about 50 minutes).
Here’s a broken down cost of services with a fully licensed clinician: Notice and consent to GFE $160:$145.
Here’s a broken down cost of services with an associate licensed clinician: Notice and consent to GFE $85:$75.
What is a superbill?
It’s a type of form you can submit it to your insurance that gives basic information about your counseling sessions. With this form, your insurance can offer reimbursement for fees you paid towards counseling or may add the funds towards your deductible. Every plan is different so be sure to check with your insurance.
What are your office hours?
La Luz Counseling is open Monday through Saturday. Office hours vary by counselor (find out which counselor works when: here). Counseling sessions are held both in the office and virtually which has allowed us to extend hours to weekdays, weekends and evenings. Please let our front office know what time frames will work best with your schedule and she will will pair you with a counselor who can accomodate.
What is Telehealth Counseling?
Telehealth counseling uses a technology to have counseling sessions remotely with tech devices like cell phones, computers, or iPads. It’s not a new practice and has actually been around for years so it’s very trustworthy (especially becuase we use HIPAA compliant platforms)! Sessions are offered virtually for those who prefer it, however, your counselor can only have sessions with you if you are physically located in Texas. If you will be out of State at your appointment time, please be sure to let your counselor know so you can reschedule your session.
Is therapy right for me?
Yes! It’s great for anyone. There’s no need to wait for things to worsen or become even bigger problems- the sooner the better. If the client is 4 years old and older, give it a try. For the younger kiddos, we definitely recommend face to face sessions.
Do you take insurance?
No. However, if you would like to use your insurance, we can provide you a superbill which you can then submit to your insurance for reimbursement. We do accept FSA or HSA cards for payment. In the past, using insurance can make things a bit more difficult. For example, all insurance companies require us to give ALL clients a mental health diagnosis at the first session. Without a diagnosis, they refuse to cover.
How long does counseling last?
We have seen counseling last from 6 weeks to more than a year- it really depends on the client presenting issue and how often they’re coming in. Remember, consistency is key.
Why does your office look like a house?
Because it used to be–before it was converted to office space. So yes, there is a kitchen-like area you can see from the waiting area and even a shower in the bathroom! But now it is used solely as a professional place of business. We share the building with another architectural and design company (FS Almendaris & Associates), a mental health agency from DFW (Cannenta), alongside an artist who has paintings displayed throughout the building (Joseph Almendariz and colleagues)- the artist is also the landlord.
Does what we talk about in counseling stay confidential?
Yes. Your counselor is ethically and legally bound to uphold confidentiality. The law and Counseling Professional Ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for a few situations involving the law and safety.
In the case of counseling with a minor, parents have access to their child’s record and can review it at any time. However, trust between the counselor and the child is an important part for their progress and we ask their privacy (with the exceptions of the law) be respected by limiting excessive questions of the counseling session content.
For more on your privacy, rights and HIPPA laws, please click on the following : HIPPA La Luz Counseling
For more information on the Protection Against Surprise Billing, please click on the following:Disclosure Notice Regarding Patient Protections Against Surprise Billing
Investment
Private Pay Fee
$160 for the first session with a fully licensed clinician and $85 with an associate.
$145 for all 1 hour sessions after with a fully licensed clinician and $75 with an associate.
We do NOT accept insurance but DO accept FSA or HSA cards for payment.
No Surprise Medical Billing
Although above you see it says no surpose “medical billing” you also have the right not to receive surprise mental health bills. Mental health services actually fall under the medical model umbrella. So the same expectations you have for medical appointments and NOT being given a surprise bill, is the same for us. We are out of network and do not accept insurance which means your insurance plan will not cover these expenses directly through us. You can submit a claim to your insurance personally after we provide you with a requested superbill. Just know, you have rights about your billing- read more here: Disclosure Notice Regarding Patient Protections Against Surprise Billing
Payment
Check, cash and all major credit cards are accepted. HSA and FSA cards are also accepted (a Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account card is typically provided to the member by his/her employer as a company benefit).
Request/Schedule a Session
Request a counseling session via e-mail at or call. Guaranteed response within 12 hours.
Cancellation Policy
You are financially responsible for all scheduled sessions. Minimum charges of $75 will be applied to your account for cancellations within 24 hours. The full amount is charged for a no-call or no-show OR a cancellation within 4 hours. Remember, when you give your counselor enough heads up that you will not make it, it allows your counselor to schedule another appointment with someone else who may need it.