How does online therapy work?
Online therapy works similarly to in-person therapy. Instead of meeting in an office, we use a secure video conferencing platform to conduct our sessions. You’ll need a stable internet connection, a quiet, private space, and a device with a webcam and microphone. A smartphone or laptop are perfect to connect! Once you begin services, you will sign up to our client portal, from which you will be able to start your sessions moving forward.
How do I book an appointment?
If you are a new client, our 15 minute free consultation is a great place to start! Easily book by clicking the “Make An Appointment” button, and selecting your appointment slot. Your therapist will give you a phone call at that time. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes! We accept Aetna, Cigna, Optum, UnitedHealthcare, Oscar, and Oxford. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is coming soon!
Please note that it is the responsibility of our clients to verify their insurance benefits, as the cost of services may vary depending on the insurance provider.
If we do not accept your insurance plan, we can provide you with superbills that you can submit to your provider for reimbursement for out-of-network services. Most PPO insurance plans have out-of-network therapy benefits. You’ll need to check with your insurance provider to determine if they reimburse for out-of-network therapy.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
A sliding scale for services is available for clients experiencing exceptional financial hardship and is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Do you prescribe medication?
Polaris Behavioral Services does not offer medication prescription services at this time. If medication is something you’re interested in exploring, we recommend you consult with a psychiatrist or your primary care physician who can discuss this option with you and oversee any necessary prescriptions.
What happens during the initial free 15 minute consultation?
In the initial free 15-minute consultation, we engage in an informal chat about what brings you to therapy and how we might approach your unique needs. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the therapy process, giving you a feel of our approach and seeing if it resonates with you.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
The overall duration of therapy can vary, with some clients seeing significant change in a few months, while others may continue therapy for a year or more. No therapist can or should predict how long a client will be in treatment since this is highly dependent on your personal goals and the pace at which you choose to work.
What should I do if I have an urgent mental health issue?
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, it’s crucial to get help immediately. If there’s an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, which is available 24/7, via call or online chat. Polaris Behavioral Services is not equipped to handle immediate crises.
Do you work with children or families?
No. We exclusively provide mental health services for individual adults, couples, and intimate relationships. While we do not work with children and families directly, we are happy to offer referrals and support in finding appropriate resources for their specific requirements.
Do I have to be in Texas to receive services?
Yes, due to licensing restrictions, our services are available to residents of Texas only. Importantly, you must also be physically present within the state of Texas during the therapy session, even for online sessions. This applies even if you are a Texas resident but temporarily out of state.
What is your policy for communication between sessions?
We believe in maintaining open and clear communication with our clients. You are welcome to contact us via email or phone for any concerns or questions you might have between sessions. Your therapist will get back to you in the next 24-48 business hours. Please note, however, that these channels should not be used for emergencies.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations and rescheduling of services must be made at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled appointment. Late cancel or no-show appointments will be charged a $100 no-show fee. The no-show fee is not applicable for the initial consultation.
Are your services LGBTQIA+ and alternative lifestyle knowledgeable?
Yes! Our services are inclusive, affirming, and knowledgeable of alternative lifestyles, sexualities, gender identities, and relationship dynamics; including polyamory, non-monogamy, BDSM and kink dynamics, and the swinger community. We commit to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all of our clients.
How often will we meet and how long is a therapy session?
The frequency and duration of therapy are determined on an individual basis, depending on the specifics of your situation and the goals you wish to achieve. Typically, sessions are held once a week, and each session lasts from 50 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the service. The overall duration of therapy can vary, with some clients seeing significant change in a few months, while others may continue therapy for a year or more.
How does online therapy work?
Online therapy works similarly to in-person therapy. Instead of meeting in an office, we use a secure video conferencing platform to conduct our sessions. You’ll need a stable internet connection, a quiet, private space, and a device with a webcam and microphone. A smartphone or laptop are perfect to connect! Once you begin services, you will sign up to our client portal, from which you will be able to start your sessions moving forward.
How do I book an appointment?
If you are a new client, our 15 minute free consultation is a great place to start! Easily book by clicking the “Make An Appointment” button, and selecting your appointment slot. Your therapist will give you a phone call at that time. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes! We accept Aetna, Cigna, Optum, UnitedHealthcare, Oscar, and Oxford. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is coming soon!
Please note that it is the responsibility of our clients to verify their insurance benefits, as the cost of services may vary depending on the insurance provider.
If we do not accept your insurance plan, we can provide you with superbills that you can submit to your provider for reimbursement for out-of-network services. Most PPO insurance plans have out-of-network therapy benefits. You’ll need to check with your insurance provider to determine if they reimburse for out-of-network therapy.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
A sliding scale for services is available for clients experiencing exceptional financial hardship and is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Do you prescribe medication?
Polaris Behavioral Services does not offer medication prescription services at this time. If medication is something you’re interested in exploring, we recommend you consult with a psychiatrist or your primary care physician who can discuss this option with you and oversee any necessary prescriptions.
What happens during the initial free 15 minute consultation?
In the initial free 15-minute consultation, we engage in an informal chat about what brings you to therapy and how we might approach your unique needs. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the therapy process, giving you a feel of our approach and seeing if it resonates with you.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
The overall duration of therapy can vary, with some clients seeing significant change in a few months, while others may continue therapy for a year or more. No therapist can or should predict how long a client will be in treatment since this is highly dependent on your personal goals and the pace at which you choose to work.
What should I do if I have an urgent mental health issue?
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, it’s crucial to get help immediately. If there’s an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, which is available 24/7, via call or online chat. Polaris Behavioral Services is not equipped to handle immediate crises.
Do you work with children or families?
No. We exclusively provide mental health services for individual adults, couples, and intimate relationships. While we do not work with children and families directly, we are happy to offer referrals and support in finding appropriate resources for their specific requirements.
Do I have to be in Texas to receive services?
Yes, due to licensing restrictions, our services are available to residents of Texas only. Importantly, you must also be physically present within the state of Texas during the therapy session, even for online sessions. This applies even if you are a Texas resident but temporarily out of state.
What is your policy for communication between sessions?
We believe in maintaining open and clear communication with our clients. You are welcome to contact us via email or phone for any concerns or questions you might have between sessions. Your therapist will get back to you in the next 24-48 business hours. Please note, however, that these channels should not be used for emergencies.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations and rescheduling of services must be made at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled appointment. Late cancel or no-show appointments will be charged a $100 no-show fee. The no-show fee is not applicable for the initial consultation.
Are your services LGBTQIA+ and alternative lifestyle knowledgeable?
Yes! Our services are inclusive, affirming, and knowledgeable of alternative lifestyles, sexualities, gender identities, and relationship dynamics; including polyamory, non-monogamy, BDSM and kink dynamics, and the swinger community. We commit to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all of our clients.
How often will we meet and how long is a therapy session?
The frequency and duration of therapy are determined on an individual basis, depending on the specifics of your situation and the goals you wish to achieve. Typically, sessions are held once a week, and each session lasts from 50 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the service. The overall duration of therapy can vary, with some clients seeing significant change in a few months, while others may continue therapy for a year or more.
Still have questions?
Send us a message!