Below are some of our most frequently asked questions.
Should you have any other questions or like further explanation, please contact us by phone: 903-689-2324 or email: happytohelp@hometowncounseling.com
What do all the different titles mean? Are you a “real therapist?”
Okay, I’m still not sure I understand… Who do I need to work with?
This is absolutely an individual choice. Some prefer more seasoned professionals to work with while others prefer newer professionals that have been more recently trained. While education and experience are important factors to consider, you may also want to factor such things as scheduling, availability, and cost. Student and licensed interns typically offer much lower rates and have more flexible scheduling, including nights and weekends. However, these professionals work on a semester-to-semester basis so consider this when evaluating your long-term needs.
If you have questions about working with a particular therapist, let us know and we’ll make sure you’re with the best fit possible.
Do you accept insurance?
Student interns, skills trainers, and licensed professional interns are private pay only.
At this time, Tana can bill directly to Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna EverNorth/. She can provide SuperBills for providers that she is out of network with so you may request reimbursement. She also accepts private pay clients who do not have insurance or choose to not bill on their insurance.
To read more about our rates, please visit: https://hometowncounseling.com/rates-2/
To read about Good Faith Estimates, please visit: https://hometowncounseling.com/good-faith-estimate/
What is the benefit of private pay?
People choose to do private pay for a number of reasons. The common are typically poor insurance coverage or limitations. Every plan is different and our staff can help you navigate coverage. Generally speaking, there are more rules related to reporting diagnosis and treatment when billing insurance. They may also have restraints on what type of therapies you can participate in and how many sessions you can receive.
To read more about our rates, please visit: https://hometowncounseling.com/rates-2/
To read about Good Faith Estimates, please visit: https://hometowncounseling.com/good-faith-estimate/
Can you prescribe medication?
No, we do not currently have any medical prescribers on our staff. To receive a prescription for medication, you will need to meet with a medical provider such as a primary physician, nurse practitioner, or specialist (i.e. psychiatrist).
Are you LGBTQ+ friendly?
Yes, absolutely! We are an affirming practice. We do not “tolerate” or “accept” human beings here. We celebrate and support!
What are pronouns and why do they matter?
Do you currently have any openings?
*EFFECTIVE 6/1/23, we have openings with two of our clinicians! You can schedule with them by emailing happytohelp@hometowncounseling.com or filling out our interest form: https://forms.gle/tW9dscjFPtzkt3MHA
If you want to work with Hometown Counseling but you are not sure which clinician or if you want to inquire about a clinician that does not have the availability listed above, please contact us directly at happytohelp@hometowncounseling.com
How do I schedule my first appointment?
You can start the process by filling out our interest form: https://forms.gle/tW9dscjFPtzkt3MHA
You can also call or text us at 903-689-2324. You can also email us at happytohelp@hometowncounseling.
You can also book a free consultation to ask any questions you may have and “meet” us before getting started!
What can I expect from my first appointment?
A first appointment can differ based on a number of factors: your therapist, your personality, your preference of modality, and more. In general, you should expect to start a session at the agreed upon time for the agreed upon length. You will know who your therapist is prior to the session so there is no surprise. It is always our intention to provide you with as much detail as possible to alleviate any potential “first time anxiety.”
After scheduling the intake, your therapist will email you a confirmation of the appointment and send you intake paperwork to complete. This paperwork needs to be completed prior to first session. Should you have any questions, please let your therapist know asap.
A first session is typically used to collect background information and start building rapport (getting comfortable with one another).
To see images of our office in preparation of your visit, please go to: https://hometowncounseling.com/office-pictures/
I am a minor, will you tell my parents what we discuss?
We make every effort to adhere to the “what’s said in therapy, stays in therapy.” We educated all parents at intake that we want to respect your privacy as much as possible. There ARE exceptions to your privacy – for example if you are being harmed, plan to harm yourself, or plan to harm others (among others). Your therapist can answer any specific questions about consent and HIPAA protections.
How much does everything cost?
At Hometown, we value financial transparency. Finances can be a difficult conversation. We strive to provide as much information as possible and let everyone make the most informed decisions possible. All of our financial information can be found in our clinical paperwork. Rates can also be found on our website.
To read more about our rates, please visit: https://hometowncounseling.com/rates-2/
To read about Good Faith Estimates, please visit: https://hometowncounseling.com/good-faith-estimate/
Why is your website so basic and… cruddy?
Because we spent years and years and years learning how to be the best therapists possible for you and at no point during those degrees did they teach web design ; )
Seriously though – we’re better than the site might suggest. If you’re on the fence, reach out.
-Tana
