
FAQs about therapy and mental health

FAQs about therapy and mental health
Mission
At Aspen Counseling and Wellness our mission is to create meaningful connections with our therapy clients to help them attain their true potential. We believe that through healing, you can get the love you want both internally and externally.
What We Do
At Aspen Counseling and Wellness, we provide therapy services to professionals in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin and the state of Texas. We understand that life can be difficult, and we are here to help you through your tough times. We offer couples counseling and therapy for individuals, who may be experiencing various life transitions, communication breakdowns, grief, wellness and stress management, among other concerns. We have a team of experienced and qualified therapists who are here to help you get back on track and reach your personal and professional goals.
​
If you're looking for a reliable and experienced counseling practice in Texas, look no further than Aspen Counseling and Wellness.
FAQs
How does online therapy and Telemental Health work?
Telemental health, also known as teletherapy or telepsychology, is a type of mental health treatment that is provided remotely using technology. It allows individuals and couples the opportunity to receive mental health services remotely via a secured video platform
To participate in telemental health, individuals and couples will need a device with a camera and internet connection, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. During a telemental health session, individuals and couples can expect to follow a similar process as they would in an in-person therapy session. This may include discussing their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and working with their therapist to set goals and develop strategies for managing their mental health.
Telemental health can be an effective treatment option for a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and stress. It is also a convenient option for individuals who may have difficulty accessing in-person mental health care due to distance, work, family, or other barriers.
Overall, telemental health is a convenient and effective way to receive mental health treatment from the comfort of your own home or office. It is important to keep in mind, however, that telemental health may not be suitable for all individuals or situations, and it is always a good idea to discuss your treatment options with a mental health professional to determine the best course of action for your needs should telemental health not be a solution for you.
How will therapy benefit me?
Therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counseling, is a type of treatment that can help individuals and couples address and manage their mental health concerns. It can be an effective treatment option for a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma.
There are many potential benefits of therapy, including:
Improved mental health: Therapy can help individuals identify and address the root causes of their mental health concerns, develop coping skills and strategies, and improve their overall mental well-being.
Increased self-awareness: Therapy can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how these may be impacting their life.
Improved relationships: Therapy can help individuals improve their communication skills, manage conflicts more effectively, and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.
Increased resilience: Therapy can help individuals develop a greater sense of resilience and the ability to cope with stress and challenges in a healthy way.
Increased overall well-being: Therapy can help individuals feel more balanced, fulfilled, and satisfied with their life overall by incorporating wellness techniques..
It is important to note that the benefits of therapy can vary from person to person, and it may take time to see progress. It is also important to find a therapist who is a good fit for you and your specific needs. With commitment and effort, therapy can be a powerful tool for improving mental health and overall well-being.
How do I choose the best therapist or counselor for me?
Choosing the best counselor is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your mental health journey. Here are some tips for finding the right counselor:
Consider your needs: Consider what you are hoping to achieve through counseling and what specific concerns or issues you want to address. This can help you narrow down your search for a counselor who specializes in these areas.
Look for a licensed professional: Make sure the counselor you choose is licensed in your state and has the appropriate credentials and training. This will ensure that they are qualified to provide therapy. You will want to look for credentials such as LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or under the supervision of an LPC/LCSW/LMFT
Consider their approach: Different therapists may have different approaches to treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Research these approaches and consider which one may be the best fit for you.
Check their availability: Consider the therapist's availability and whether they offer sessions at a time that is convenient for you.
Consider their location: If you are seeking in-person therapy, consider the therapist's location and whether it is convenient for you to access.
Schedule a consultation: Many therapists offer a free 15 minute consultation. This gives you and the therapist an opportunity to learn more about each other and help you determine if the therapist is a good fit for you.
Trust your instincts: Ultimately, it is important to choose a therapist that you feel comfortable with and trust. Don't be afraid to try out a few different therapists until you find the right fit.
Remember that it is okay to shop around and try out a few different therapists before finding the one that is right for you. It is important to take the time to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with and trust, as this will help you get the most out of your therapy experience.
What will I accomplish in therapy?
The goals and outcomes of therapy can vary from person to person, depending on your specific needs and goals. Some individuals may enter therapy with a specific problem or concern that they hope to address, while others need to process complex traumas, and others may be seeking a more general sense of improved well-being.
