Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling and Mental Health Professionals
How long does it take to feel better with counseling?
It varies from person to person, but on average, it takes about 6-8 counseling sessions for most people to get on track for common issues. Some may see results after just a session or two, while others may need longer, more intensive therapy to help manage their circumstances.
What types of mental health professionals are there?
There are several types of mental health professionals. Each is licensed by the State of Texas to provide mental health services:
- Psychiatrists: Medical doctors (MD) specializing in brain chemistry and can prescribe medications.
- Psychologists: A Licensed Psychologist (LP) must have a doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D, DSW, or Psy.D) and can provide counseling and therapy services. They frequently provide in-depth assessments as well.
- Psychotherapists: Includes:
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC),
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), and
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
- An “S” at the end of these credentials (LPC-s, LCSW-s, LMFT-s) typically indicates a state-approved supervisor of post-graduate, pre-licensed individuals who are working on their supervised experience for full licensure
What’s the difference between counseling and therapy?
Counseling focuses on working through current emotional difficulties, while therapy (or psychotherapy) delves deeper into personal and family history to restructure old patterns affecting current life.
What about psychoanalysis?
Psychoanalysis is an intensive process examining life from earliest memories to present, often requiring 2-4 sessions per week for 5-10 years. Analysis is usually quite expensive.
If you’re ready to create positive changes in your life, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment with us today!
How to file a complaint
You have a right to have your complaints heard and resolved in a timely manner. If we cannot work things out to your satisfaction, you may file a complaint with our licensing board:
- Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 7.300
Austin, TX 78701
Telephone: 1-800-821-3205
Link to Complaint Form: http://www.bhec.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/BHEC-Complaint-Form.pdf
If you have a complaint concerning the HIPAA Privacy Regulations, you may contact the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, at: OCRMail@hhs.gov.
If you believe that you have a Consumer Complaint regarding the privacy and security of your health information, you may contact the Texas Office of the Attorney General and file a consumer complaint by clicking this link:
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/health-care/patient-privacy
Jonathan F. Anderson, LPC-s has worked in the helping profession since he started college in 1990. After completing his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas, Austin in 1994, he attended the highly-regarded University of Minnesota to earn his Master’s degree in 1997. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is recognized as a Board Approved Supervisor by the State of Texas Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Jonathan has completed Level-2 of the Gottman Method of Couples Counseling, and in 1998 received training by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation in Advanced Critical Incident Stress Management & Debriefing. To learn more about Jonathan’s practice, click here: Jonathan F. Anderson, LPC-s.