Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions *

  • Each therapy session is 45 minutes long. I bill using the standard mental health code (CPT 90834), which covers sessions between 38-52 minutes. This flexibility allows me to:

    • End naturally at a good stopping point rather than cutting off mid-conversation

    • Provide a few extra minutes when clinically beneficial

    • Ensure you're not charged more if we go slightly over time

    Your session fee remains the same whether the session is 45 minutes or runs closer to 52 minutes.

  • I am currently in-network with Aetna and Cigna.

    For clients with other insurance plans, I can provide a superbill (detailed receipt) that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement rates and coverage vary by plan, so I recommend contacting your insurance company directly to understand your out-of-network mental health benefits before starting services.

    Please note: My insurance panel status may change over time. If I transition out of a network you're using, I will give you advance notice and we'll work together to determine the best path forward for your care—whether that's continuing with out-of-network benefits, adjusting to a fee that works for you, or finding a referral that meets your needs.

  • My current fee for individual therapy is $175 per session for private pay clients.

    I offer a sliding scale for clients with financial need when I have space available. If you would benefit from a reduced fee, please reach out to discuss your situation. My goal is to make therapy accessible while maintaining the sustainability of my practice.

    For a complete breakdown of costs, current clients are provided with a Good Faith Estimate. Please see the document provided in your client portal or contact me to request one.

  • A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is a written estimate of the expected cost of your therapy services. Under federal law (the No Surprises Act), I am required to provide a Good Faith Estimate to clients who:

    • Are paying out-of-pocket (self-pay/private pay)

    • Have insurance but choose not to use it

    What's included in the GFE:

    • My contact information and credentials

    • Description of the services I expect to provide

    • The cost per session

    • An estimate of the total number of sessions and total cost

    • Information about your right to dispute bills

    When you'll receive it:

    • For appointments scheduled at least 3 business days in advance: within 1 business day of scheduling

    • You can also request an updated GFE at any time

    How it's provided:

    • Via email or through your client portal

    • You do not need to sign it, but you should keep it for your records

    If costs change:

    • I will provide an updated GFE if your treatment plan changes significantly or if my fees increase

    • If your actual bill is $400 or more than the GFE, you have the right to dispute the charges through a federal patient-provider dispute resolution process

  • If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice or no-show for a scheduled appointment, the full session fee will apply unless we can find a suitable time to reschedule within the same calendar week.

    I understand that life happens and unexpected situations arise. Please communicate with me as early as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule, and I will do what I can to accommodate you.

  • As a therapy client in Texas, you have the right to:

    • Informed consent about the nature of therapy, my qualifications, fees, and policies

    • Confidentiality of your health information, with specific exceptions required by law (such as imminent danger to self or others, child or elder abuse, or court orders)

    • Access to your health records upon request

    • Refuse or terminate treatment at any time

    • Ask questions about your treatment, diagnosis, or therapeutic approach

    • File a complaint with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council or other appropriate agencies

    • Receive a Good Faith Estimate of costs if you're a self-pay client

    • Be treated with dignity and respect

    • Participate in treatment planning and goal-setting

    For more detailed information about your rights and my policies, please refer to the Informed Consent document provided during intake.

  • You have the right to access your health care records at any time. To request your records:

    Email: amanda@slownsteadywellness.com
    Phone: (512) 580-7329 (text or call and leave a voicemail)
    Subject line: "Records Request"

    Include in your request:

    • Your full name and date of birth

    • The specific records you're requesting (e.g., session notes, treatment plans, specific date ranges)

    • Your preferred format (electronic PDF or paper copies)

    • Where you'd like the records sent

    I will respond to your request within 15 business days as required by Texas law. There may be a reasonable fee for copying and sending records, which I will in form you of before processing your request.

  • Your feedback and concerns are important. If you have a complaint about the services you received, you have several options:

    File a complaint with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC)

    The BHEC is the licensing and regulatory body that oversees Licensed Clinical Social Workers in Texas.

    Complaint forms and instructions: Complaints must be submitted on the official BHEC complaint form, available on their website.


    Time limits for filing:

    • General complaints: Within 5 years of termination of services

    • Sexual misconduct complaints: Within 7 years of termination of services OR within 3 years of when you discovered or should have discovered the conduct

    File a consumer complaint with the Texas Attorney General

    If you have concerns about billing practices, business conduct, or consumer protection issues: