Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We are contracted with BlueCross BlueShield of Texas, Aetna, United
Healthcare. and Cigna. We utilize a third party billing company to verify benefits, submit claims, and conduct claim status. . 

Like all relationships, you and your therapist must have a good working relationship. Some of the factors to consider when looking for a therapist include: do they provide individualized treatment plan? Do you feel comfortable and heard? are your boundaries respected? Is your therapist working within the scope of their practice expertise? Do your schedules align? Are you making progress toward your goals? Does your therapist ask for your feedback?, etc. 

The therapeutic process seeks to meet goals established by you and your therapist, usually revolving around a specific topic(s) or complaint(s). Participating in therapy may include benefits such as the resolution of presenting problem(s), as well as improved intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. The therapeutic process may help reduce distress, provide means for a healthy outlet/support, increase your ability to cope with stressors and/or past difficult events, improve ability to set healthy boundaries, enhance overall communication style, etc. Participating in therapy can lead to greater awareness of oneself, goals, and values as well. This can contribute to an overall improved quality of life. 

In working to achieve therapeutic benefits, clients must take action to achieve desired results. Although change is inevitable, it can be uncomfortable at times. Working through difficult past/present events or making changes in relationship patterns may arouse unexpected emotional reactions. Seeking to resolve problems can similarly lead to discomfort, as well as relational changes that may not be originally intended. You and your therapist can work collaboratively toward a desirable outcome. Please note, there can be no guarantees made regarding the ultimate outcome of therapy at any point. 

Your therapist must meet certain legal requirements of confidentiality imposed by Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA). Please keep in mind that your therapist is a mandated reporter. In the event that your therapist has to breach confidentiality, the therapist will do their best in sharing only necessary and relevant information. 

Anything said in therapy is confidential and may not be revealed to a third party without your written authorization. However, here are some examples of the items that your therapist is mandated to report without notice to you: 

• Reports of child or vulnerable adult abuse and/or neglect
• Threats, plan or attempts to harm yourself or others
• Court orders or legal issued subpoenas 
• You may be asked to share personal information with the telehealth platform to create an account, such as your name, date of birth, location, and contact information. Your therapist carefully vets any telehealth platform to ensure your information is secured to the appropriate standards.

*There are some limitations to confidentiality when it comes to means of communication such as email or other forms of online communication as well. 

To help clients in reaching their therapeutic goals, it is essential that they attend therapy regularly and complete tasks assigned to them between sessions. Therapy is not a quick fix, so its important to discuss realistic expectations with your therapist.  During the therapy process, we identify goals, review progress, and modify the treatment plan as needed. This is a collaborative process, and therefore open communication and a good working relationship with your therapist is essential. Therapy can be a helpful tool, but positive outcomes can not be guaranteed by your therapist. 

• Intake Phase – We will verify insurance benefits and notify you of the cost prior to the intake session. During the initial session, therapeutic process, structure, expectations, policies, and procedures will be discussed. You and your therapist will also explore your experiences surrounding the presenting problem(s) or symptoms that brought you in. Please be sure to complete ALL of the intake forms sent to you prior to the intake sessions. Should the forms not be entirely complete, you will be asked to reschedule the appointment. Also, technical difficulties are possible, which can result in more delay. Please note your therapist reserves the right to charge a $75 fee as this will be considered a late cancellation.  
• Assessment Phase – During this assessment phase, the therapist will be getting to know you by asking questions to gain an understanding of your worldview, strengths, concerns, needs, relationship dynamics, etc. During this relationship building process, the therapist will be gathering a lot of information to aid in the therapeutic approach best suited for your needs and goals. If it is determined that the therapist is not the best fit for your therapeutic needs, you will be provided referrals for more appropriate level of treatment. This practice does not have direct affiliation with any referral sources. 
• Goal Development/Treatment Planning – After gathering background information, you and your therapist will collaborate to identify your therapeutic goals and needs. These goals will be revisited and revised as needed. You can receive a copy at your request. 
• Intervention Phase – This phase occurs anywhere from session two until graduation/discharge/termination. Each client is encouraged to actively participate in therapy sessions, utilize solutions/tools discussed, and complete assignments between sessions. Progress will be reviewed collaboratively and goals adjusted as needed.
• Graduation/Discharge/Termination – As you progress and get closer to completing goals, you and your therapist will collaboratively discuss a transition plan.

Hopestone Counseling, PLLC is committed to protecting your privacy. The practice is required by federal law to maintain the privacy of Protected Health Information (“PHI”), which is information that identifies or could be used to identify you. The practice is required to provide you with the Notice of Privacy Practices (included in your intake forms), which explains the practice's legal duties, privacy practices, and your rights regarding PHI that we collect and maintain.

Telehealth can be a great option to utilize. The therapist reserves the right to conduct all sessions strictly through telehealth so please let us know if this is an issue for you prior to beginning therapy. Below are some other items to consider: 

Possible Benefits

• Flexibility. You can attend therapy wherever is convenient for you. With that in mind, please consider safety and privacy within your setting while attending telehealth sessions.
• Ease of Access. You can attend telehealth sessions without worrying about accounting for travel time, and also during inclement weather or illness.

Possible Risks

• Privacy and Confidentiality: You may be asked to share personal information with the telehealth platform to create an account, such as your name, date of birth, location, and contact information. Hopestone Counseling carefully vets any telehealth platform to ensure your information is secured to the appropriate standards as much as possible.
• Technology: At times, you could have problems with your internet, video, or sound. If you have issues during a session, your therapist will attempt to assist you to the best of their ability. Please keep in mind that it is your responsibility to make sure you are able to log in at the time of the session by testing your equipment. 
• Crisis Management. It may be difficult for your therapist to render immediate support during an emergency or crisis. You and the therapist can work toward developing a plan for emergencies or crises when necessary. This can include choosing a local emergency contact, creating a communication plan, and making a list of local support/crisis services.

Recommendations for telehealth

• Make sure that other people cannot hear your conversation or see your screen during sessions.
• DO NOT use video or audio to record your session unless you and your therapist have discussed this in advance and both parties agreed to it.
• Make sure to let your therapist know if you are not in your usual location before starting any telehealth session. 
• All clients using insurance are encouraged to verify their telehealth benefits to ensure coverage. Clients will be responsible for the self-pay fee should coverage be denied.