Do you offer in person or Teletherapy sessions?

Both in-person and Teletherapy (phone and online video) sessions are available.  In-person sessions are held at Stephan Counseling, located in McKinney, TX.  Teletherapy online video sessions are offered via a HIPAA compliant platform, SimplePractice. 

I don’t live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Am I able to see you?

I am licensed to see clients within the state of Texas. This means that I can see any client who is physically located in the state of Texas, including clients not located in the immediate Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Sessions are held via Teletherapy.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You may schedule an appointment by calling Stephan Counseling at (214) 800-2050, or you may schedule an appointment online by clicking the " Schedule Appointment " button at the top of this page.

What will happen if I contact your office to schedule?

Scheduling an appointment with Stephan Counseling is simple. You will be asked some basic demographic intake information, such as your name, email address, and reason for seeking counseling services. Then, you will schedule your appointment. Finally, you will be sent our intake paperwork to be completed online via SimplePractice’s Client Portal. All paperwork must be completed within 24-hours of your scheduled appointment.

What will happen when I schedule an appointment online?

Depending on your preferred method of communication, you will receive an email and/or text confirming or denying your appointment request. Stephan Counseling will reach out to you to reschedule if your appointment is denied. New clients will receive our intake paperwork in the confirmation email/text to complete online via SimplePractice’s Client Portal. All paperwork must be completed within 24-hours of your scheduled appointment.

I have never been to counseling before.  What should I expect?

Congratulations on taking the first step towards healing. You can expect to spend time in your first session going over your completed paperwork and discussing what brings you to counseling. Additionally, we will begin developing a therapeutic rapport with each other, which creates the foundation for successful therapy sessions. Lastly, we will discuss a personalized therapy schedule based on your presenting concerns.     

Do you take insurance?

Yes, I am considered an in-network provider with Aetna, UnitedHealthcare (Optum), Oscar (Optum) and Oxford (Optum).

For individuals outside the above-mentioned insurance plans, Stephan Counseling is considered a private pay provider, which means we do not accept insurance. Stephan Counseling could be considered an out-of-network provider with most insurance companies. If your insurance company recognizes Stephan Counseling as an out-of-network provider, we can provide you a superbill upon request that can be submitted to your insurance company for out-of-network benefits. 

How much does a session cost?

If you are using insurance, a 53-minute session fee is dependent upon your insurance coverage. All deductibles/copays are due at the time of service.

The private pay rate for a 53-minute session is $165 and due in full at the time of service.

Fees for other services (i.e., letter requests, records requests, court appearances) can be discussed on an as-needed basis.

How do I obtain a Good Faith Estimate?

Under the "No Surprises Act," as of January 1, 2022, medical facilities are required to provide a "Good Faith Estimate" to clients not planning to use insurance. This Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of items and services that are reasonably expected for your mental health care needs for an item or service. Please let Stephan Counseling know if you plan to seek services as a private pay client, so this can be provided to you. For more information, go to: https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, check, and most major credit cards are acceptable forms of payment, as well as Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards.

How do I request my records, contact the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), and/or file a consumer complaint?

In accordance with Texas law (House Bill 4224; Tex. Health & Safety Code §181.105), this notice explains your rights and resources.

Requesting Your Health Records: You may request a copy of your mental health records by written request to Stephan Counseling, PLLC via email, secure client portal, or mail. Records will be provided per Texas law and privacy rules. Contact our office with questions.

Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC): Contact BHEC with questions regarding licensure or professional standards for licensed mental health professionals in Texas. https://bhec.texas.gov/contact-us/

Filing a Consumer Complaint: To file a complaint about mental health services, contact the Texas Office of the Attorney General – Consumer Protection. https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection