CONNALLY COUNSELING

Services

Transgender Support Services

At Connally Counseling, we adhere to the WPATH suggested guidelines for therapists. Before we go further, we want to say we are pro-therapy. To us, therapy is different than the mental health assessment that is described in the WPATH Standards of Care (SOC) found on http://www.wpath.org.

Therapy is a commitment made by an individual that will allow them to explore their internal and external world and sit in the discomfort instead of run away from it. For a person who is transitioning, therapy is also a way to stay present. Even if someone feels confident about their transition and better about their life, a lot could instantly change.

From our experience, the highs are really high and the lows are really low. The lows are brought on by people treating you differently, family, relationship, and employment conflicts, and mood changes either due to hormones or after surgeries.

For all of these reasons, building a relationship with a therapist before the transition is a way to build a foundation that will be built upon as you move forward in life. Some people may need or benefit from seeing a therapist weekly, others bi-monthly and others just here and there when they need a check-in.

Autism Informed Psychotherapy

Therapists at Connally Counseling have been trained in recognizing and supporting neurodiverse individuals. We are proud to provide Autism informed psychotherapy. Often individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder struggle with depression, anxiety, troubled relationships, and engaging in activities not part of their restricted interests.  There are frequently ongoing difficulty interpreting and responding to social cues, relatively low social motivation, and isolation frequently interferes with relationships throughout the lifespan.

Research shows that individuals diagnosed with ASD are also at increased risk for depression beginning in adolescence when they begin to develop increased awareness of their difficulty establishing peer relationships, which is a pivotal developmental task during the adolescent phase. Anxiety is often associated with ASD, and can be problematic in many settings. Therapy can help with these issues and provide relief from symptoms.

Connally Counseling therapists recognize the intersection of gender dysphoria and Autism. We also understand folx on the spectrum often have non-monogamous relationships , or varied sexual interests. We appreciate those relationships and recognize them as a valid choice.

Most sessions are 60 minutes and cost $170. If you have insurance, your fee will be based on the contracted rate from your insurance company for in-network or out-of-network benefits. We accept insurance, out-of-network insurance benefits and self-pay. Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan.

Connally Counseling is in network with:

• Aetna (including Meritain)

• Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Blue Care Network

• Medicare

• Physician’s Health Plan

• Tricare East

• United Healthcare (Not Community Plan / HMP)

Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:

• Do I have mental health insurance benefits?

• What is my deductible and has it been met?

• How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?

• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

• Is approval required from my primary care physician?

• What is the difference between and in-network and an out-of-network provider?

• How do I file a claim for an out-of-network provider?

• How do I use my out of network insurance benefits?

You can utilize your out of network benefits to work with Connally Counseling. We would provide you with a Superbill, which is an invoice along with some specific diagnostic codes that justify why you have come to seek help. You would be responsible for the full fee at the beginning of each session, and then you would submit the Superbill to your insurance company for reimbursement of a percentage of the fee. Please call your insurance company to learn more about your specific benefits and how to complete this process. If you prefer, we will call your insurance to gather this information and then discuss it with you.

Forms of Payment

We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards. If you participate in a FSA, HSA, or HRA you will be able to use those funds towards therapy services.

Cancellation Policy

If you do not show up for your scheduled therapy appointment, and you have not notified us at least 24 hours in advance, you will be required to pay a $100 fee. No portion of this fee will be covered by insurance.