Frequently Asked Questions

 As you consider your therapeutic experience, reflect on whether you feel truly heard and supported? Is the approach tailored to your unique goals? Are your boundaries respected? Does your therapist’s expertise align with your needs? Is there consistency in your sessions? Are you making meaningful progress? Do you feel that the current rate for therapy fits within your budget and financial priorities? And importantly, do you feel encouraged to share feedback that shapes your care?

Yes. We are in-network with major insurance providers such as BlueCross BlueShield of Texas, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare. and Cigna. We utilize a third party billing company to verify benefits, submit claims, and conduct claim status. 

• Before your first session, please check with your insurance provider about telehealth and in-person coverage as some plans do have limitations.

 Acceptable forms of payments include major credit cards and HSA/FSA cards. We do not accept cash or personal checks. Payments are processed through CardPointe, a PCI-compliant processing solution. 

We offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to answer questions and assess fit. If initially our practice appears to be a good match, your therapist will collect basic information and send intake forms via the TherapyNotes portal. These forms help clarify your needs further and allow us to verify insurance benefits, which your therapist will communicate once confirmed.

If, after reviewing your consultation and intake materials, your therapist determines that your needs fall outside their scope of practice or the fit isn’t ideal, we’ll provide external (non-affiliated) referral options. However, if both parties choose to move forward, an intake session will be scheduled. From there, you’ll collaborate with your therapist on a personalized treatment plan and begin sessions at a pace that feels right for you.

Therapy is a collaborative process between you and your therapist, built around goals that reflect your unique needs and experiences. Through this process, you may find relief from distress, build stronger relationships, learn to set healthier boundaries, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. 

While therapy often leads to meaningful growth, it can also bring discomfort—especially when confronting difficult memories or shifting long-held patterns. Change takes courage, and progress may come with unexpected emotional responses. Together, you and your therapist will navigate these challenges, but it's important to remember: outcomes can't be guaranteed, and your active participation remains essential to the therapy process.

At Hopestone Counseling, your privacy is a priority. We follow HIPAA guidelines, and what you share stays confidential unless you give written consent. If disclosure is needed, only essential and relevant information is shared. Your therapist is required to report the following: 

• Child or vulnerable adult abuse and/or neglect
• Threats, plan or attempts to harm yourself or others
• Court orders or legally issued subpoenas 
• You may be asked to share personal information with the telehealth platform to create an account, such as your name or contact information. This practice carefully vets any telehealth platform to ensure your information is secured as much as possible.

Despite our efforts, digital communication may still have some limits to confidentiality

Hopestone Counseling is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with federal law. We maintain the confidentiality of Protected Health Information (PHI), which includes any information that identifies or could identify you. You’ll receive a Notice of Privacy Practices in your intake forms, detailing our legal duties, privacy policies, and your rights regarding the PHI we collect and maintain.

Telehealth Services
Hopestone Counseling offers therapy via telehealth. Please inform us in advance if this presents any concerns, as your therapist reserves the right to conduct sessions exclusively online.

Benefits

• Convenience & Flexibility: Attend sessions from any safe, private location.
• Accessibility: No need to travel—ideal for illness or severe weather.

Risks & Considerations

• Privacy: Platforms may require personal information. Remember that all digital communication may have some limitation to privacy. 
• Technology Issues: You’re responsible for testing your equipment prior to each session.
• Crisis Planning: If needed, we’ll work together to create a personalized emergency plan. Please note that while sessions offer support and coping strategies, your therapist may be limited in the assistance they can provide via telehealth during an active crisis situation.

Telehealth Guidelines

• Ensure confidentiality by choosing a private setting.
• Do not record sessions without prior mutual agreement.
• Notify your therapist if you’re not in your usual location.
• Insurance clients should verify telehealth coverage; self-pay fees apply if denied.

To ensure secure messaging and phone communication, we use Spruce app. Downloading the app makes it easy to stay connected while protecting your confidentiality. When messaging, we encourage you to limit personal details, and please note that standard carrier rates may apply. We also utilize email to communicate with clients. 

Therapy is a shared commitment built on consistency and trust. To support meaningful progress, it’s important to attend regularly and engage with assigned tasks between sessions. While therapy isn’t a quick fix, your therapist will work with you to set goals, track progress, and adapt your treatment plan as needed. Please note, outcomes can't be guaranteed, and change often takes time and effort.