Finding the Right Therapist
Let's face it, quality therapy is a major commitment of your time, money and energy. This is probably an important decision for you and your family. We understand. It's hard to put your needs first, when you've been putting everyone else's needs ahead of your own. We can help you learn to put yourself first and still have the relationship you want.
This is about you. This is an investment in you, your life and your mental health. We believe that there is no better investment. You are worth the time, energy and commitment. What you can find here is a safe and open space to build trust, share your story, build self-awareness and work together to change behavior, thoughts and beliefs. We strongly believe a successful therapeutic relationship is vital to enhancing your personal strengths and mobilizes for change in your life.
To make sure that this decision is a good fit for you, we offer a free 15-minute initial consultation, where you can ask a therapist any questions and get a sense of what it would be like to work with them in therapy.
Services and Rates
Initial Consultation
15 minute Phone Consultation with a Therapist - FREE
Individual Adult Psychotherapy
50 minute psychotherapy session with Michele Purvin, LCSW-S, LCDC
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$135
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A comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment combined with continued evaluation followed by a diagnosis and treatment plan. Using specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, conditions and addictions, including severe mental illness and serious emotional disturbances in adults.
Clinical social workers are qualified and authorized to use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Codes, and other diagnostic classification systems in assessment, diagnosis, treatment and other practice activities. The use of psychological methods, particularly when based on regular personal interaction, to help a person change behavior, increase happiness, and overcome problems. Psychotherapy aims to improve an individual's well-being and mental health.
Clinical social workers are qualified and authorized to use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Codes, and other diagnostic classification systems in assessment, diagnosis, treatment and other practice activities. The use of psychological methods, particularly when based on regular personal interaction, to help a person change behavior, increase happiness, and overcome problems. Psychotherapy aims to improve an individual's well-being and mental health.
50 minute counseling session with an LMSW Associate
$80
An LMSW Associate is under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker.
A comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment combined with continued evaluation followed by a diagnosis and treatment planning in collaboration with the client. Applying social work theory, knowledge, methods, ethics, and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or bio-psychosocial functioning of persons who are adversely affected by social or psychosocial stress or health impairment. May include applying specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in assessment, treatment, planning, implementation and evaluation, coaching, supportive counseling, information and referral to community resources.
A comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment combined with continued evaluation followed by a diagnosis and treatment planning in collaboration with the client. Applying social work theory, knowledge, methods, ethics, and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or bio-psychosocial functioning of persons who are adversely affected by social or psychosocial stress or health impairment. May include applying specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in assessment, treatment, planning, implementation and evaluation, coaching, supportive counseling, information and referral to community resources.
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My practice does not accept insurance.
However, I am considered an "out-of-network provider" with most insurance plans. I can give you a statement at the end of your session that you can submit to your insurance, if you choose to use your out of network benefits. As a social worker, I offer a percentage of my office visits to low-fee / no-fee paying clients to meet some of my community’s mental health needs, so if you have a need, please discuss this option with me. |
Forms of Payment
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and Health Savings Account cards.
Teletherapy & In Person Sessions
We offer a choice of both online or in person sessions in our practice.
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Teletherapy is mental health counseling over the phone or online. As videoconferencing software improves, more therapists are incorporating this form of virtual mental health support into their practice. Teletherapy can be convenient for both the client and the therapist. Studies have shown that online interventions can be just as effective an in-person counseling.
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Why Is Online Counseling So Popular?
There are several reasons why online counseling is so popular. First, it provides an opportunity for people who live far away from a counselor to receive treatment. Second, it gives people access to counselors at any time of day or night. Third, it allows people to work through issues without having to leave home. Fourth, it helps people avoid the stigma associated with seeking professional help. Fifth, it enables people to seek help anonymously. Sixth, it allows people to choose how much contact they have with their counselor. Seventh, it makes it easier for people to find qualified counselors. Finally, it reduces the cost of therapy by allowing people to pay only for what they use.
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As long as you reside in Texas, you can participate in online counseling exclusively, while others may prefer the in-person experience in our office in San Marcos, TX. In some cases, teletherapy can supplement in-person therapy, or vice versa. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Ask us more about the differences between online counseling and in-person therapy.
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Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills
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When you get emergency care or get treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, you are protected from surprise billing or balance billing. |
What is “balance billing” (sometimes called “surprise billing”)?
