Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in the first session?

Your first appointment is called an intake or psychosocial assessment, but it’s more than just a Q&A. We’ll talk about your current concerns, relevant life experiences, and the ways your symptoms, emotions, relationships, and cultural contexts may be affecting your daily life.

More importantly, we’ll identify the goals that feel most meaningful to you and what you hope to gain from therapy. We’ll discuss therapeutic approaches that may support your goals and best fit your needs. We’ll also talk about the things that make you feel kinder, braver, stronger, wiser, and more resourced.

You don’t have to have everything figured out before you arrive. Simply show up, and we’ll use our time together to begin finding a path forward.

Where do we meet?

Online sessions take place via HIPAA-compliant Zoom, so we can meet wherever you have privacy. It could be your office, bedroom, or parked car. If we are meeting outside for Walk and Talk therapy or nature-based mind-body coaching in Sugar Land/Greater Houston Area, you will receive directions to the designated park or greenspace.

What are your rates?

• 30 minute consultation — complimentary

• <60-minute therapy session — $265

• Special promo — 2 sessions in one week: $500

• Reach out to create a custom intensive (3+ hours or multiday) for going deeper and faster

• Payment methods accepted: Zelle, credit card, debit card, HSA/FSA. Payment processing via HIPAA-secure SimplePractice or Ivy Pay

I believe you deserve to understand the why behind the work we do. I’ll explain the mind-body connection, nervous system concepts, therapeutic approaches, and strategies we use along the way so that you can make informed choices and become your own guide.

Think of therapy as an investment not only in feeling better today, but in developing a deeper understanding of yourself and creating lasting change for the road ahead. My goal is to help you develop greater awareness, new ways of responding, and practical tools that you can carry with you beyond our sessions.

I offer a free 30-minute consultation so that you may gain a sense of what you are investing in and the value it may bring to achieving your goals. Reach out by phone, text or my contact form to schedule your free consultation.

How long will therapy last?

We will meet as often as you need. While some concerns may resolve in 3-5 sessions, others may require a longer course of care. Some people choose to meet weekly and some biweekly—twice a week or every other week. The natural evolution of therapy is to decrease frequency as you internalize the practices and become your own guide.

Therapy isn’t always comfortable, and meaningful change asks us to courageously move beyond familiar patterns, protective traits, and ways of coping. My role is to create a space where you can explore that work compassionately—going deep when it is helpful and respecting your pace and readiness. I am honored to journey with you for as long as you need.

Do you take insurance?

I am an out-of-network (OON) provider and do not bill insurance directly. This allows me to keep my practice intentionally small so I can offer the time, attention, privacy, and individualized care my clients need.

If you wish to use your out-of-network benefits (typically PPO and POS plans), I am happy to provide an invoice known as a superbill for you to submit to your insurance plan directly. Please call to verify your OON benefits with the following questions:

• Do I have Out-of-Network benefits for mental health counseling?

• Do I need to meet a deductible to receive reimbursement for Out-of-Network mental health counseling?

• What is my deductible and has it been met?

• Once my deductible is met, how much of my out-of-pocket payment will be reimbursed?

• How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?

I partner with Thrizer to help clients navigate out-of-network reimbursement and file claims conveniently. Use this Thrizer instant benefits checker to see what your OON benefits may look like. Thrizer charges an OON billing fee as follows:

1. Out-of-network claim fee: $4 per claim (receive reimbursement via paper check or bank deposit. Please note: BCBS plans are only eligible for check)

2. Instant Reimbursement fee: $15 per claim (Instant reimbursement helps you lower upfront costs by paying only your out-of-pocket responsibility after meeting your deductible. Please note: BCBS plans are not eligible for instant reimbursement)

Do you have a sliding scale?

Please reach out if you feel that mind-body therapy or coaching with me would benefit you. I have a limited, need-based sliding scale. If my sliding scale spots are full or I am unable to accommodate a manageable sliding scale for you, I am happy to provide referrals.

What is your cancellation policy?

Unpredictable schedules are something I navigate compassionately and strive to find good ways to honor both my client’s needs as well as my needs as a business owner. If a session is cancelled with less than 48 hours notice (this does not include weekends), the full fee is charged. The cancellation fee can be waived if you are able to reschedule within the same day or same week. In the event of emergencies, half the cancellation fee will be waived if reschedule is not possible.

Do you see couples?

Although I don’t currently see couples, I love working with individuals who are already in couples counseling or are seeking their own therapy as part of the couples work. I’m Gottman Level-3 trained, and I draw from relationship-focused principles to help individuals better understand their patterns in relationships, strengthen communication, navigate conflict, set healthy boundaries, and build deeper emotional connection.

Do you see clients outside of TX, FL & CO?

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I can only see clients who reside in the states I am licensed in: Texas, Florida, and Colorado. As a PRT and mind-body coach, I can work with clients across the U.S.

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who do not have insurance or are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

• For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises

What is a Notice of Privacy Practices?

I am committed to protecting your privacy. This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Link to Notice of Privacy Practices here.

Got more questions?

I’m happy to schedule a free consultation to answer any other questions you may have. If after talking it seems that I may not be the right therapist for you, I’m happy to offer referrals and community resources.

Phone/text: 281-410-1687
Email: tierra@pathwaystomindbodysoul.com
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