Make An Appointment
While many couples come in ready to get to work, there’s understandably a good deal of apprehension around getting started with couple’s therapy. Often one partner is more comfortable with the idea than the other, and that’s par for the course. The biggest challenge is making the first session happen
Getting started with couple’s therapy
The initial phone call:
When reaching out before a first couples therapy session, share enough to gauge whether you want to make an initial appointment, but be aware that, unless both of you are on the phone, it may be best to share little beyond the essentials in this conversation so your first encounter with the therapist gives both of you the chance to present the relationship.
The first session:
It all starts with the first appointment. Many people have fears about the first appointment, but the overwhelming response I get when couples leave is that there is hope and relief. My sessions are 1.5-2 hours long. Though it may seem like a long session, it enables both partners to really express themselves and create enough momentum in the first session to really help create a shift in the relationship to start the change process.
Insurance & Fees:
There are limits to billing your insurance for couples therapy and long sessions. My sessions are 1.5-2 hours long, which are not reimbursed by insurance companies. The benefit of longer sessions comes in our ability to create a good amount of momentum in one session and then sessions can be spaced further than one week apart. This is much longer than most traditional therapy session but couples therapy sessions work much better when they are 1.5-2 hours long, which is validated in the research literature.
How to File A Board Complaint
Notice to Clients The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council investigates and prosecutes professional misconduct committed by marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, psychologists, psychological associates, social workers, and licensed specialists in school psychology.
Although not every complaint against or dispute with a licensee involves professional misconduct, the Executive Council will provide you with information about how to file a complaint.
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council 1801 Congress Avenue, Ste. 7.300 Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: (512) 305-7700Investigations/Complaints: (800) 821-3205 www.bhec.texas.gov
Business Violations & Complaints
If you believe you have been a victim fraudulent business practices in the State of Texas please contact the Attorney General’s Office to file a consumer complaint.
If you have a concern or wish to file a consumer complaint, you may contact the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division:
Phone: 1-800-621-0508
Website:https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection
How to Access to Health Care Records
We are required to retain your records for 7 years, or 5 years after a former child client has turned 18. If needed, records can be requested via the portal.
Clients may request copies of their health care records in any of the following ways:
Submit a request through the client portal
Email your therapist directly
call 512-740-9975 and request records through Scheduling
Requests will be handled in accordance with applicable Texas law and HIPAA regulations. Reasonable fees may apply as permitted by law.