Here are a few potential goals and outcomes of therapy:
Improved mental health: Therapy can help individuals identify and address the root causes of their mental health concerns, develop coping skills and strategies, and improve their overall mental well-being.
Increased self-awareness: Therapy can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how these may be impacting their life.
Improved relationships: Therapy can help individuals improve their communication skills, manage conflicts more effectively, and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.
Increased resilience: Therapy can help individuals develop a greater sense of resilience and the ability to cope with stress and challenges in a healthy way.
Increased overall well-being: Therapy can help individuals feel more balanced, fulfilled, and satisfied with their life overall by incorporating wellness techniques..
It is important to note that the benefits of therapy can vary from person to person, and it may take time to see progress. It is also important to find a therapist who is a good fit for you and your specific needs. With commitment and effort, therapy can be a powerful tool for improving mental health and overall well-being.
What is the typical duration of therapy?
The duration of therapy varies based on individual needs and goals. Some may need just a few sessions for specific concerns, while others might benefit from longer-term therapy. Factors influencing therapy length include the nature of the issue, individual progress, and personal preferences. At Aspen Counseling & Wellness, we work with you to set goals and tailor the therapy duration to your needs, aiming to reduce session frequency over time.
What can I expect during the free therapy consultation call?
The first thing you will receive after scheduling your free consultation is an email verifying your appointment with instructions on how to access your session. You will also have initial paperwork to complete prior to your consultation, which is located in the secure client portal. During the free therapy consultation, you can expect to have the opportunity to speak with a qualified therapist about your concerns and goals for therapy. The therapist will ask questions about your current situation and mental health history in order to better understand your needs and how they can help. You will also have the chance to ask the therapist any questions you have about their approach to therapy or their qualifications.
It is important to remember that the purpose of the consultation call is to see if the therapist is a good fit for you and your needs, so it is okay to be honest and open about what you are looking for in a therapeutic relationship. The consultation session is a chance for you to get a sense of the therapist and their style, and for the therapist to learn more about you and how they can best support you. You will also learn about how to schedule, insurance, fees, etc.
Do you take insurance for therapy?
The short answer, yes we accept insurance. The long answer, it depends. Let me elaborate. Different therapists on the team accept or don’t accept different insurances (you can view their individual profiles to see who accepts which insurance). We work with a variety of insurance providers and will do our best to verify your coverage and maximize your benefits, however, it is also your responsibility to ensure coverage. For example, some insurance providers will outsource their mental health benefit to a third-party. So while we may accept the insurance, we don’t accept the insurance plan it was outsourced to. As such, we encourage you to check with your provider to see what types of mental health services are covered and to obtain any necessary authorization or referrals.
Please note that co-payments and deductibles may still apply, even if your insurance policy covers therapy services. If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover therapy, we have other therapists on staff who offer lower rates and we can provide referrals to other therapists. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your options and how we can best support you in accessing the mental health care you need.
Aspen Counseling & Wellness accepts the following insurances:
Oscar Health
Oxford
United Healthcare
Cigna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Lyra
Modern Health
Learn more about insurance and fees.
What is the cost for a therapy session?
The cost for a therapy session can vary depending on a number of factors, including the therapist's credentials and the length of the session. If you have insurance, your policy may cover some or all of the cost of therapy sessions. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to see what your policy covers and to obtain any necessary authorization or referrals. If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover therapy, we have different therapists on staff that offer private pay rates per session. You can review the fees section to identify the rate for your particular therapist. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your options and how we can best support you in accessing the mental health care you need.
What types of therapy do you offer?
At our mental health practice, we offer a range of therapy services to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Some of the therapy modalities we offer include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A goal-oriented therapy that focuses on helping individuals identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior that are contributing to their distress.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): A form of CBT that emphasizes the importance of balancing emotional and behavioral regulation with validation and acceptance.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A therapy that uses eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help individuals process and resolve traumatic memories.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): A therapy that focuses on helping individuals accept their thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental way and commit to taking action that aligns with their values.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): A therapy that focuses on helping individuals improve their relationships and communication skills in order to better manage their emotions and reduce distress.
