Frequently Asked Questions

• What insurance plans do you take?

  • We are ONLY In-Network with United Healthcare/Optum, Oscar, Medicare, Aetna, & BCBS. 

  • All other plans are Out-Of-Network. Clients with Out-of-Network coverage are considered "Private Pay" and are billed for each session. These clients must communicate with their insurance about the possibility of out of network reimbursement. A Superbill detailing session payments can be emailed to you for submission to your insurance company.  (There's a helpful form to use when calling your insurance found here).

• Do you take Medicaid?

  • Not at this time. 

  • Consider contacting Camino Real, Connections, or any of the Atascosa Health Clinics.

• Do you see children?

Kids 12 and older can attend sessions. Younger children require Play Therapy, and though most mental health professionals are trained in this area, it's best to find a practitioner who specializes in working with younger children.  Contact CAST if your child is younger and has experienced a traumatic event. 

• How do I make an appointment?

  • Appointments are scheduled using our online client portal.

  • Go here and click on the orange "Request an Appointment" button.  

  • Sessions must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. 

  • Please review the Cancellation Policy prior to registration. 

  • Once you are an established client, it is HIGHLY recommended that you use the client portal to book multiple appointments in advance to ensure you're able to be seen during the times you prefer. Evenings fill up especially fast!  Clients who do not book additional appointments w/in 30 days are considered inactive, but can become active once again by contacting us or scheduling a new appointment.

• Why can't I find an appointment for the evening I'm looking for?

Evenings are often only offered during the school year; Summer hours are different. If a date on the calendar is grey, there are no appointments left.  

• Why is a credit card required to schedule an appointment?

The credit card holds your appointment in place. Your card will be charged the full session fee if you cancel less than 24 hours in advance or if you don't show up for your session, since you reserved the hour and the therapist must be paid for their time.

• What is the best way to reach you?

  • Email Amanda@atascosacounselingservices.com or send a text with questions to (830) 580-1553. 

  • Calls/texts/emails are not answered outside of office hours (Mon-Thurs, 9am-3pm), or days the office is closed. Therapists do not respond to calls/text/emails during their sessions. Please contact the front office to leave a message for your counselor if needed.  

  • Please call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. 

• Can you see me as an individual and do couples counseling for me and my partner?

Yes.  It's common for each partner to come in for individual sessions outside of their scheduled couples appointment to work on stress management, self-esteem, and issues related to family or past relationships. Couples are required to review and sign the "limited secrets policy" prior to their first session.

• Do you provide absence letters for work or school?

Yes. Please be sure to let us know prior to your session that an excuse letter will be needed. There are no additional fees for excuse letters. Additional fees do apply for letters of verification required by the court or employers for mandated therapy.

• Can I schedule a Diagnostic Screening appointment if I'm not already a client?

It depends on what we're screening for, but usually, no. It's best that a therapist is familiar with you in order to make the most accurate assessment, which means you've been seen a few times before the diagnostic appointment. 

• Can I request a Letter of Verification if I'm not already a client?

No, this is a service offered for clients who have participated in regular sessions. If verification of regular attendance is needed for an employer or agency worker, please provide their name, phone number, and email address. There is a $25 fee for each letter of verification, as these must be completed outside of scheduled session times.  This policy also applies to Accommodation Request Letters.