Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling in Houston,TX

FAQ’S

Alejandra Machado, M.S., LPC

Who knew when you started googling find a therapist near me that you would’ve find so many options, and be left with SO many questions? I am here to help!

How long do counseling sessions typically last? 

My sessions are typically 50 minutes long.

What happens during the first counseling session? 

During our first session, I will ask lots of questions about you, your background, and your history in order to start gaining an understanding of who you are and what your expectations are in seeking out help. We also use the first few sessions to discuss and formulate goals you may want to work on during our time together.

Do you offer in-person counseling or just online, what if I’m outside of Houston?

Although I am based in Houston, I can work with adults in all cities throughout Texas, including Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and more. I only offer virtual sessions and do not practice in person.

How often will I need to come to counseling? 

I work with clients weekly. I find having more regularly scheduled sessions initially helps to get a better sense of progress and research has shown this also leads to better outcomes. I know life can happen, so we can always discuss what would be the best schedule for you.

How long will I need to come to counseling? 

The short answer is, it depends. While some clients come to therapy with a specific dilemma they are trying to resolve, others may be looking for more general ongoing support. This means some clients utilize counseling for 2-3 months while some may decide to continue for longer. During our sessions, I will often ask for feedback regarding how you are feeling about your progress and will discuss whether or not you feel you are ready to end therapy

How much do sessions cost? Do you offer a sliding scale?

The self-pay rate is $125 per 50-minute session. I currently am not offering a sliding scale payment option.

Are sessions covered by my insurance?

Yes, I do work with BCBS TX, Aetna, Cigna, Oscar Health, Oxford, and United Healthcare. I use a service called Headway that helps with insurance verification and billing.

How do I seek reimbursement from my insurance company? 

I can provide a superbill for out-of-network providers, otherwise, your insurance will bill you according to their specific copays once your benefits have been verified.

Do you have evening and weekend appointments available? 

No, I currently do not do late evenings or weekends.

Where do sessions take place? 

Sessions are done virtually through a HIPAA secure platform to ensure confidentiality.

Who do you work with? 

I work with adults struggling with anxiety or depression. These can include things like work stress, relationship conflicts, or adjusting to new life transitions.

What if counseling isn't working? 

Sometimes it can take a few sessions to feel comfortable. I always encourage you to ask questions and voice concerns if you feel what we are doing is not working. If after that, it still doesn’t feel right, I can suggest other resources that may better fit what you are looking for.

I know it can feel like a big step to call a counselor, but I’ll make it easy. We’ll spend 15-minutes on the phone and I’ll let you know how or if I can help. If I am not the right person, I’ll do my best to get you to the right person.

Contact me here to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation for counseling in Houston, TX.

Get started with counseling, today.