For individuals, there are so many various therapy models and techniques. It’s okay and encouraged to challenge your therapist and ask questions. If you have been in individual therapy for sometime and there is no movement, it might be time to work with another therapist that has a different approach or works with different modalities that you have not learned or applied before.

For couples, the average # of couples see 3-4 therapists before they find one they feel comfortable talking about sex/relationships.

I offer a free 15-min consult for this reason. To give you time to bring your questions and goals for therapy. I encourage you to interview therapists and get specific with what you are looking for.

I have chosen NOT to panel with insurance companies.

It helps us retain the autonomy we need to provide you with an excellent experience.

Insurance companies place limitations on therapists about the length of sessions, covered diagnoses, and covered treatments.

Insurance companies also require therapists to spend valuable time providing documentation to justify their therapy, including information about your diagnosis, treatment goals, and progress.

I would rather provide a more confidential process and use that valuable time to make sure we are giving you the attention and excellent service you deserve.

I can provide you with an invoice (also known as a “superbill”) at the end of every month, which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement, if you have Out of Network benefits.

Usually, you pay the full fee upfront and get a percentage of it back, (but that varies from plan to plan.) We find that this balance usually works well with clients.

In addition, insurance does NOT cover couples therapy unless one partner meets the criteria for a mental health disorder, and the intention of therapy is to provide support for this diagnosis solely.

While using insurance can significantly reduce the cost of therapy, there are several reasons why some therapists might caution clients about using their insurance for mental health services:

Confidentiality Concerns

When you use insurance for therapy, your treatment information becomes part of your medical record.

Insurance companies require detailed information about your diagnosis, treatment plan, and progress, which can compromise your privacy. Some clients prefer to keep their mental health treatment entirely confidential.

Diagnostic Requirements

Insurance companies often require a formal mental health diagnosis for coverage. This can be limiting for clients who seek therapy for personal growth, stress management, or relationship issues that do not necessarily fit into a specific diagnostic category. Additionally, having a mental health diagnosis on your medical record can potentially affect future insurance coverage or employment opportunities.

Session Limits

Insurance plans may limit the number of therapy sessions they cover annually. This can be restrictive for clients who need ongoing support beyond the allotted sessions. Therapists may caution clients that they might need to pay out-of-pocket for additional sessions once the insurance limit is reached.

Treatment Restrictions

Insurance companies sometimes dictate the types of therapy they will cover, which can limit your options. They may only cover certain evidence-based therapies and exclude others, even if another approach might be more beneficial for your specific needs.

Billing and Reimbursement Issues

Dealing with insurance companies can involve a lot of paperwork, delays, and denied claims. This administrative burden can take time away from your therapy sessions and create additional stress.

The cost of therapy can vary widely depending on several factors, including the therapist’s qualifications, the type of therapy, the location, and whether or not insurance is used.

On average, therapy sessions in Texas can range from $75 to $200 per hour. Here are some factors that influence the cost:

Therapist’s Qualifications and Experience

• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs): Typically charge between $75 and $200 per session.

• Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs): Often charge similar rates to LPCs, ranging from $75 to $200 per session.

• Psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D.): Generally have higher fees, ranging from $150 to $250 per session due to their advanced training and expertise.

• Psychiatrists (MD): As medical doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medication and often have higher fees, typically ranging from $250 to $300 per session.

Type of Therapy

• Individual Therapy: Usually costs between $75 and $200 per session.

• Couples Therapy: Typically more expensive, ranging from $100 to $250 per session.

• Group Therapy: Generally more affordable, with costs ranging from $30 to $75 per session.

Location

• Metropolitan/Urban Areas: Therapy tends to be more expensive in cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin due to the higher cost of living.

• Rural Areas: Therapy in rural areas can be less expensive, but there may be fewer options available.

Insurance Coverage

Insurance can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost of therapy. Many therapists accept insurance, which can lower the cost to a co-pay of $20 to $50 per session, depending on your plan. However, not all therapists accept insurance, so it’s essential to check with your provider.

