Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thervo.
How much does counseling cost?
Counseling costs$50 to $250 per session if not covered by insurance, depending on your location, type of counseling, and the counselor's specialty. Prices are on the high end of the range in major metropolitan areas like New York and San Francisco. The average cost of counseling with insurance is $20 to $50 per session for the copay.
Online counseling membership plans cost $40 to $70 per week and typically include scheduled video sessions and/or 24-hour support through texting or online chat.
Marriage counseling costs$120 to $250 per session for in-person therapy or $90 to $230 per session for online therapy.
Can you use an HSA or FSA for counseling?
You can only use your HSA or FSA for counseling if you have a billable diagnosis—such as depression or bipolar disorder—and the therapy is deemed medically necessary. You can't use your HSA or FSA for marriage or family counseling, grief counseling, or therapy for stress management.
What are the types of counselors?
Counselors have a master's degree in psychology and are trained and licensed to practice psychotherapy. A counselor may be licensed or certified in a specific area:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)
Licensed Practicing Counselor (LPC)
Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)
Registered Child Therapist RPT)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
What does a counselor do?
A counselor can help you navigate challenging life situations, understand your emotions, strengthen your self-esteem, and improve your communication and coping skills. They provide support through difficult times and guide you in making the necessary changes in thinking and behavior to improve your mental and emotional health.
Counselors can help you with a variety of problems:
Depression and mood changes
Marriage and relationship problems
Grief or loss
Anxiety, stress, and panic attacks
Self-esteem and body image concerns
Eating disorders
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anger management
Addiction
Gender or sexual identity concerns
Can counselors prescribe medication?
Counselors are licensed psychologists but not medical doctors, and in most parts of the U.S. they are not allowed to prescribe medication. Only Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, and New Mexico allow counselors to prescribe medication, and counselors in these states must complete additional psychopharmacology training and certification.
In the rest of the U.S., only a medical doctor can prescribe medication. Psychiatrists are medical doctors and can prescribe medication, but they typically do not provide talk therapy or counseling services.
Can counselors diagnose ADHD, autism, or other mental health conditions?
A licensed counselor can give a mental health diagnosis in all states except Indiana and Maine. However, the counselor must refer clients to a psychiatrist or other medical doctor if the condition requires medication. Consult a counselor near you if you have concerns about ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions.
How can I choose the best counselor near me?
When searching for a counselor, it's important to choose one who makes you feel comfortable, safe, and respected. Follow these tips to find the best counselor for you:
If you have a specific concern—such as depression, stress, or relationship issues—look for counselors who specialize in that area.
Ask your medical provider for recommendations.
Read reviews from other clients on Thervo and Google.
Confirm the counselor accepts your insurance or offers a sliding-scale rate.
Ask about telemedicine and virtual visit options.
Schedule an initial consultation to make sure you're happy with the counselor's communication style and empathy.
What questions should I ask counselors?
Ask these questions to help you choose a counselor who will help you achieve the best results:
How long have you been practicing, and what are your certifications?
What areas of counseling do you specialize in?
What is your philosophy as a counselor?
What therapeutic approaches do you typically use?
What does a typical session look like?
Are you more directive or guiding as a counselor?
Do you give homework or reading assignments?
Do you offer virtual / telemedicine appointments?
Do you accept my insurance? Do you bill the insurance company directly?
Do you offer sliding-scale rates for clients without insurance?
Reviews for Houston counselors
Recent success stories from people in the Houston area.
S M.
My experiences with MPS has been great! I have learned life-long coping skills that are beneficial for me personally and professionally. The chronic stress that I once suffered has also improved because of Stephen. Stephen is an awesome therapist and Joanna is extremely communicative and professional. She always ensures that my appointments are set and convenient. I recommend MPS to anyone that suffers from anxiety and stress.
MPS
Krystal C.
After the first visit, I was hopeful.
WIN Counseling Services, LLC
Elizabeth R.
Elizabeth T.
Successful Realtor
After complaining to a colleague about the countless hours I had spent with therapists, counselors, psychologists, group meetings and self-help books over the last two years of my life I was referred to a Life Coach named Rich Prim. I could at this point in my life recognize major issues that were causing me problems, however, I struggled to change them. I knew I was not happy, yet I truly did not know how to be happy. I had lots of people telling me what to do, however, when I even tried to take their advice I was not able to do any of it successfully. I did not believe they understood what my personal struggle and situation was like. How could they possibly understand me, if I did not understand myself and why I was the way I was? I recognized I could change my actions every day and become a robot, but it would never last and my feelings inside did not match those actions. I had read enough to identify my problems but none of the therapists, counselors, psychologists, group meetings or self-help books changed how I felt about my situation or offered any solutions that I would even consider a possibility in my life. That is until I met with Rich Prim.
Rich had an approach that was far different than any therapists, counselors or psychologists I had ever met with. In 4 visits with Rich I had come farther in my personal journey, and was able to understand more about myself than I had in all the years with the traditional approaches I used to try to learn how to change my life. I was used to being told what to do -and for me that does not work and would never last even when I really tried. I was able to figure out that even if I truly wanted to change my life for the better, which I did, I cannot just do what I am told. I have to understand, in my own mind, why I should make a change and I have to believe this is right for me. Instead of just telling me what to do, Rich was able to help me uncover, understand and identify why and how my brain works, and direct me to thoughts, habits, beliefs I had no idea were in the way of getting me to my end result…changing. I discovered that I am in essence a lazy human and I created habits and beliefs early on in my life that are so ingrained in me that changing them would be as difficult as convincing my brain that grass is purple, not actually green.
Many people might say that it is the “Life Coach” approach that has helped me. I would strongly argue that it was a combination of Life Coach and Rich Prim. It took someone willing to put in the extra effort and actually listen beyond the words I was saying, this person for me was Rich Prim. He did not offer me the answers, but even better, he showed me how to find them for myself, which naturally brought about change in my life. When my perspective changed my actions just naturally changed. I highly recommend Rich Prim to anyone looking for direction or change in their life, even if they don’t know what direction that is...especially if they do not know what direction that is.
www.RichPrimcoaching.com
Cassie M.
I am the person I am today because of the work that I’ve done with Troy Gremillion. I went to him over eight years ago with a vague sense of unhappiness in my primary relationships and have gained greater insight and self-assurance than I ever imagined possible. I went to other therapists before, and they helped me to successfully manage different situations I was facing at the time. With Troy, however, I forged a truly healing working-relationship that provided the foundation I needed to transform myself into a more grounded, confident self, able to face (imperfectly) whatever inevitable challenges arise. It is because of Troy’s skillfulness, gentleness, consistency, and not to mention hilariousness, that I have been able to do that. He has done the work himself, and it shows. Inspired by the help I received from Troy, I made a career change and am now a therapist for others. I try to pay forward what I have been given by providing the same steadiness, understanding, gentle challenges, and good humor that he has and continues to provide for me. I absolutely cannot recommend him enough.
P. Troy Gremillion, Psychotherapist
D E.
Creativity and being upfront.
GoDaddy Dave Social Media and SEO Marketing Company
Susie S.
Miriam Yager was an excellent coach she got me to a point in my life that I learned how to build boundaries, gained my self esteem, knew how to get rid of narastic men and no longer be treated badly and how to love myself and feel like I could conquer the world . Now because of all her help and guidance and it’s only been since I finished with her in about October I found a wonderful man and I’m in a healthy loving relationship. She’s the best ..
Miriam Yager Coaching
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