Frequently Asked Questions
Starting therapy can bring up questions. We've gathered answers about counseling, fees, insurance, appointments, and what to expect so you can feel more confident taking your next step.
You Don't Have to Have It All Figured Out.
Therapy is an investment in yourself and your relationships. It can make a meaningful difference when you're feeling stuck, lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to do next.
Whether you're considering counseling for the first time or looking for support with a specific concern, we're here to help you understand your options.
Beginning Your Therapy Journey
You don't need to wait until things become overwhelming to benefit from counseling. Here's what to know if you're considering getting started.
Who goes to therapy?
Therapy can be helpful for anyone experiencing challenges that interfere with their goals, relationships, or everyday life. You don't need to be in crisis to seek support.
People may benefit from therapy if they:
- Are struggling with an issue that acts as a barrier to reaching their goals.
- Have something difficult they need to discuss, understand, or process.
- Want help developing skills to navigate conflict and challenges in relationships.
If you're unsure whether counseling may be right for you, our self-assessments and resources can be a helpful starting point.
What can therapy do for me?
Therapy provides a supportive relationship with a trained professional who can help you work toward goals and navigate concerns that may be difficult to manage on your own.
Depending on your needs, therapy can help you:
- Decrease feelings of sadness and anxiety.
- Develop healthier coping strategies.
- Improve communication and negotiation skills.
- Build self-awareness and recognize your strengths.
- Process difficult experiences, including grief, loss, and trauma.
- Address family and childhood concerns.
- Understand and manage anger.
- Develop confidence and learn to be more assertive.
- Work toward recovery from eating disorders, develop intuitive eating habits, and address concerns about body image.
Does therapy work?
Research has found that people who participate in therapy often experience better outcomes than people with similar concerns who do not receive treatment.
The original FAQ references findings from a Consumer Reports review involving 2,125 people who sought professional help for depression or anxiety. The page reports that respondents experienced approximately 70% improvement in emotional functioning after 1–6 sessions and nearly 80% improvement after 13 or more sessions.
Every person's experience is different. Progress depends on individual needs, goals, circumstances, and participation in the therapeutic process.
How long does counseling last?
Counseling sessions generally last 50 minutes, or 90 minutes for a double session. Double sessions can be especially helpful for couples at the beginning of therapy, allowing more time to address concerns and reduce tension.
Many clients prefer weekly appointments when their concerns are more acute. However, sessions can be scheduled less frequently depending on individual needs.
At Wilson Counseling, we believe in solutions-oriented therapy sessions that focus on your goals.
Therapy does require effort and patience, but it does not necessarily need to last several months or years to be beneficial. Some clients begin noticing improvements within their first few sessions.
Is counseling worth it?
Investing in therapy means investing in your emotional well-being, relationships, family, and future.
When you're facing an important turning point in life, getting professional support at the right time can help you make meaningful changes. The cost of delaying support may affect your relationships, career, and overall quality of life.
As Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby has discussed, it's worth considering not only the financial cost of therapy but also the potential cost of going without the support you need.
Your love, happiness, personal well-being, and the health of your family are valuable investments.
Understanding Therapy Fees
We believe in being transparent about the cost of counseling. Fees vary by therapist, appointment length, and type of service.
Individual & Couples Counseling Rates
Choose a therapist to view their published session fees.
Elvin Keles
Individual & Couples Counseling
Individual Sessions
Couples Sessions
Claudia Balatoni
Individual, EMDR & Couples Counseling
Individual Sessions
Couples Sessions
Clayton Hutchins
Individual, Couples & Intensive Sessions
Individual Sessions
Couples Sessions
Couples Intensives
Lisa Smith
Individual & EMDR Counseling
Individual Sessions
Nancy Wilson
Individual, Couples & Intensive Sessions
Individual Sessions
Couples Sessions
Couples Intensives
Fees are subject to change. Please contact our office to confirm current rates and availability before scheduling.
Convenient Ways to Pay
Wilson Counseling accepts all major credit cards, including Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards.
Understanding Your Insurance Options
Although we are a private-pay practice, you may be able to receive reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits.
Are we in-network with insurance?
Wilson Counseling is a private-pay practice and is not in-network with insurance companies.
However, if your insurance plan includes out-of-network mental health benefits, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for a portion of your therapy costs.
What is a superbill?
We automatically provide clients with a superbill at the end of each month. This document contains the information your insurance company typically needs when submitting an out-of-network reimbursement claim.
We recommend contacting your insurance company directly to understand your specific benefits and reimbursement process.
Can I get help submitting a claim?
Clients who would like assistance submitting out-of-network claims can choose to use Reimbursify , a third-party service that allows you to submit claims through its app using your superbill.
What should I ask my insurance company?
When contacting your insurance company, consider asking these questions:
- Does my health insurance plan include out-of-network coverage for mental health services?
- Is there a deductible? If yes, what is the amount?
- What percentage or amount of care is covered once I meet my deductible?
- Do you reimburse all diagnoses?
- Where do I submit my superbill or receipt for services?
- How often does a superbill need to be submitted?
- How long does the reimbursement process take?
Why Choose a Private-Pay Practice?
Learn more about the benefits and considerations of choosing a private-pay therapist.
Making the Most of Your Appointment
Here's what to know about appointment lengths, cancellations, and rescheduling.
What if I can't make my counseling appointment or need to cancel?
We have a limited number of sessions available each day. When you schedule an appointment, that time is reserved specifically for you.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours' notice.
If you do not provide at least 24 hours' notice, you are responsible for the full session fee. With at least 24 hours' notice, we would be happy to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
How long are counseling sessions?
Standard counseling sessions generally last 50 minutes. Double sessions are 90 minutes and may be particularly helpful for couples who need additional time to work through concerns, especially at the beginning of therapy.
Your therapist can help determine an appointment length that best fits your needs and goals.
How often should I schedule therapy?
Many clients choose weekly appointments when their concerns are acute or when they are beginning therapy. Others may benefit from meeting less frequently.
The frequency of appointments can be discussed with your therapist and adjusted according to your needs, progress, and goals.
Therapy From the Comfort of Your Home
Online counseling makes it possible to connect with your therapist without traveling to the office. If you have a computer and an internet connection, you can participate in virtual therapy with Wilson Counseling.
How does virtual counseling work?
Before your session, you will receive a link that allows you to connect with your therapist. Simply copy the link into a browser on your computer to join your appointment.
Video sessions are conducted through a private, secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Research has shown that video-based counseling can produce outcomes comparable to face-to-face sessions. Some clients also find it easier to open up from the comfort of their own space.
If you are not comfortable with technology or would rather speak by phone, that may also be an option. You can connect from the privacy of your home and receive the support you need.
Connection, Care, and Support
Professional counseling throughout Texas, wherever life takes you.
Still Have Questions?
You don't have to figure everything out on your own. Reach out to our team, and we'll help you understand your options and take the next step toward the support you need.