This is a big decision. You should feel good about who you choose as your therapist.
Here are some helpful tips for getting started:
1
What are you looking for?
Read this article from Psychology Today titled, “How to find the right therapist.”
2
Reach out to chat with me.
Let me know what you are needing. I can help you decide if my services would be helpful.
3
Take the leap!
Schedule your first session. I can provide referrals if you feel we aren’t a good fit.
FAQs
Do you take insurance?
Currently, I do not. I choose to let what is best for my clients dictate treatment, not what insurance will cover. Private pay arrangements allow for you and I to decide together when treatment is complete, and your insurance company will not be given any details about your therapy. Payment for your appointment is due on the day of your session, and all major credit cards are accepted for payment.
Can I file for out-of-network benefits?
If you have an insurance provider, you may have out-of-network benefits that will allow you to be reimbursed for a percentage of the session fee. This allows you to choose the care that you believe is best for you while still taking advantage of your insurance benefits. I can provide superbills for you to file for reimbursement, but in doing so, I will need to give you a diagnosis code. Also please know that couples and family counseling are not usually covered by insurance.
If you want an easier way, you can use Reimbursify, a website and app which will file the claim and follow up for you. They charge a certain fee per claim.
How do I know if my insurance covers behavioral health services?
Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
1) Do I have mental health benefits?
2) What is my deductible and has it been met?
3) How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network provider?
4) What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
5) Is approval required by my primary care physician (PCP)?
Why is therapy so expensive?
This article by HuffPost titled “Why is therapy so expensive?” is a great resource that provides some background and explains the reasons for the high costs of therapy.
How do I request my counseling records?
To request copies of your counseling records, send the request in writing through one of the following ways. In the request, provide your name, date of birth, mailing address where you would like the records sent, and the dates of service for which you would like records.
1) Send a message through the secure portal used for your appointments.
2) Send an email to jodie@jodieelder.com.
3) Sometimes technology can be silly. If you haven’t heard back from me within 5 days after reaching out in writing, please call me at 469-573-4035.
How do I contact the Behavioral Health Executive Council, which is the licensing board that regulates the practice of LPCs and LMFTs in Texas?
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
George H.W. Bush State Office Building
1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300
Austin, Texas 78701
Main Line (512) 305-7700
To make a complaint: (800) 821-3205 or https://bhec.texas.gov/how-to-file-a-complaint/
How do I file a consumer complaint concerning my privacy rights regarding protected health information under federal and state law?
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection
Posted in compliance with House Bill 4224 (89th Regular Session)