I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if you are struggling with OCD, you need someone trained in administering ERP to reduce your symptoms.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.
How does ERP work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is composed of two parts; Exposure involves literally exposing yourself to your fears (don’t worry, we do this gradually according to your comfortability level). This can be exposure to literal objects, such as touching a “contaminated” door handle, or exposing oneself to thoughts, feelings, images, or urges which might be feared or anxiety-provoking.
The point of Exposure is to practice Response Prevention (sometimes called Ritual Prevention) which essentially means resisting engaging in compulsions. Which can be very difficult at times and requires practice. This is why we will also be leaning heavily into self-compassion for inevitable setbacks as well as aspects of mindfulness to help us focus on the present moment rather than fears of the future.
If you’re ready to confront some of your biggest fears and take your life back from OCD and severe anxiety, we will work together to create an individualized plan for you to overcome your obstacles and live a more abundant life!
How long will it take?
Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to accomplish their goals depends on individual factors. However, the goal is for you to learn the skills you need to be successful in addressing your symptoms of OCD and anxiety so you can live your life the way you want to; and then take those skills and continue to practice them on your own outside of counseling.
How can I file a complaint?
You have a right to have your complaints heard and resolved in a timely manner. If we cannot work things out to your satisfaction, you may file a complaint with our licensing board:
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 7.300Austin, TX 78701Telephone: 1-800-821-3205Link to Complaint Form: http://www.bhec.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/BHEC-Complaint-Form.pdf.
If you have a complaint concerning the HIPAA Privacy Regulations, you may contact the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, at: [email protected].
If you believe that you have a Consumer Complaint regarding the privacy and security of your health information, you may contact the Texas Office of the Attorney General and file a consumer complaint by clicking this link:https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/health-care/patient-privacy
How do I request mental health records?
Texas law requires that requests for mental health records be made in writing.
To obtain your records, or your child’s records, please follow the steps below:
Submit a written request
Choose one of the following options:
- Via Patient Portal Complete our HIPAA-compliant Authorization form and submit it through the patient portal of Abundant Life Counseling our electronic health records system.
- Subject line: “REQUEST FOR RECORDS”
- Include:
- The specific records you are requesting
- The name, address, and/or email address of the intended recipient
- Via Email (if you do not have portal access) Email your written request and completed Authorization form to: [email protected]
- Subject line: “REQUEST FOR RECORDS”
Additional requirements (if applicable):
- Litigation-related records If records are requested for use in litigation, please include:
- Cause number
- Case title
- Court where the case is pending
- Business Records Affidavit
- If you require a Business Records Affidavit, indicate this in your request
- Fee: $15
- Affidavits will not be provided until payment is received
- Records fee
- Fee for providing records: $25 for electronic records
- Accepted payment methods: credit cards or cash.
- Texas law does not require records to be released until fees are paid
- Couples, family, or third-party records If you are requesting:
- Couples counseling records
- Family counseling records
- Records for anyone other than yourself or your child
State and federal law require either:
- A valid Court Order, or
- An Authorization signed by the individual (or parent/legal guardian)
Relevant law: 45 C.F.R. §164.512(e); Texas Health & Safety Code §§611.004, 611.0045, 611.008
Instructions for Attorneys and Document Companies
A subpoena alone is not sufficient to compel disclosure of confidential counseling or billing records, or other Protected Health Information (PHI), under HIPAA (45 C.F.R. Chapter 164).
For mental health or medical records requested or subpoenaed in litigation (including testimony), HIPAA permits disclosure only under the following circumstances:
- In response to a valid court or administrative tribunal order, or
- When the individual (or parent/legal guardian):
- Is a party to the proceeding
- Has notice that the PHI has been requested
- Does not object to the disclosure
An Authorization from the individual or parent satisfies this requirement.
Relevant law: 45 C.F.R. §164.512(e)
Important Note
If the client or parent has indicated that they do not consent to release of records:
- A “Statement of Assurance” will not be accepted
- A valid Authorization or Court Order will be required