Question 1

How do I set up an appointment?

Accepted Answer

There are two ways to schedule an appointment, so you can choose the option that's easiest for you.
 
You can call me at (210) 777-2138.  I do my best to answer phone calls, but if you get my voicemail that means that I'm either in session or simply away from the phone.  Please feel free to leave a message on my confidential voicemail, and my assistant or I will return your call as soon as possible.
 
You can also send me a general inquiry though this website.  For your privacy, it's best to save details for when we can talk over the phone or in person.  
 
If you have any questions, just ask!  I'm here to help.  I sincerely look forward to hearing from you!

Question 2

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

Accepted Answer

If you need to cancel your appointment, please do so at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled session time.  You will be responsible for the full fee and charged for the time reserved when cancellations are received less than 24 hours in advance.

Question 3

Shouldn't I be able to handle this by myself?  Does seeing a therapist mean I'm weak or flawed?

Accepted Answer

Therapy has gotten a bad rap over the years.  In a society that tells us we need to "have it all" while appearing to "have it all together", asking for help can be difficult.  I urge my clients to view therapy as a healthy way to invest in themselves and their relationships, just as one might invest into a 401k or a college education to be better equippped for the future.  Therapy is no different.  It is a choice to make a proactive change in order to better yourself, your life and your relationships.  Therapy is an investment in yourself that allows you to heal from past wounds, grow into the person you aspire to be and thrive in your life and relationships.

Question 4

Questions that are helpful to ask your insurance company before our first appointment.

Accepted Answer

Do I need prior authorization in order to have my therapy sessions covered by my insurance plan?
 
What are my mental health benefits?
 
Do I have out-of-network coverage for my mental health care?  How much does my plan cover for out-of-network provider fees per session?
 
How many sessions does my plan cover per year?
 
Do I need a referral from my primary care physician?
 
What is my deductable?  What is the calendar year for my deductable?

Question 5

How long are sessions?

Accepted Answer

Meetings with individuals will typically be 50-55 minutes and occur on a weekly basis at a routinely scheduled time. We will generally meet on a weekly basis until we feel your concern is well-managed, then taper off treatment as time goes on.  It is my goal to get you functioning optimally, not to have a patient for life!

Question 6

What is an LCSW?

Accepted Answer

LCSW is short for Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  This means I am a therapist with a background in social work.  After I obtained my master’s degree in social work, I was supervised by a more experienced clinician for 2 years to practice and refine my counseling skills. After 2 years of supervision and with the approval from my clinical supervisor, I took and passed the test administered by the Association of Social Work Boards to become a clinical social worker.

Question 7

What is the difference between therapy and counseling?

Accepted Answer

I use the terms counseling, therapy and psychotherapy interchangeably, for the most part.  Each of these terms describes a process of talking to a counselor/therapist about issues in working towards better functioning and mental health.

Question 8

What is the difference between an LCSW, an LPC a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

All of the above-mentioned disciplines are in the business of helping folks live a better life by improving their mental health, but we all have slightly different approaches to how we accomplish that.  There are different educational tracks for each of these professions, and psychiatrists are the only ones listed above that have the ability to prescribe and manage medications for mental health.

Question 9

Is what we talk about going to be 100% confidential?

Accepted Answer

Short answer: Mostly. 
Long answer: There are some times that I am required to report information disclosed during session, such as the case of child or elderly abuse/neglect. I will break confidentiality if I feel that the client is at imminent risk of substantial physical harm to themselves or others for the safety of you and others.  If you wish to submit a claim to insurance to cover your therapy sessions, I will ask you to sign a disclosure form that allows me to disclose your diagnosis and treatment plan and other information that the insurance company requires for processing of claims.  Please know that I will make every effort to only release the minimum information about you that is necessary for the purpose requested.

Question 10

Do you take my insurance? Will this be covered by my insurance?

Accepted Answer

I do accept some insurances in my practice, but it is a shared responsibility for both you and I to confirm if I am within your insurance’s network of providers and what your copay will be.  Many people have health insurance that covers mental health, but please be aware that ongoing treatment requires me to submit a diagnosis to your insurance company to continued coverage.  If you wish to engage in therapy for personal growth or for consultation services, this may not be covered by your health plan, and may require you to pay out of pocket.

Question 11

Can you prescribe me medicine?

Accepted Answer

No, I cannot prescribe medication.  I am willing, with your permission, to work with your psychiatrist or physician to collaborate on a customized plan for your mental health.

Amie Kuykendall

LCSW-S

FAQ

Frequently asked questions