Frequently Asked Questions
Who knew that when you started your search for counseling in San Antonio that you would find so many options and be left with SO many questions? Let us help by answering some of your questions before you decide if we are right for you.
How long do counseling sessions typically last, and what is the cost?
A typical counseling session is 45-50 minutes long and ranges in price from $40-180, depending on which counselor you choose. For couples therapy, marriage counseling, and family therapy, your counselor may recommend longer sessions, which incur additional costs.
Latasha Teamer, MS, LPC, LMFT- Play Therapist and Christian Counselor
$150 Individual 50-minutes session
$180 Marriage/Couple/Family 50-minute session
Hayley Willis, MS, NCC, LPC-EMDR and Trauma Specialist
$150 Individual 50-minutes session
Jasmine Wilson, MS, LMFT-A - Level 3 Gottman Trained Relationship Specialist
$125 Individual 50-minutes session
$180 Marriage/Couple/Family 50-minute session
$220 Marriage/Couple/Family 90-minute session
Cait Martinez, MS, LMFT-Associate - Adult and Teen Counselor
ChampVA and Medicaid
$125 Individual 50-minutes session
$150 Marriage/Couple/Family 50-minute session
Rates for Graduate Interns are $40 per session
*Play Therapy sessions are 45-minutes
*As of January 2022 you are entitled to receive a good faith estimate of the costs of 12 months of counseling services. This does NOT mean that counseling will take 12 months. It often does not. If the cost of counseling exceeds the good faith estimate by more than $400, you have the right to dispute the charges. Please click here to start a dispute or see a detailed description of the dispute process.
What happens during the first counseling session?
We get to know more about you by digging deeper into the information provided in your intake paperwork. We get a good idea of what you want to change, as a result of coming to see us. We then agree upon treatment goals, and provide information on how we can help you reach your goals. We look into the things that have stopped you from reaching your goals in the past and begin to make a plan to successfully navigate past, current, and potential future challenges.
How will I know what is happening when my child attends counseling?
We offer parent progress meetings on a monthly basis. This gives your assigned counselor the opportunity to hear your parental observations while sharing their clinical observations. Should your assigned counselor have suggestions for you to implement in between sessions, he/she will allot 5 minutes at the end of your child’s session to share their suggestions with you. You also have access to secured messages that can be used to communicate with your assigned counselor throughout the duration of your child’s services.
What if I have to reschedule or cancel an appointment?
Consistency is vital to achieving desired results in counseling. However, if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you must call us within 24 hours of your appointment to avoid same day cancellation charges or no-show fees.
How long will I need to come to counseling?
After determining that we will be a good fit for your needs, we ask for an initial commitment of at least 8 sessions. Initial sessions are done weekly, as research shows greater clinical outcomes being correlated to session frequency. Our goal is the help you feel better faster.
We check in and measure progress on a weekly basis but complete a formal evaluation of treatment goal progression at the beginning of every quarter. During this formal evaluation, we identify if treatment goals have been met and maintained, if referrals should be made for continued treatment with another provider, or if we continue to work on desired goals. This process is collaborative, and we value your input and feedback.
How will counseling help me or my family?
Seeking professional counseling shows your commitment to living a healthier, more productive life. Participation in counseling allows you to find new ways to manage or improve social and emotional communication, build effective relationships management and conflict resolution skills, and improve overall functioning. In many cases, your unique presenting concerns can be improved or completely alleviated.
Are sessions covered by my insurance?
In most instances, yes. However, it is important to understand that insurance companies only cover services that are medically necessary. Your initial consultation or intake session is used to determine the medical necessity of services. If the services that you request are not medically necessary and a relevant diagnosis cannot be assigned to your presenting concern, you would be required to pay for services out of pocket.
Please check our Fees page for a list of insurance companies that we are in network with. For insurance companies, that consider us an "out of network" provider, superbills are provided for you to submit to your insurance company for possible "out of network" reimbursement. The amount of reimbursement depends on the requirements of your specific insurance plan.
Do you have evening and weekend appointments available?
Yes. Our normal business hours are Monday through Friday 9:00am-7:00pm, and Saturday from 9:00am-1:00pm. However, please note that different counselors have different availability. If you are needing specific hours or days, please contact our office to determine which counselor would be most beneficial for your preferences.
Where do sessions take place?
We offer in-person and online counseling sessions. For in-person sessions, our San Antonio office is located at 16170 Jones Maltsberger, Bldg. 100 San Antonio, TX 78247 and our Schertz office is located at 1996 Schertz Pkwy, Ste 402, Schertz, TX 78154.
If you choose online counseling, we serve anyone that lives in Texas. These sessions can take place in any confidential space of your choosing. Please ensure that this space is also free of distractions.
I’m ready to start counseling with HOPE Therapeutic Alliance; what do I do next?
Schedule your 15 minute consultation by clicking here. You can also call our main line at 210-294-4264.