FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do you offer online therapy?

Yes, at this time I am offering online services only. Thanks to technology, you can now get the highest standards of care with a professional licensed counselor from the comfort of your home, your office, or your favorite couch. Whether it is early in the morning, or after the kids go to bed, online counseling may be a great and convenient choice for you!
Is online therapy as effective as in-person?

Yes! Research has found that online therapy can be effective at treating multiple areas of mental health including anxiety, depression, and trauma. According to the National Center for Health Research, there is no difference in patient satisfaction(center4research.org). Research also shows that online therapy is effective for diagnosis, treatment, and assessments across many populations including adults, children, geriatrics, and ethnic (ncbi.nim.nhi.gov). For clients that have never sought care from a therapist due to various barriers-including concerns about being seen at a counseling office, the option to obtain services online can be a port of entry into mental health care. Today, more and more people are choosing online therapy for its convenience and flexibility.
Is online therapy right for everyone?

Online therapy or Telehealth can be an effective and convenient way to access mental health services. But it is not always right for everyone. Depending on your condition and the severity of your symptoms, your counselor will tell you if telehealth may be appropriate for you.
Do you accept insurance?

We are currently not accepting insurance. If you have insurance, you may seek reimbursement from them. We can provide you with a superbill to use when filing a claim, but there is no guarantee your insurance will provide any reimbursement.
Who do you counsel, and what issues do you treat?

I counsel adult men and women (18 +), and couples, in both English and Spanish, in the State of Texas. The following are my areas of specialization: TRAUMA PTSD & C-PTSD COUPLES THERAPY ANXIETY WOMEN’S ISSUES DEPRESSION PARENTING CONCERNS GRIEF and LOSS SPIRITUAL ISSUES CODEPENDENCY AGING ISSUES ANGER ISSUES BURNOUT CAREGIVER FATIGUE SELF-CARE RESTORING YOUR TRUE IDENTITY REBUILDING YOUR LIFE
Do you provide a Good Faith Estimate?

Yes. I provide every client with a GFE. Under the No Surprises Act (H.R. 133 – effective January 1, 2022), health care providers need to give clients who do not have insurance or self-pay clients, an estimate of the bill for counseling services. Your personal total cost of services will depend upon the number of psychotherapy sessions you attend, your individual circumstances, and the type and amount of services that are provided to you. This estimate is not a contract and does not obligate you to obtain any services from the provider(s) listed, nor does it include any services rendered to you that are not identified here. Note: A Good Faith Estimate is for your awareness only and does not require immediate financial commitment or payment. To learn more, go to www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059.
What are your fees?

Session fees are set based on experience and level of training and expertise. My rate is: $ 135 for 60-minute individual online session and, 60 minutes Couples online session. I do take a certain number of reduced-rate clients.
Are you an EMDR therapist?

Yes, I am. As an EMDR clinician, I have attended intensive, specialized post-master’s training and supervision to provide this type of therapy. EMDR requires a highly skilled therapist to work closely with you to ensure that you are not re-traumatized or experience adverse effects.
Can EMDR be done online? And is it effective?

Yes, it is possible, and research shows that EMDR ONLINE is highly effective as it is in person (Barack et al., 2007). EMDR's goal is to work through past traumas or events that have not been overcome and continue today. At PEACE BE WITH YOU Counseling, we work with a virtual platform designed for online EMDR which is HIPPA compliant. It is very easy to use, and was built for bilateral stimulation. My clients are happy with this option and feel as comfortable as when doing it in person.
What do LPC, NCC, and HIPPA mean?

LPC stands for Licensed Professional Counselor. NCC stands for National Certified Counselor. HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It is a federal law about national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge.
I am not computer savvy, what shall I do?

I understand that you may feel a little intimidated. Let me explain how it works. You’ll need a computer, a tablet, or phone with an internet connection, and you may want to have the session in a space where you can have privacy. I will send you an email with a link to join me for the online session. At the time of the session you will click on the link and it will open the session screen where you will see me. If you encounter any problems, you can contact me by email at valeria@peacebewithyoucounseling.com, or text/ or call me at (979)475 2455 and I will call you right away.
Do you counsel Christians and Catholics only?

I offer therapy for all those who need it! While the mission at PEACE BE WITH YOU Counseling is to provide therapy integrating mental health care in the light of the Christian Catholic faith, all people are welcome and their beliefs are respected.
Do you counsel in Spanish, too?

Yes, I counsel clients in English and Spanish.
How to prepare for my first online session?

I understand that starting counseling can be a scary step, but it’s one of the bravest things you can do for yourself. Still, it’s understandable to be nervous, hesitant, or skeptical. It is normal and expected because we all have a natural fear of the unknown, of what is new. A good way to prepare is to ask yourself, “What do I want to gain from therapy? What do I want to improve, change, or heal? Do I need to acquire new tools to cope with my problems? Make a list of the issues that prompted you to seek counseling and if you are unsure of what your goals are, don’t worry, we can explore your concerns together. In terms of the first session, it usually involves getting to know each other, reviewing your history, learning about your presenting concerns, and your desired goals. Please, feel free to ask any questions you may have. The counselor is there to help you, and what matters the most is you. The counselor is not there to judge you or make you feel bad in any way. It is all the contrary. It is to be empathetic, compassionate, and caring while making you feel accepted and safe.
What’s next?

If you choose to work with me, you can contact me in the following ways: • You can call me or text me at (979) 476 2455 and I I will be in touch with you directly to answer any question or schedule your appointment. • You can go to the contact page on this website, submit your information and I will be in touch with you directly to schedule your appointment. • You can email me at valeria@peacebewithyoucounseling.com.