Put Your Life into Focus
The Help Center
Find Your Answers Here!
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, seeking out therapy is an admirable and courageous act. You have realized that changes need to be made in your life. At this moment, while you may not feel like it, you have started on the path toward making improvements in your life by recognizing your concerns or feelings of being stuck, depressed, anxious, etc. This is a moment in which you have some motivation to make changes in your life. Therapy can help give you the perspective you need in which to channel your motivation effectively. It is possible without seeking therapy that your problems may stay the same or even become more difficult to handle. Speaking with another professional is sometimes the best way to problem solve.
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, life transitions, grief, and stress management. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction towards a solution.
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Success in therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. A confidentiality disclosure statement is provided to you at the time of treatment. This is called "Informed Consent". Sometimes you may want me to share your session information with outside providers (such as a psychiatrist or physician, or insurance company). I believe that coordination of care is essential to fully meet the needs of the client.
However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except in the following circumstances:
Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults or elders must be reported to authorities, including Child Protective Services and law enforcement, based on information provide by the client and collateral sources
If the therapist has a reason to suspect that the client is in serious danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm someone else this must also be reported to law enforcement and other appropriate authorities or sources.
What are your fees?
Rates
The initial assessment session is $160.00. The rate for individual, family and couples counseling is $150. I also accept clients on a sliding scale at this time. Please call me to discuss your particular financial needs.
Insurance
I am a provider on the following insurance panels:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
Can I book an Intake Session?
Contact an intake coordinator at The Lovett Center to book a session with me by calling 713-470-9878. Email me at melissa@thelovettcenter.com if you have more specific questions before booking.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel an appointment you must notify me at least 24 hours in advance. Your session will be considered a "no-show" and you will be required to pay for the session in full if I am not notified 24 hours in advance.
I make every attempt to run on schedule as to not interfere with the next scheduled appointment. Consequently, if you are more than 15 minutes late, your appointment will be considered a “no-show”. I have the right to ask a client not to return for services in the event that the client “no shows” or cancels for two consecutive appointments. In that case, referrals will be provided for the client to seek services with another provider if desired.
How do I pay for sessions?
Payment is accepted at the beginning of each therapy session. Cash, check and all major credit cards accepted for payment.
What if I want to use my insurance but you are out-of-network?
I am out-of-network on other panels at this time. As a professional courtesy to you, I can provide an invoice for the services that you receive and the payments that you have made so that you can submit these to your insurance company for reimbursement. Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
What is my deductible and has it been met?
How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session in-network and out-of-network?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?
You will be responsible for seeking reimbursement and filing claims.
Standard Notice: No Surprises Act
Standard Notice: “Right to Receive a Good Faith Estimate of Expected Charges” Under the No Surprises Act
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.
This form may be used by the health care providers to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program (uninsured individuals), or individuals who are enrolled but not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage (self-pay individuals) of their right to a “Good Faith Estimate” to help them estimate the expected charges they may be billed for receiving certain health care items and services. Information regarding the availability of a “Good Faith Estimate” must be prominently displayed on the convening provider’s and convening facility’s website and in the office and on-site where scheduling or questions about the cost of health care occur.
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
· You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
· Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
· If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
· Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises