Click Here For Flash Intro!

Special Thanks To Yuko Ohigashi
of Japan for generously allowing use
of her original, copyrighted
compositions on our site!
Copyright (c) 2001
Yuko Ohigashi. 
Used with permission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

What do all those initials behind the counselors names mean?       

LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)

LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)

QMRP (Qualified Mental Retardation Professional)

LMSW/ACP (Licensed Master Social Worker/Advanced Clinical Practitioner)

SWA (Social Work Associate)

LCDC (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor)

In addition to licensures through the State Licensing Boards of Texas, many therapists also have numerous credentials and membership affiliations, some of which have differing levels of membership based upon experience and evaluation.  In order to maintain licenses, professionals must submit CEU's (Continuing Education Units) yearly in specific areas as designated by the different licenses.

What is the difference between a 'shrink', psychiatrist, psychologist and psychotherapist?

"Shrink" is a slang word and usually refers to either a psychologist or psychiatrist.  A psychiatrist is an individual who has graduated from medical school,  with a specialty in psychiatry.  Psychiatrists are presently the only mental health professionals able to prescribe medication (as they are doctors/physicians).  A licensed psychologist has obtained a doctoral degree and has passed an exam allowing licensure.  Psychologists also provide testing (such as for school problems, ADD/ADHD, etc.).  Psychotherapists (LMFT, LPC, LMSW/ACP) have a minimum of a master's degree and have passed board exams pertaining to their particular specialty.  They may also have doctoral degrees (listed as Ph.D or Ed.D).  They are usually considered 'talk therapists' and many also provide other types of therapy.  Even though fees vary widely between the different groups (many times based upon years of experience, location, etc.), usually the psychotherapist is least expensive, then the psychologist, then the psychiatrist.  Be sure to inquire regarding fees, however, as fees are set by each office independently and may vary depending upon the type of testing, med. management or counseling provided.  In order for licenses to be renewed, evidence of continuing education, as required by each separate licensing board, must be submitted, usually on a yearly basis.

How do I know which type of therapist is best?

We have set up our site to take some of the 'guesswork' out of the selection process for you by providing information which lists the therapist's experience, licensures and background!  Also, by clicking on 'topics', our site will direct you to therapists who work in particular areas.  By clicking on the different therapists names and finding out information about then, you are then able to see which therapist may be most appropriate for you.

After making the selection, we recommend you contact the therapist's office for information about hours, fees or questions regarding insurance.   

What about confidentiality?

Confidentiality exists in most cases, however your insurance company may require that the therapist disclose confidential information before payment is made for your sessions.  Some insurance companies do not require that confidential information be disclosed, however, others require it from the initial (diagnostic session) forward.  If this is a concern, please discuss this with your insurance carrier or your therapist.  Therapists may be required to release confidential information if court ordered by a judge.  Some individuals prefer to pay for sessions 'out-of-pocket' to prevent insurance companies from having information.  

Reporting abuse?

Therapists will report abuse or suspected abuse of a child, the elderly or handicapped to appropriate authorities, as required by law.  

What if we need counseling, but family members (or spouse) resist or refuse to go?

Take care of yourself!  If a family (or family member) is resistant to counseling, you may still need help in dealing with a difficult situation or environment.  A therapist will provide tools to help you make goals, seek options and prevent the likelihood of depression.  Oftentimes, family members who were originally resistant to the counseling process may decide at a later date to participate with you.  Either way, your own mental and emotional health will be stronger.