Are you in person? Do you offer Telehealth Sessions?

I offer telehealth and in-person sessions (my in person sessions are currently offered on Thursdays and Fridays). I will continue offering both options for my clients.

Do you support the LGBTQ+ community?

Yes! Absolutely! I work to be supportive, knowledgeable, and inclusive. I support the respect, dignity, and equality for all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Do you have a commitment towards racial justice and equity?

Yes, I strive to listen, educate myself, hold myself accountable, and push past my cultural bubble. I work to deliver care that treats each person with dignity, respect, and an awareness of culture. I’ll stand by you AND I’ll stand up and do the work to create change.

What does being Sex positive mean?

I offer an open, accepting, and progressive attitude towards sex and sexuality. Emphasizing consent, relationship-style choice, and expression.

Do you currently have any openings?

At the moment, I have a wait list.

Do you offer a sliding scale?

Therapy is a significant investment and, for some, can feel out of reach. Please don’t hesitate to talk to me if your financial circumstances make it difficult to afford therapy. If I don’t currently have a sliding scale appointment open or if I can’t meet your needs, I’ll help connect you with another therapist who might be able to help. My sliding scale starts at $120.

Do you accept insurance?

At this I am private pay only. But wait, you might still be able to use your benefits! Often times you can file for reimbursement for Out of Network Provider or submit the bill and have the fee put towards meeting your deductible. We can give you a statement of services and payment to submit. Every policy is different, so you’ll have to call your insurance provider to get guidance. Want to use your insurance? Here are some questions to ask your insurance regarding out of network coverage.

What is the benefit of private pay? Why wouldn’t I use insurance if I have it?

People choose to do private pay for a number of reasons. The typical reasons people don’t or can’t use their insurance are: poor insurance coverage or limitations; the desire to protect their privacy; and the right to determine who to work with without limitation. Generally speaking, billing insurance opens the door to their involvement with your treatment such as requiring a formal diagnosis, note and treatment reviews, and a list of who you can work with. They may also have restraints on the type of therapies you can participate in and how many sessions you can receive. Insurance is great, however, there are times that the limits it places does not meet your needs. Many clinicians don’t take insurance as strangely enough many panels are closed and not being on insurance offers us more flexibility and control over our case load, treatment, and time – which allows us to more effectively adjust to our clients’ needs.

What if I have to cancel or decide not to come to my appointment?

I get it, things happen. So, if you need to cancel or reschedule a session, please make sure you cancel at least 24 hours beforehand. You can cancel through the client portal or text me directly. If you cancel an appointment with less than 24 hours’ notice your credit card will be charged for the full rate of the session. If you are not able to cancel due to an emergency or medical situation, please talk to me about circumstances.

How do I pay?

Cash, check, HSA, or credit card. Payment occurs the day of service, I cannot carry any balances forward.

I’m ready. How do I get started with you?

I like to talk to prospective clients on the phone for 10-15 minutes before we decide to schedule an appointment. Email me at kmeadcounseling@gmail.com so that we can find a time to time to chat. This gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have and we make sure this feels like a good fit.

FAQs ABOUT THERAPY

How can therapy help?
Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, enhancing your life. Some of the benefits and skills attained from therapy include:

  • Working through and releasing unresolved issues, events, and beliefs
  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Improving communications and listening skills
  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems
  • Improving your relationships
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

What can I expect from my first appointment?

After scheduling an intake, you’ll get an email that confirms your appointment time and has a link to your intake paperwork. This paperwork needs to be completed prior to your first session. It will orient you towards therapy – especially helpful if you have not attended before, collect some data to provide a starting point as to why you are coming in and what your goals are, set up your billing and contact information, and allow you to schedule and change appointments through the portal.

My appointments start on the hour and are generally 55 minutes long. I often have a client right before you, so sit tight until and I’ll come get you. I try to run on time and not leave you waiting. In our first appointment I’ll gather some background information, we’ll get comfortable with each other, and start building a therapeutic relationship. We’ll cover confidentiality, ask about what brings you to therapy, what struggles you’re encountering, and quite probably some life history – such as any traumatic experiences or family dynamics that might help me understand you more. We’ll work collaboratively to determine what you want to get out of this time together, and create a plan that promotes healing.

Is what I say really confidential?
Texas state law and HIPAA protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist. Information cannot be disclosed without written permission from the client.

There are a few exceptions which include 1) if we suspect child abuse or neglect, dependent adult or elder abuse or neglect we are required to report 2) if a client threatens bodily harm to themselves or another person/s we may report this to the appropriate authorities such as asking for a Mental Health Deputy help assess and provide protection. 3) by law for example a  judge issued subpoena. If we enter into any of these situations, I will make every effort to enlist your cooperation in insuring your safety and inform you of any action(s) I am obligated to take.

Confidentiality and its limits are covered in our first session and I encourage you to ask questions at any time during our work together.

What is ongoing therapy like? How long will this take?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. Therapy sessions often begin on a weekly basis and the frequency can shift to bi-weekly as you experience health and vitality again.

How do I choose who to work with?

Think about what you are seeking to address through counseling– trauma, grief, relationships, release from shame… Then read some of our profiles and see if there’s something that stands out for you. While education and experience are important factors to consider, in truth, the best outcome is to work with someone feels like a “fit” someone who you feel gets you. The time you spend with your therapist is an investment in your health that lasts a lifetime.

OK, one last question. What is an LPC-S? What is a NARM therapist?

Excellent question. Therapists are notorious for the use of acronyms. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor. I have a Masters in counseling and I’m a Texas board approved supervisor for new associate counselors (that’s the S). I’ve met the qualifications (over 120 hours training) in order to become a NARM certified therapist. In addition I’ve pursued in-depth training in other approaches that support the areas of work I specialize in.

What I offer: Compassion, respect, and understanding; Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings; Real strategies for enacting positive change; Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance.

What I don’t offer: Advice, Medication, ESA Letters, Assessments