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Frequently
Asked
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
We provide online therapy through a HIPAA-compliant platform for Texas residents. Services may also be available to clients in PSYPACT-participating states across the U.S.—please check the PSYPACT Map (https://psypact.gov/page/psypactmap)to see if your state qualifies.
Please note that your physical location at the time of session determines whether we can meet with you, due to state licensing requirements. This is based on where you are during the session, not your permanent or home address.
Online therapy is best suited for clients with mild to moderate symptoms who feel comfortable using technology and have access to a private space for their sessions. It may not be appropriate for clients experiencing severe symptoms, such as active suicidal thoughts or psychosis, that could require immediate crisis management.
We are in-network with:
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Aetna
• UnitedHealthcare
Before your first session, we confirm your plan eligibility and let you know your copay or deductible, if applicable.
Note: not all plans under these carriers are accepted. If you’d like, you can also call your insurance company directly to verify your benefits. Here’s a helpful guide: What To Ask Your Health Insurance Company To Check Mental Health & Therapy Benefits (https://blog.zencare.co/what-to-ask-health-insurance-mental-health-therapy-benefits/)
When calling your insurance company, be sure to have our practice information handy, and check in with us first so we can guide you on what details you’ll need.
Yes! We accept out-of-network insurance, which means you may be able to use your insurance benefits to be reimbursed for therapy sessions.
To make this process seamless, we’ve partnered with Thrizer,(https://www.thrizer.com/) a service that handles out-of-network claims automatically on your behalf. With Thrizer:
• You only pay your copay plus a small processing fee at the time of your session, rather than the self-pay rate upfront.
• Save on session costs—clients typically save an average of 70% compared with the self-pay rate.
• Thrizer can help verify your out-of-network benefits and determine your copay.
• Deductibles: If your plan includes a deductible, session payments will automatically count toward meeting it. You’ll initially pay the self-pay rate, and once your deductible is met, Thrizer will adjust your charges to reflect only your copay plus a small processing fee. They then handle the reimbursement process directly with your insurance provider.
We welcome clients from a wide range of insurance plans. To learn more about how Thrizer works, please visit the Thrizer FAQ page.(https://www.thrizer.com/help/faq) If you have questions about your specific plan or coverage, we can help you review your benefits before your first session.
Take some time to explore our website to see if our approach feels like a good fit for your needs. You’re also welcome to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to talk about your main concerns, therapy goals, and get a sense of our style.
Once you begin therapy, it’s helpful to attend two to three individual sessions—since the first session is an intake and may feel different from a regular session—before deciding if we’re the right fit together.
For group therapy, we typically recommend committing to at least the first three months before considering ending participation, so you can fully experience the group dynamic.
Individual therapy:
During your first session, you’ll discuss your reasons for seeking therapy while your therapist asks questions about your history and current concerns. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore your thoughts, feelings, and patterns as they arise. This helps you and your therapist begin to understand how past experiences and relational dynamics influence your present life, guiding the work in future sessions. While some initial therapy goals may emerge, they typically develop and evolve over time. You’re encouraged to ask questions and share any concerns throughout the session and in follow-ups.
Group therapy:
In the first group session, the facilitator introduces participants to the group agreements and begins building group cohesion—the trust and connection among members. Sessions also provide a space to explore emotions, interpersonal patterns, and relational dynamics. While an introductory activity during the initial session may help members feel more comfortable, the focus is on beginning a process of reflection and understanding that continues over the course of the group.
• Intake appointments are 60 minutes for all clients.
• Follow-up individual sessions typically last 45 or 60 minutes for self-pay clients, and 50–53 minutes for clients using insurance.
• Group therapy sessions run 90 minutes for all clients.
For individual therapy, the standard recommendation is typically one session per week. This allows time to explore patterns in thoughts, feelings, and relationships and to reflect on how these experiences may be influencing your present life. As insight grows and therapeutic work progresses, the frequency of sessions can be adjusted to best support your continued growth and understanding.
Group therapy meets weekly. Members are generally encouraged to commit to at least three months, though many stay longer to continue exploring patterns in relationships, emotions, and interpersonal dynamics. Participation is guided by therapeutic goals and the ongoing process of insight and growth.
Depending on your needs, we draw from a variety of approaches to support your growth and well-being, including:
• Psychodynamic
• Emotion-Focused
• Multicultural
• Family Systems
• LGBTQ+ Affirming
• Trauma-Informed
• Somatic (body-based)
• Health at Every Size (HAES)
• Harm Reduction
Each approach is tailored to your unique experiences, relationships, and goals, creating a therapy experience that is collaborative and responsive to you.
