What is counseling? Who is it for and how can it help?

The American Counseling Association defines counseling as a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. Simply put, counseling is a professional, empathic relationship that facilitates personal growth towards overall wellness, as well as mental health goals. Your counselor will strive to create a warm, accepting atmosphere in which you feel safe exploring your strengths and struggles with an ultimate goal of helping you reach your full potential, feel personally successful, and engage in constructive behaviors.

At EmpathyWell, counseling involves a regularly-scheduled meeting time each week in which we will collaborate with you to set goals and establish a relationship that helps you move toward those goals.

We believe counseling is not only for anyone struggling emotionally, but also for anyone hoping to improve their quality of life and reach their full potential. Sometimes people seek services when they have a particular issue they wish to explore, but sometimes people seek services to simply feel happier and more successful in relationships or at school/work.

How do I initiate services?

We know it can be a difficult process to find a counselor you trust for yourself or for your family. Whether you’re ready to schedule an intake session or you’re unsure and want more information first, you can call us at (972) 498-1307 or complete the contact form on our Contact Us page to set up a free 15-minute phone consultation with one of our counselors. During this phone call, the counselor can help answer any questions you may have about our services and talk more with you to make sure we have services that are likely to meet your needs. Once you’re ready, you can schedule an initial intake appointment with the counselor. After scheduling this session, the counselor will send you access to a secure client portal where you will complete paperwork prior to the intake appointment.

What is an intake appointment and what will I need to bring?

The intake appointment is the first session where you will meet your counselor, review paperwork, process your specific concerns for yourself (or child), and establish a plan for counseling sessions moving forward. During this session, the counselor will help you to explore your counseling goals. It also gives you a chance to get to know your counselor and make sure you feel like it’s the right fit!

Because all paperwork is to be completed online prior to the appointment, you just need to bring yourself and any questions you may have for the counselor. Sometimes you may find it helpful to bring prior health or evaluation records for the counselor to review, but you and your counselor can talk more about this prior to the intake appointment to determine if it’s relevant.

How much does counseling cost?

Fees for counseling services vary depending on the type, provider, and format of service. However, counseling sessions are billed per session hour. Individual counseling sessions are $165 per session hour with Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and $120 per session hour with Licensed Professional Counselor-Associates (LPC-Associates). Group sessions are typically $85 per session hour. For more information about counseling rates and fees, please visit our Fees & Insurance page.

Do you take insurance?

Majority of our counselors provide private-pay services only. However, please let your counselor know if you would like to discuss possibility of utilizing your out-of-network insurance benefits. Please visit our Fees & Insurance page for more information.

How long are sessions and how often are they scheduled?

Typically, adult, teen, and family sessions are 50 minutes in length and play therapy sessions are 40 minutes. Frequency of sessions depends on your needs and counseling goals. However, sessions are typically scheduled weekly.

How long will my child or I be in counseling? How long does it take?

The length of time that you or your child is in counseling is dependent on many factors including your needs, counseling goals, and level of motivation to take steps toward change. Some individuals pursue services for 3-6 months whereas others engage in services for years. It is up to you!

That being said, EmpathyWell believes in an evidence-based approach to counseling. Upon intake and beginning services, we’ll ask you to complete an initial questionnaire about your (or your child’s) current feelings and behaviors. Then, every 10 sessions, we’ll invite you to complete the same questionnaire again. Your responses can provide you and your counselor with important information about your progress that can inform your plan for services. Your participation in this type of evidence-based approach is completely up to you.

Where are you located? What about parking?

We are located right in the heart of Highland Village at 2280 Highland Village Road, #150, Highland Village, Texas 75077. There is ample parking directly in front of and next to the building. Additionally, the parking lot is well lit to support your sense of safety if you’re with us for evening appointments.

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