We also offer therapy for specific concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse, as well as couples and family therapy. Our therapists are trained in a variety of evidence-based approaches and will work with you to determine the best course of treatment based on your unique needs and goals. If you have any questions about the types of therapy we offer, please don't hesitate to contact us.
What if I want to find a Black/African American therapist?
It is important to recognize that every individual is unique and may have different preferences when it comes to seeking therapy. Some people may prefer to work with a therapist who shares their cultural background, while others may not feel that this is important. Here are a few potential reasons why some people of color may choose to work with a black therapist or therapist of color:
Cultural understanding: A black counselor or counselor of color may have a deeper understanding of the unique cultural experiences, challenges, and strengths of the black community, which can be particularly important for individuals who have experienced racism or other forms of discrimination.
Improved communication: A black counselor may be able to better understand the language and communication style of a black client, which can facilitate more effective communication and a stronger therapeutic relationship.
Increased comfort: Working with a black counselor may make some black individuals feel more comfortable and at ease, as they may share similar cultural experiences and understandings.
Cultural sensitivity: A black counselor may be more attuned to cultural differences within the black community and able to approach therapy with cultural sensitivity and awareness.
It is important to note, however, that a therapist's cultural background alone is not a guarantee of cultural competence. It is important to find a therapist who is culturally competent and able to provide culturally sensitive care, regardless of their cultural background. Cultural competence involves understanding and respecting the cultural differences of clients, as well as being aware of one's own cultural biases and how these may impact the therapeutic relationship. It is always a good idea to discuss your treatment preferences with a mental health professional to determine the best course of action for your specific needs.
Therapy Approach FAQs
What is Strength Based Therapy?
Strength Based Therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on identifying and building on the strengths, values, and skills of the individual. It is based on the premise that individuals have innate abilities and resources that can be used to help them reach their goals. It involves looking at past successes and building on those experiences to help the individual move forward in life. This type of therapy helps individuals to recognize their own potential and develop their strengths to help them overcome the challenges they face. It is a collaborative approach to therapy that emphasizes collaboration between the therapist and the individual in order to develop the individual's strengths and goals.
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a form of psychological treatment that focuses on helping individuals recognize and modify their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to improve their mental health and overall well-being. It typically involves talking with a trained therapist in an individual, family, or group setting in order to explore and understand thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may be causing difficulties. Through psychotherapy, individuals can gain insight, learn new skills, and develop healthier and more adaptive ways of responding to life’s challenges.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative patterns of thought and behavior in order to improve mental health and emotional wellbeing. CBT works by helping people identify and challenge distorted or unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with healthier ones. It also encourages people to replace unhealthy behaviors with healthier ones. CBT is a collaborative process between the therapist and the client and often involves gradually setting goals and monitoring progress. The ultimate aim of CBT is to help people develop new ways of thinking and behaving that will improve their quality of life.
What is Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)?
A type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping people become more aware
What is Solution-Focused Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy is a type of brief therapy that focuses on finding solutions to present-day problems and issues, rather than on analyzing the past. This type of therapy is goal-oriented and focuses on helping people to identify and use their personal strengths to find solutions that work for them. It is based on the idea that people are naturally resourceful and have the ability to find solutions to their own problems. Solution-Focused Therapy encourages clients to identify their skills, strengths, and resources to help them find solutions to their current challenges.
What is Behavioral Therapy?
Behavioral Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is focused on changing behaviors, thoughts, and emotions by addressing underlying patterns of behavior that are contributing to a person's difficulties. It is based on the idea that behavior is learned and can therefore be changed. Behavioral Therapy seeks to identify and modify problematic behaviors through a variety of techniques, including positive reinforcement, role-playing, cognitive restructuring, and modeling. It is often used to treat depression, anxiety, phobias, and other mental health issues.
What is Person-Centered Therapy?
A type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping people develop a better understanding of themselves and their relationships.
What is Gestalt Therapy?
A type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping people become more aware of their present experience.
What is Art Therapy?
A form of psychotherapy that uses art and creative activities to explore feelings and promote emotional healing.
What is Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)?
A form of psychotherapy that focuses on improving communication and relationships.
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
A type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps individuals better regulate their emotions and behavior.