We have a 48-hour cancellation policy for individual therapy. If your provider is not notified at least 48 hours before a scheduled session, a cancellation fee will apply. This fee reflects the full contracted rate of your insurance plan or the self-pay rate. The fee also applies to no-shows or if you are unable to log in to a virtual appointment within the first 15 minutes.
Note: For individual therapy, if you are able to reschedule within the same week, the cancellation fee may be waived, contingent on your provider's availability.
For group therapy, members are responsible for a cancellation fee for any missed or cancelled sessions, regardless of notice provided to the group facilitator. The only exception is if your provider cancels the session, in which case no fee will apply.
Yes! We proudly offer gender affirming surgery evaluations and letters for trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive clients.
What is a Gender Affirming Surgery Evaluation?
A gender affirming surgery evaluation is an assessment by a licensed mental health provider to support your access to medical or surgical gender-affirming care. Evaluations follow the WPATH Standards of Care (SOC Versions 7 & 8).
Do I need to be an established therapy client?
No! You can request an evaluation even if you are not currently a client.
Evaluation Process:
Most evaluations require one 60-minute appointment. If additional information is needed, a follow-up appointment may be scheduled. Letters are typically generated within one week of your evaluation.
Letter Requirements:
Top Surgery, Breast Augmentation, Facial Feminization: One letter from a licensed mental health provider.
Bottom Surgery: Two letters from two different licensed mental health providers.
Our doctorate-level psychologist (Psy.D.) meets the requirements for bottom surgery approval with most insurance plans.
Insurance Notes:
Blue Cross Blue Shield (all subsidiaries): Prefers letters from doctorate-level providers.
Anthem BCBS: Requires two letters dated within six months of each other for both top and bottom surgeries.
Some plans may have additional requirements beyond the SOC. Always verify with your insurance plan. Your insurance carrier may require a revised letter if the original is over a year old.
For self-pay patients, most surgeons follow SOC Version 8, typically requiring one letter from a licensed provider.
Letters for Medical Purposes
Gender Affirming Surgery
Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy (HRT)
Letters for Non-Medical Purposes
Name Change
Gender Marker Change
We’re available to provide services during the following hours:
• Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:45 PM
Appointments are scheduled by availability, so please reach out to find a time that works best for you.
If you’re a prospective client, the best way to reach us is through the Contact (https://www.genteliberated.com/contact-8)page on our website.
If you’re an existing client, you can get in touch via email, phone, or the secure messaging function in the patient portal. You’ll find a link to the patient portal in the top-right corner of the website header or by clicking here.(https://www.therapyportal.com/p/genteliberated/)
We’re happy to answer your questions and help you schedule appointments through whichever method works best for you.
Effective January 1, 2022, the No Surprises Act requires mental health practitioners to provide a Good Faith Estimate for out-of-network care to any patient who is uninsured or who chooses not to use insurance to pay for services.
A Good Faith Estimate explains how much your care is expected to cost. If you receive a bill that is $400 or more above the estimate, you have the right to dispute it.
If you will not be using insurance, we will provide a Good Faith Estimate before your first session. This estimate will outline the total expected cost of therapy services, including psychotherapy. You can review and discuss it with your therapist prior to or during your initial appointment.
Be sure to save a copy of your Good Faith Estimate. For more information, visit CMS – No Surprises.(https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises)
Requesting Your Health Care Records
You have the right to access your health care records in accordance with Texas law and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Current clients may request records through secure messaging in the patient portal (https://www.therapyportal.com/p/genteliberated/)or by emailing the practice.
• Former clients may submit a request using the Contact (https://www.genteliberated.com/contact-8)page.
All requests are reviewed and processed in compliance with applicable legal and ethical standards. If a fee is allowed under applicable law, you will be informed in advance of any reasonable copying or administrative charges.
To authorize the release of records, you will be required to complete and sign a Release of Information form, which will be provided through the patient portal.
Contacting the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
You have the right to have concerns or complaints addressed in a timely and respectful manner. We encourage clients to raise concerns directly so we may attempt to resolve them collaboratively.
If concerns cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact the licensing authority responsible for oversight of psychologists and other behavioral health providers in Texas.
For information regarding licensure, professional standards, or to file a complaint, please visit:
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council – Contact Us(https://bhec.texas.gov/contact-us/ )
Filing a Consumer Complaint
If you believe your health information privacy or security rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with the Texas Office of the Attorney General, which oversees consumer privacy and data security matters related to health care services.
Texas Office of the Attorney General — Consumer Protection (file a complaint)
(https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint)
If you have additional questions, please visit our Contact (https://www.genteliberated.com/contact-8)p(https://www.genteliberated.com/contact-8)age and submit your inquiry there.
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