Common Questions
Is therapy right for me?
Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements. It varies depending on the personalities of the therapist and the client, and the particular problems you bring forward. In order for therapy to be most successful, you will need to work on ideas discussed both during our sessions and at home.
Psychotherapy has benefits and risks. Since therapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life, you may experience uncomfortable feelings. On the other hand, psychotherapy has also been shown to have benefits for those invested. Therapy often leads to improved relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reductions in feelings of distress.
There are no guarantees of what you will experience or the desired outcome.
Your motivation and commitment to the process has a tremendous impact on whether or not you find therapy to be a helpful experience.
How long will I need therapy?
The duration of therapy is something that is very difficult to predict. Some clients may get the help they need in only a few sessions, while others may choose to continue therapy for several months or years. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes.
What if I have questions or concerns during therapy?
You have the right to ask questions about anything that happens in therapy. It is important that we frequently discuss our relationship and any concerns you may have, so that we can work through them, or I can provide a referral. You can request that I refer you to someone else if you decide that I am not the right therapist for you. You are free to leave therapy at any time.
What is therapy like?
Each therapy session is unique and will be a different experience for each individual. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions.
During the first session, which is called an “intake” appointment, you will be asked basic questions concerning what brought you to therapy, what you hope to gain from this experience, present symptoms, and the like.
Please feel free to discuss this with me further if you have any questions or concerns.
Is therapy confidential?
Therapists understand that for individuals to feel comfortable sharing private and revealing information, they need a safe place to talk, without fear of that information leaving the room. Laws are in place to protect communications between a client and psychotherapist.
Information discussed in the therapy session is held confidential and will not be shared without written permission. There are, however, some situations written into law that deny me complete control over confidentiality of communication as follows:
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Suspected abuse or neglect to children, elderly, or the disabled. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
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If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to ensure safety of the individual. If an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
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If a client is threatening serious bodily harm of another person, the therapist is required to notify the police.
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If a client reports sexual contact with another therapist.
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If the therapist receives a court order, the therapist may be required to release information.
What if I have an emergency?
My practice is not setup for crisis care. If you need immediate attention, go to your nearest emergency room, call 911, or call one of the following hotlines: 512-472-HELP (4357) or 800-273-TALK (8255)
How do I request mental health records?
I am required to retain your records for 7 years, or 5 years after a former child has turned 18.
Texas law requires that requests for mental health records be made in writing.
To obtain your records please follow the steps below:
Submit a written request:
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Via Email. Email your written request and completed Authorization form to: kristen@counselingwithkristen.com
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Subject line: “REQUEST FOR RECORDS”
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Additional requirements (if applicable):
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Litigation-related records If records are requested for use in litigation, please include:
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Cause number
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Case title
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Court where the case is pending
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Business Records Affidavit
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If you require a Business Records Affidavit, indicate this in your request
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Fee: $15
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Affidavits will not be provided until payment is received
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Records fee
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Fee for providing records: $25 for electronic records
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Accepted payment methods: credit cards, or cash.
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Texas law does not require records to be released until fees are paid
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Couples, family, or third-party records If you are requesting:
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Couples counseling records
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Family counseling records
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Records for anyone other than yourself or your child
State and federal law require either:
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A valid Court Order, or
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An Authorization signed by the individual (or parent/legal guardian)
Relevant law: 45 C.F.R. §164.512(e); Texas Health & Safety Code §§611.004, 611.0045, 611.008
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Instructions for Attorneys and Document Companies
A subpoena alone is not sufficient to compel disclosure of confidential counseling or billing records, or other Protected Health Information (PHI), under HIPAA (45 C.F.R. Chapter 164).
For mental health or medical records requested or subpoenaed in litigation (including testimony), HIPAA permits disclosure only under the following circumstances:
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In response to a valid court or administrative tribunal order, or
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When the individual (or parent/legal guardian):
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Is a party to the proceeding
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Has notice that the PHI has been requested
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Does not object to the disclosure
An Authorization from the individual or parent satisfies this requirement.
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Relevant law: 45 C.F.R. §164.512(e)
Important Note
If the client or parent has indicated that they do not consent to release of records:
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A “Statement of Assurance” will not be accepted
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A valid Authorization or Court Order will be required
License Violation Concerns
If you believe a clinician has violated their code of ethics and/or scope of their licensing regulations, please contact the licensing board.
Click here to access the Texas Code.
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300
Austin, Texas 78701
(512) 305-7700
Investigations/Complaints 24-hour, toll-free system- (800) 821-3205