Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find answers to your frequently asked questions below. If you don’t find the answer you are looking for, send a message here.

Questions about what to expect?

During a brief consultation by phone or device, you can ask questions to help you decide if Nacogdoches Counseling Services is a good fit for your needs. If it is, you will book and attend your first session, typically called an intake or assessment session. This session focuses on discussing expectations, consent, disclosure of the process, gathering information, and collaborating with you to develop your goals for counseling.

Sessions last approximately 50 minutes including a concluding few minutes to review the session and talk about what is next. This time is yours to ensure you understand everything that was discussed, actions to take, and goals following the session.

Questions about the counseling process?

Because everyone has a unique reason for coming to counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss what is happening in your life, your personal history as it relates to the reasons you are seeking services, and your progress (or any new insights you gain) from the previous counseling sessions. Depending on your specific needs, counseling can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to work through larger patterns in your life or because of your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).

It is important to understand that you will have greater results from counseling if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of counseling is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, you’ll get suggestions for things you can do outside of counseling – such as reading, journaling, noting behaviors, or taking action on goals. Readiness to make positive changes in their life are marked by an openness to new perspectives and seeking opportunities to take ownership of aspects of your life. Getting ready to change in itself can also be a goal.

Questions about how counseling can help?

Many benefits can come from participating in counseling. Counseling can provide support, problem-solving skills, and coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and life transitions. Many people also find that counseling can help with meeting personal growth goals, strengthen relationships, resolve family and marriage issues, and manage life on life’s terms. Counseling can help you gain a new perspective on personal challenges or help you find solutions. Benefits depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn and the development of supports and resources outside of counseling. Progress can include:

If you did not not find an answer on this frequently asked questions page, send me a message here.

Questions about counseling confidentiality?

Confidentiality is one of the most important parts of counseling. Trust is pivotal due to the personal and sensitive things often discussed in counseling. In your first session, you will discuss what this means and how it can affect you. You’ll be provided with your own copy and given the opportunity to ask any questions you have about confidentiality. Your information is only released if you give written permission or if it is required by law. Required release is limited only to:

For more information about limits of confidentiality, click here.

Questions about how to attend a session?

Due to safety and convenience, you can attend face to face or via tele-health on your device.

How do I prepare for a face to face visit?

Locally, face to face sessions are also an option. The most up to date information about safety precautions can be discussed in a consult meeting. Nacogdoches Counseling Services has a waiting, so please come in and have a seat and a counselor will be with you shortly.

How do I prepare for a tele-health visit?

Anyone in the state of Texas can be seen at Nacogdoches Counseling Services using their device for a tele-health appointment. You will receive a link once you set an appointment and will be prompted to download an app on your device. We use SimplePractice assured private videoconferencing to ensure security and confidentiality.

Questions about fees and payment?

Our private pay rates vary depending on the service and the counselor you work with. We offer a range of fee rates per clinician to help fit your budget. Please see below for the fee schedule and information. If you did not not find the answer you are looking for below, send us a message here.

Fee and Session Information