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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes The Inner Mind stand out? 

The Inner Mind Counseling & Wellness stands out among mental health providers by offering a holistic, inclusive, and innovative approach to therapy. Our focus on “Therapy for the Culture” ensures that people from all backgrounds feel welcomed and supported. The practice boasts a diverse team of clinicians specializing in areas such as trauma, substance use, eating disorders, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, and family therapy. This range of expertise allows us to cater to a variety of mental health needs in a compassionate and tailored manner. Additionally, our office environment is uniquely designed to enhance the therapeutic experience with modern furniture, digital tools, and resources like art and play therapy for children. These thoughtful touches create a welcoming and effective space for both in-person and virtual counseling sessions. By combining expertise, inclusivity, and an inviting atmosphere, The Inner Mind provides a standout experience in mental health care. 

 

What happens in therapy?

Therapy is a deeply personal and dynamic process, shaped by your unique needs and goals. Each session can look different depending on what you bring to the table. Sometimes, you may have a specific issue or goal in mind. Other times, it might be a lingering emotion, a thought you can’t quite shake, or a story of success you want to explore. The journey is guided by what’s most relevant for you at the moment, but it's always a collaborative effort. Sessions often include thoughtful discussions and activities, but you may also be encouraged to engage in exercises outside of the session, such as journaling or reading. These "homework" assignments can deepen your understanding and promote lasting change. Ultimately, the goal is to explore the areas where you seek growth, set achievable goals, and equip you with the tools and strategies for both immediate progress and long-term success. Therapy isn’t just about discussing issues—it’s about discovering solutions, finding new perspectives, and empowering you to create meaningful change in your life.

 

How long does therapy take? 

The length of therapy depends on your unique needs, goals, and the challenges you’re working through. There is no set timeline for therapy, as it’s a deeply personal journey. Some sessions may lead to significant breakthroughs in a short amount of time, while others may require several sessions across weeks or months to address the issues at hand. Each individual session typically lasts about 40-50 minutes, but the pace of therapy will always be guided by you and what feels most helpful in your process. Ultimately, it’s about taking the time you need to make progress and find the support that works best for you.

 

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Therapy can be helpful if you are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, or other challenges. A therapist can help you explore your emotions, develop coping strategies, and work towards personal growth.

 

How much does therapy cost? 

You can find all our prices listed on our Insurance + Fees page.

 

Can I reschedule my appointment? 

You are welcome to reschedule your appointment, but please note that changes can only be made during the week of your scheduled session. This helps ensure we can accommodate your needs while maintaining an efficient schedule for everyone. If you need to reschedule, please reach out as soon as possible, and we will do our best to find a suitable time within the same week. Thank you for your understanding!

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Can I cancel my appointment?

If you need to cancel your appointment, we kindly ask that you notify us at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled session time. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice will be charged the full private pay rate and will not be eligible for a refund. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a smooth and respectful schedule for everyone.

 

What happens if I do not show up for my appointment? 

If you miss a scheduled session without prior notice, the full private pay rate will be applied. Unfortunately, this fee is non-refundable. We understand that things can come up unexpectedly, so please let us know in advance if you need to reschedule. Your time and commitment to the process are important, and we appreciate your understanding in helping us maintain an efficient schedule for everyone.

 

Why Don't We Accept BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD, MAGELLAN, and TRICARE Insurance?

Starting January 1st, 2025, we will not be accepting BCBS, Magellan, or TRICARE insurance due to limitations in coverage, reimbursement rates, and the complexity of working with these providers. If you are impacted by this change, you can continue your care by opting for self-pay, and continue seeing your current clinician. We strive to offer the best care and flexibility for our clients, which sometimes requires navigating various insurance systems. If you have any questions or need assistance exploring alternative payment options, we are happy to help guide you through the process. Your well-being is our top priority, and we want to ensure you receive the support you need.​​

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Why Don’t We Accept Insurance for Couple and Family Sessions?

We are committed to providing the highest quality of care in a way that is both effective and respectful of your privacy. We understand the important role insurance plays in making therapy more accessible, but for couples and family therapy sessions, we’ve chosen not to accept insurance for several reasons:​

 

Flexibility in Treatment: Insurance companies often impose restrictions on the number of sessions or the types of therapies that can be used, and they may require therapy to focus on a diagnosis. This can limit the flexibility we have in addressing the unique needs of couples and families. By not working with insurance, we can tailor therapy to what is most beneficial for you without external constraints.

