Frequently Asked Questions

 

How much do sessions cost?

Our fees vary based on the experience and professional level of each counselor. The fees range from $150 - $265/session. Please call our office to determine the best fit for your needs. Payment is due on the day of service.

Do you take insurance?

We do not submit health insurance at this time. We provide medically-coded receipts (called superbills) for clients who wish to file for reimbursement with their own insurance companies. Depending on your level of coverage, you may qualify for out-of-network benefits.

How many sessions will I need?

The Mind Spot counselors determine the number of sessions based on your needs. Counseling works best with consistent sessions and you can typically expect at least 3-4 months of sessions

How long do sessions last?

The Mind Spot sessions are either 45-50 minutes long, depending on the counselor.

Is counseling confidential?

Confidentiality is the foundation of the therapeutic relationship with your counselor; it protects your privacy to share freely. Texas state law requires staff to report in the following dangerous situations:

  1. You pose a threat to harm yourself

  2. You pose a threat to harm another person

  3. We are required to report suspected child or elder abuse to the appropriate authorities

  4. Court subpoena

These rules apply to all mental health practitioners in Texas.

What is an LPC?

A licensed professional counselor (LPC) is an individual who has satisfied all the state requirements for licensure. (including: supervised counseling experience, passing a state exam)

  • LPC - licensed by state of Texas to practice as a professional

  • LPC-Associate - earned a masters degree from an accredited university, passed the state exam, now working towards 3000 hours of supervised practice

  • Practicum Student - currently enrolled in a counseling program, and are earning the required counseling hours needed for completion of their degree

Can I see someone immediately?

The Mind Spot staff will do our best to get you into the office in a timely manner, but if no appointment is available please contact your local emergency room or police station by calling 9-1-1 or dial 9-8-8, the National Suicide Prevention Line.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you do not show up for your scheduled appointment and have not given 24-hours notice in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session.

Where is your office?

We are located at 3000 Weslayan Street, Suite 140 in Houston, at the corner of Weslayan and W. Alabama.

What is your privacy policy?

The Mind Spot staff and counselors are held to the highest ethical and legal standards, including those set by the Federal Government/HIPAA.

This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review this notice carefully.

Your health record contains personal information about you and your health. This information, which may identify you and relates to your past, present or future physical or mental health or condition and related health care services, is referred to as Protected Health Information (PHI). This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how The Mind Spot (TMS) may use and disclose your PHI in accordance with applicable law. It also describes your rights regarding how you may gain access to and control your PHI.

TMS is required by law to maintain the privacy of PHI and to provide you with notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to PHI. We are required to abide by the terms of this Notice of Privacy Practices. We reserve the right to change the terms of our Notice of Privacy Practices at any time. Any new Notice of Privacy Practices will be effective for all PHI that we maintain at that time. We will provide you with a copy of the revised Notice of Privacy Practices.

How we may use and disclose health information about you:

For Treatment. We can use your PHI within the practice to provide you with mental health treatment, including discussing it with Associates and Practicum Students. We may share it with other professionals who are treating you in order to coordinate your care.

For Health Care Operations. TMS can use and share your health information to run our practice, improve your care, and contact you when necessary.

To Obtain Payment for Treatment. TMS may use and disclose your PHI to bill and collect payment for the treatment and services we provide you.

The following is a list of the categories of uses and disclosures permitted by HIPAA without an authorization:

  • Abuse and Neglect

  • Judicial and Administrative Proceedings

  • Emergencies

  • Law Enforcement

  • National Security

  • Public Safety (Duty to Warn)

For our full TMS Privacy Policy, please contact our office.

What is “Balance Billing”?

YOUR RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS AGAINST SURPRISE MEDICAL BILLS

To protect consumers from unexpected medical bills from out-of-network care, Congress signed the “No Surprises Act” into law, effective January 1, 2022.(OMB Control Number: 0938-1401)

When you get emergency care or get treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, you are protected from surprise billing or balance billing. This bill requires psychologists and other health care providers to give self-pay clients a good-faith estimate of costs for services.

WHAT IS “BALANCE BILLING” (SOMETIMES CALLED“SURPRISE BILLING”)?

When you see a doctor or other health care provider, you may owe certain out-of-pocket costs, such as a copayment,coinsurance, and/or a deductible. You may have other cost or have to pay the entire bill if you see a provider or visit a health care facility that isn’t in your health plan’s network.