PROS for Online Therapy

For both individuals and couples…

• it gives you the option to be in the comfort of your own home/habitat.

• No traffic, no commute, no parking issues.

Tips: - Don’t do online therapy in-bed.- Sit up.- Make it a different structure for yourself.- Separate it out somehow.

CONS for Online Therapy

• You need a computer

• You need a private space

• You might prefer in-person and going into an office

“Sex Therapists are licensed mental health professionals, trained to provide in-depth psychotherapy, who have specialized in treating clients with sexual issues and concerns.

In the absence of available licensure, they are certified, registered, or clinical members of a national psychotherapy organization.

Sex therapists work with simple sexual concerns also, but in addition, where appropriate, are prepared to provide comprehensive and intensive psychotherapy over an extended period of time in more complex cases.”

- AAESECT definition

“AASECT uses Core Knowledge Areas (CKAs) and for ISTI we use three main categories of knowledge to insure that your coursework provides the best education available. At ISTI coursework includes Sexual Therapy, Couples Counseling and Integrative Therapy.

An ISTI Certified Sex and Couples Therapist (CSCT) is a licensed clinical mental health provider with a proficient level of expertise in both sexuality and relationship therapy as well as contemporary integrative alternative treatment interventions.

A CSCT is trained to assess, diagnose, and provide in-depth relational and individual psychotherapy, as well as group and family therapy and has specialized in treating clients with sexual issues including, but not limited to: sexual function and dysfunctionsexual pleasure; sexual variation; sexuality and disability; sexuality and chronic illness; sexual development across the lifespan; sexual abuse, assault, and coercion; sexual orientation; gender identity, infidelity, trauma, open relationships and polyamory, virtual reality and online treatment, alternative forms of relationships, LGBTQIA+ issues, kink, BDSM, polyamory, as well as disability, illness, stress management and special training in diversity and intercultural issues. CSCTs have had at least some training in contemporary treatment modalities including art therapy and/or psychedelic treatment. CSCTs are versed in countertransference and the self as therapist. CSCTs can provide integrative relationship therapy to couples and groups, and may with specialized additional training, offer intensive psychotherapy and retreats. CSCTs have completed a SAR and must renew their certification every two years.”

ISTI website

Certified sex addiction therapists Certified Sex Addiction Therapists (CSAT) are professionals who have taken supplementary training to treat individuals experiencing compulsive sexual behaviors, or sex addiction.

AASECT recognizes that people may experience significant physical, psychological, spiritual and sexual health consequences related to their sexual urges, thoughts or behaviors.

AASECT recommends that its members utilize models that do not unduly pathologize consensual sexual behaviors. AASECT 1) does not find sufficient empirical evidence to support the classification of sex addiction or porn addiction as a mental health disorder, and 2) does not find the sexual addiction training and treatment methods and educational pedagogies to be adequately informed by accurate human sexuality knowledge. Therefore, it is the position of AASECT that linking problems related to sexual urges, thoughts or behaviors to a porn/sexual addiction process cannot be advanced by AASECT as a standard of practice for sexuality education delivery, counseling or therapy.

A certified Sex Therapist or Couples/Sex Therapist are licensed mental health professionals, trained to provide in-depth psychotherapy, who have specialized in treating clients with sexual issues and concerns.

In the absence of available licensure, they are certified, registered, or clinical members of a national psychotherapy organization.

Sex therapists work with simple sexual concerns also, but in addition, where appropriate, are prepared to provide comprehensive and intensive psychotherapy over an extended period of time in more complex cases.

I use PowerDiary for my private practice management platform/EHR. They are ISO 27001 certified.

Your healthcare data is a critical priority and a critical priority for PowerDiary.

Many people feel limited by the choices available through their insurance, so they choose to pay out-of-pocket. Many of our clients are willing to self-pay because they received a referral to RE-Wilding Relationships, PLLC from a trusted source who knows the quality of our service.

Some clients self-pay because they feel better that information about their diagnosis and treatment is not being reported back to their insurance company and no outside company will be asking questions about their treatment.

We can provide a super bill for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement or a lower deductible which can help your insurance plan long term.