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Focus on Relationship Health: Many insurance plans focus on treating individuals with specific conditions or disorders, but couples and family therapy focuses on improving relationship dynamics, communication, and emotional connection. This kind of treatment often doesn’t fit neatly into the diagnostic criteria that insurance companies require.

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Quality Over Quantity: Insurance reimbursement often means that therapists are required to allocate time to administrative tasks, such as submitting claims, instead of focusing solely on your therapy. By not accepting insurance, we can dedicate more time to each session, ensuring that you receive the best care without the pressure of meeting insurance requirements.

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Fair Pricing: By working directly with our clients, we can offer transparent and fair pricing without the need to navigate the complexities of insurance reimbursement rates. This allows us to provide services at a price point that reflects the quality of care you receive.​​

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We believe that therapy should be a space for healing, growth, and connection, and we want to ensure that couples and families have access to care that is truly tailored to their needs. ​​

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What insurance do we accept? 

  • Aetna 

  • Cigna 

  • Beacon 

  • Carelon

  • Optum 

  • Superior/Ambetter

  • United Health Care

  • Molina Health Care

  • Allegiance 

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What age ranges do you see?

We see all clients ranging as young as 5 years old. Any client 5 and up is able to book a session with any of our therapists. Clients that are 18+ would need to be able to book their own sessions.

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Is my session confidential? 

Yes, absolutely. Your privacy is our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring that all of your sessions and personal information remain confidential. You can trust that anything shared with us will be treated with the utmost care and respect. Additionally, all communications via our website are secure, and the data we store is fully compliant with HIPAA regulations. Your confidential disclosures during therapy are legally protected. However, there are certain exceptions to confidentiality, such as when there is suspected child or elder abuse, or if there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others. If you would like to learn more about our privacy practices or the legal exceptions to confidentiality, please feel free to ask. We are here to ensure you feel safe and informed throughout your journey.

 

Do you prescribe medication or do psychological testing?

No, as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), we do not prescribe medication or conduct psychological testing. Our focus is on providing counseling and therapeutic support to help you address and manage mental health challenges. However, we understand that medication & testing can be an important part of mental health treatment for some individuals. To support those who may benefit from medication, or require psychological testing, we have established partnerships with trusted psychiatric offices and professionals who can evaluate and prescribe medication if needed.

 

Confidentiality and Privacy

Insurance companies often require a mental health diagnosis for reimbursement, and this information is shared with them. For couples and families, the topics discussed in therapy can be deeply personal and sensitive. We believe your privacy is essential, and we want to avoid any risk of private details being disclosed to third parties, including insurers.

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What if my questions aren’t on this page? 

Feel free to contact our office via phone: 281-503-1553 or email: info@theinnermind.org for any other questions! We are happy to offer any insights or provide any further clarification.

What is a Good Faith Estimate (GFE)?

A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is an upfront estimate of the cost of your healthcare services, required by the No Surprises Act. This act aims to protect patients from surprise medical bills by providing them with a clear picture of what they can expect to pay.

Do I have the right to receive a GFE?

Yes, you have the right to receive a GFE for any non-emergency healthcare service if you are uninsured or not using your insurance.

What does a GFE include?

The GFE should show the estimated costs of items and services you can reasonably expect for your healthcare needs. It does not include any unforeseen circumstances or complications that might arise during treatment, which could lead to additional charges.

When will I receive a GFE?

By law, your healthcare provider must provide you with a GFE within the following timeframes: One business day after scheduling a service if the appointment is at least three business days away. Three business days after scheduling a service if the appointment is at least ten business days away. Three business days after requesting a GFE (without scheduling a service). The provider must also provide a new GFE if you reschedule the service.

How long do I have to dispute a bill that's higher than the GFE?

You must start the dispute process with HHS within 120 calendar days (about four months) of the date on the original bill. There is a $25 fee to use this process.

What happens if my bill is higher than the GFE?

If you receive a bill at least $400 more than your GFE, you have the right to dispute it. You can contact the healthcare provider to negotiate the bill, inquire about financial assistance, or initiate a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

What should I do with the GFE?

Keep a copy of your GFE for your records. This will be helpful if you need to dispute a bill that's higher than the estimated amount.

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