FAQs

What is therapy?

1

Therapy is a collaborative process that can help you better understand yourself, navigate life’s challenges, develop healthier ways of coping, and work toward meaningful change. In Texas, professional counseling involves using mental health, psychotherapeutic, and human development principles to support personal development and address mental, emotional, and behavioral concerns.

At Cielito Counseling and Wellness, PLLC, therapy is a space to slow down, feel heard, and work through what’s weighing on you - without judgment and at your own pace.

2

What services do you offer?

Cielito Counseling and Wellness, PLLC offers flexible, virtual mental health services designed to meet you where you are, including:

  • Virtual Individual Counseling — 50-minute one-on-one therapy sessions tailored to your goals and needs.

  • Virtual Support Groups — Facilitated groups offering connection, support, and shared experiences around specific areas of concern.

  • Walk-and-Talk Therapy — A 50-minute structured telehealth therapy option that combines movement and counseling/therapy in an outdoor setting.

  • Virtual Immigration Evaluations — Immigration evaluations are written reports for immigration-related matters, including hardship and other qualifying evaluations.

Safety Disclaimer: To provide a safe and appropriate level of care, virtual counseling and support groups are not appropriate for individuals experiencing active psychotic symptoms or disorders, active suicidal or homicidal ideation, or a history of chronic suicidal or homicidal ideation or suicide/homicide attempts. If a higher level of care is needed, appropriate referrals will be provided. In an emergency contact 911, if you are experiencing a mental health crisis visit your nearest ER or call/text 988.

Do you accept insurance?

3

At Cielito Counseling and Wellness, our goal is to make therapy as accessible as possible. We understand that everyone’s financial circumstances and preferences are different, which is why we offer both insurance-based and self-pay options.

If you choose to use your insurance benefits, your insurance plan may have specific coverage requirements, limitations, deductibles, copays, or other out-of-pocket costs that apply to mental health services. Insurance plans may also have requirements related to the type, frequency, or duration of services covered.

Cielito Counseling and Wellness currently accepts the following insurance plans:

  • Aetna

  • Ascension (SmartHealth)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas

  • Carelon Behavioral Health

  • Cigna

  • Curative

  • Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey

  • Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania

Because coverage varies by plan, we recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm your mental health benefits, including your deductible, copay or coinsurance, and any other applicable out-of-pocket expenses.

Self-Pay

You also have the option to pay privately for therapy rather than using insurance. Some clients choose self-pay for greater flexibility and privacy or because their insurance plan may not always meet their needs.

Below, you’ll find additional information to help you compare the insurance and self-pay options and determine which may be the best fit for you.

Benefits self-pay therapy can offer:

  • Greater privacy and control. When you use insurance, your insurance company may require information about your diagnosis, treatment, and medical necessity. With self-pay, you have more control over whether your therapy is submitted to an insurance company.

  • Personalized treatment. Your care can be based on your individual goals and circumstances rather than what an insurance plan considers medically necessary or covered.

  • More flexibility. We can determine the frequency and length of treatment based on your needs, rather than your insurance benefits or authorization requirements.

  • Continuity of care. You can continue working toward your goals without having to navigate changing insurance networks, deductibles, or coverage restrictions.

  • A space for concerns that don't fit neatly into a diagnosis. You don't have to wait until you're in crisis or meet a specific diagnostic requirement to seek support. Therapy can also be a place to navigate life transitions, relationships, motherhood, grief, identity, stress, and personal growth.

I know choosing to pay out of pocket for therapy is an investment. My goal is to make that investment feel worthwhile by providing thoughtful, individualized care in a space where you can be fully yourself.

What does the therapeutic process look like?

4

We’ll start with a free 15-minute consultation to briefly discuss what brings you to therapy, answer questions, and determine whether Cielito Counseling feels like a good fit. If I’m not the right fit for your needs, I’m happy to provide referrals.

If we decide to work together, we’ll schedule a virtual intake session where we’ll talk about your history, current concerns, and goals for therapy. Together, we’ll develop a treatment plan that feels realistic and meaningful for you.

From there, we’ll schedule ongoing virtual therapy sessions based on your needs, goals, and what works best for you.

5

What can I expect from a support group?

If you’re interested in a support group, you’ll first complete a Support Group Request Form. I’ll review your responses to make sure the group is an appropriate and supportive fit for your needs.

To keep groups personalized, comfortable, and safe, participation is limited to approximately 5–6 individuals per group. Once you’re accepted into the group, you’ll receive a secure link with the details for joining virtually.

Immigration evaluations typically include two virtual sessions.

During the first session, we’ll complete a comprehensive interview and assessment and review the information relevant to your evaluation. The first installment payment is due at this time.

During the second session, we’ll review the information gathered for accuracy, clarify anything needed, and complete the evaluation process and report. The second installment payment is due at this time.

Because each evaluation is unique, the process may vary depending on the type of immigration evaluation being completed.

What is the process for an immigration evaluation?

6

Do you provide services outside of Texas?

7

Due to Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) licensing regulations, Cielito Counseling and Wellness PLLC is only able to provide counseling services to clients who are physically located in the state of Texas at the time of their telehealth session.

Because therapy is provided virtually, we will verify your location and safety at the beginning of each session. Clients must be physically present in Texas when attending virtual counseling appointments, even if they are a Texas resident traveling or temporarily located elsewhere.

If you are outside of Texas, we will be required to reschedule our appointment.