What is the process?

You will start with an intial session. During this time, your therapist will ask a great deal of historical information. If you have any notes, psychological or information from other providers, please bring this to the initial session. All of this information will help with formulation of the treatment plan.
The next phase is Discussion of Treatment Plan: Within a reasonable period of time after the initiation of treatment, your therapist will discuss with you their working understanding of the problem, treatment plan, therapeutic objectives and their view of the possible outcomes of treatment. If you have any unanswered questions about any of the procedures used in the course of your therapy, their possible risks, your therapist’s expertise in employing them, or about the treatment plan, please ask and you will be answered fully. You also have the right to ask about other treatments for your condition and their risks and benefits. If you could benefit from any treatment that your therapist does not provide, your therapist has an ethical obligation to assist you in obtaining these treatments.
You will then begin therapy on the established plan of weekly, biweekly, monthly, etc sessions. Participation in therapy can result in a number of benefits to you, including improving interpersonal relationships and resolution of the specific concerns that led you to seek therapy. Working toward these benefits; however, requires effort on your part. Psychotherapy requires your very active involvement, honesty, and openness in order to change your thoughts, feelings, and/or behavior. Your therapist will ask for your feedback and views on your therapy, its progress, and other aspects of the therapy, and will expect you to respond openly and honestly.
During therapy, remembering, or talking about unpleasant events, feelings, or thoughts can result in you experiencing considerable discomfort or strong feelings of anger, sadness, worry, fear, etc … or experiencing anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc. Your therapist may challenge some of your assumptions or perceptions, or propose different ways of looking at, thinking about, or handling situations that can cause you to feel upset, angry, depressed, challenged, or disappointed. Attempting to resolve issues that brought you to therapy in the first place, such as personal or interpersonal relationships, may result in changes that were not originally intended. Psychotherapy may result in decisions about changing behaviors, employment, substance use, schooling, housing or relationships. Sometimes a decision that is positive for one family member is viewed quite negatively by another family member. Change will sometimes be easy and swift, but more often it will be slow and even frustrating. There is no guarantee that psychotherapy will yield positive or intended results.

Do I have to be in therapy for a long time?

Terminating Treatment: LaKettra believes in working towards an established goal. When you and she agree that you have achieved and maintained the success that you would like to have, therapy will end. She will always make herself available for services, but she does not believe in never-ending therapy. Additionally, you always have the option to terminate treatment at any time, for any reason. It is customary to discuss this with your therapist in session, so that any concerns either you or your therapist have may be adequately addressed. If your therapist feels that therapy is not benefiting you, your therapist will also discuss this with you.

How much does it cost?

 Sessions are $130 for initial, $110 for each additional 45 minute session and $120 for each 60 minute session. Family and couples sessions are $130 for the initial and $120 for each additional session. These rates are effective as of December 1, 2013.

Do you accept my insurance?

At present, the following insurance plans are accepted:
Humana, BCBSTX, United Healthcare, Aetna, Superior, Seton Health Plan-Medicaid and Chip only, Sendero, Traditional Medicaid and Medicare If your insurance company is not listed, please feel free to contact them and ask that we be added to the panel if you would like to have our services.

What happens if I miss a session?

Effective October 1, 2014, there is a $120 charge for missed sessions without a 24 hour cancellation notice. Excessive incidents of missed sessions will result in referral to an alternate provider for services.

Do you ever take free clients?

Yes, we carry one pro-bono client at a time. Please call the office to see if there is availability for free services. We also offer sliding scale services based on income and ability to pay on a limited basis.

Are you available for after-hour appointments?

Yes, we are flexible and will work to meet your needs with in reason. LaKettra Priestly also offers Concierge services for an additional fee. Please call us for more details.

What should I do if I am in an emergency?

If you believe you are experiencing an mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.