Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I go to counseling?
I'm interested in getting more information, but not ready to schedule an appointment yet. Now what?
How do I schedule a first appointment?
What should I expect during my first appointment?
How long does counseling take?
What is the difference between counseling and performance coaching?
Do BestLife providers take Insurance?
Is my information kept private?
Just like we take care of our physical health, our mental and emotional health is just as important. Whether it's to just have a "check up" to sort out some minor stresses or a major life transition or trauma has occurred. Counseling offers the opportunity to take care of yourself with a little extra help and support in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental way.
A consultation call is an opportunity to speak directly with your potential therapist to see if you are a good match for counseling together. The relationship between therapist and client is the biggest indicator of change and is extremely important during the therapeutic process. The consultation allows you as the client to see if you feel like the therapist is a good fit for you. We offer free phone consultations for up to 20 minutes.
We have several options for scheduling. You can call, email, or submit the contact form at the bottom of the page. Prior to your appointment, we will send you the initial paperwork to complete online.
Your first session with your therapist will be different from future visits. The initial visit is a period for you and your therapist to get to know each other and get an idea of how to proceed. Future visits will be more of the "working" stage of the therapy process. During the first session you and your therapist will spend time reviewing paperwork, getting an idea of what is bringing you to counseling, and, most importantly, getting to know you!
Depending on what brings you to counseling and your goals, counseling can last a few sessions or several weeks or years. While you likely want to know how long it's going to take to "feel better," there's no simple answer. It's very individualized and depends on a variety of factors. We talk to each client about the process and what they can expect, how we determine progress, and when it might be time to end our relationship. It's our goal to give our clients the tools they need to manage whatever they are seeking counseling for.
The main difference is that performance coaching is more directive and is focused specifically on helping to improve performance in sport(s) or performing arts. Just like one has a coach or instructor for their sport or art, performance coaching is for the mental aspects of performance.
In counseling, we are working together to improve mental health and overall wellness. "Counselors work with clients on strategies to overcome obstacles and personal challenges that they are facing" (American Counseling Association). Common reasons people seek out counseling include, but are certainly not limited to: addiction (alcohol, substance, and process), life transitions and adjustment struggles, mood (anxiety, depression), communication and interpersonal concerns, self-esteem and self-worth, identity, body image concerns, issues with work or school, trauma.
Both roles are client-centered and collaborative. We seek to form trusting and respectful relationships with all clients. We are here to help guide clients to finding unique solutions that fit for them, rather than "telling" people what to do. Both roles ascribe to high ethical and professional standards and operate on the principle of confidentiality.
We are in network with United HealthCare and Aetna; we are out of network for all other insurance. We are able to create and supply clients with a superbill to submit to your insurance for reimbursement for out-of-network benefits.
Please check with your insurance provider to determine your out-of-network benefits for your insurance plan. We can help guide you through this process if you have questions. To see more information about fees please click here.
**We do not accept insurance for Couples Counseling**
Texas law protects the privacy of communications between a client and your clinician. Every effort will be made to keep your evaluation and treatment strictly confidential. In most situations we will only release information about your treatment to others if you sign a written authorization form that meets certain legal requirements.
However, there are limits to confidentiality.
The limits to confidentiality in the state of Texas are:
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When there is a suspicion of child abuse and/ or abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults.
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If there is suspicion of serious threat of harm to self or harm to others which would affect the health and safety of either yourself and/or others.
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With written authorization of the client or, in the case of death or disability the individuals’ representative.
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If the client waives privilege by bringing charges against the therapist
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Ordered by the court to disclose information
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For consultation with other professionals
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To contact the clients for appointment reminders or information to assist with health care treatments
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To bill and collect payments from clients
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To contact the identified emergency contact person if it is determined if the client’s safety is at risk
If any of these situations arise, your clinician will make every effort to fully discuss it with you before taking action, and will limit disclosure to what is necessary.
Minor clients should understand their parents have the right to access their records and to be informed of their progress in counseling. Any behavior in minors considered detrimental to the safety of the minor or others will be shared with their parent(s) and/or guardian.
If participating in a group, confidentiality for all group members is required but it cannot be guaranteed.
Counseling may be provided in an outside environment on a working equestrian facility so confidentiality may not be guaranteed