When you see a doctor or other health care provider, you may owe certain out-of-pocket costs, such as a copayment, coinsurance, and/or a deductible. You may have other costs or have to pay the entire bill if you see a provider or visit a health care facility that isn’t in your health plan’s network.
“Out-of-network” describes providers and facilities that haven’t signed a contract with your health plan. Out-of-network providers may be permitted to bill you for the difference between what your plan agreed to pay and the full amount charged for a service. This is called “balance billing.” This amount is likely more than in-network costs for the same service and might not count toward your annual out-of-pocket limit.
“Surprise billing” is an unexpected balance bill. This can happen when you can’t control who is involved in your care—like when you have an emergency or when you schedule a visit at an innetwork facility but are unexpectedly treated by an out-of-network provider.
You are protected from balance billing for:
Emergency services
If you have an emergency medical condition and get emergency services from an out-of network provider or facility, the most the provider or facility may bill you is your plan’s in network cost-sharing amount (such as copayments and coinsurance). You can’t be balance billed for these emergency services. This includes services you may get after you’re in stable condition, unless you give written consent and give up your protections not to be balanced billed for these post-stabilization services.
Certain services at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center
When you get services from an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, certain providers there may be out-of-network. In these cases, the most those providers may bill you is your plan’s in-network cost-sharing amount. This applies to emergency medicine, anesthesia, pathology, radiology, laboratory, neonatology, assistant surgeon, hospitalist, or intensivist services. These providers can’t balance bill you and may not ask you to give up your protections not to be balance billed.
If you get other services at these in-network facilities, out-of-network providers can’t balance bill you, unless you give written consent and give up your protections.
You’re never required to give up your protections from balance billing. You also aren’t required to get care out-of-network. You can choose a provider or facility in your plan’s network.
When balance billing isn’t allowed, you also have the following protections:
• You are only responsible for paying your share of the cost (like the copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles that you would pay if the provider or facility was in-network). Your health plan will pay out-of-network providers and facilities directly.
• Your health plan generally must:
If you believe you’ve been wrongly billed, you may contact [applicable contact information for entity responsible for enforcing the federal and/or state balance or surprise billing protection laws].
Visit No Surprises Act for more information about your rights under federal law.
When you see a doctor or other health care provider, you may owe certain out-of-pocket costs, such as a copayment, coinsurance, and/or a deductible. You may have other costs or have to pay the entire bill if you see a provider or visit a health care facility that isn’t in your health plan’s network.
“Out-of-network” describes providers and facilities that haven’t signed a contract with your health plan. Out-of-network providers may be permitted to bill you for the difference between what your plan agreed to pay and the full amount charged for a service. This is called “balance billing.” This amount is likely more than in-network costs for the same service and might not count toward your annual out-of-pocket limit.
“Surprise billing” is an unexpected balance bill. This can happen when you can’t control who is involved in your care—like when you have an emergency or when you schedule a visit at an innetwork facility but are unexpectedly treated by an out-of-network provider.
You are protected from balance billing for:
Emergency services
If you have an emergency medical condition and get emergency services from an out-of network provider or facility, the most the provider or facility may bill you is your plan’s in network cost-sharing amount (such as copayments and coinsurance). You can’t be balance billed for these emergency services. This includes services you may get after you’re in stable condition, unless you give written consent and give up your protections not to be balanced billed for these post-stabilization services.
Certain services at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center
When you get services from an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, certain providers there may be out-of-network. In these cases, the most those providers may bill you is your plan’s in-network cost-sharing amount. This applies to emergency medicine, anesthesia, pathology, radiology, laboratory, neonatology, assistant surgeon, hospitalist, or intensivist services. These providers can’t balance bill you and may not ask you to give up your protections not to be balance billed.
If you get other services at these in-network facilities, out-of-network providers can’t balance bill you, unless you give written consent and give up your protections.
You’re never required to give up your protections from balance billing. You also aren’t required to get care out-of-network. You can choose a provider or facility in your plan’s network.
When balance billing isn’t allowed, you also have the following protections:
• You are only responsible for paying your share of the cost (like the copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles that you would pay if the provider or facility was in-network). Your health plan will pay out-of-network providers and facilities directly.
• Your health plan generally must:
- Cover emergency services without requiring you to get approval for services in advance (prior authorization).
- Cover emergency services by out-of-network providers.
- Base what you owe the provider or facility (cost-sharing) on what it would pay an in-network provider or facility and show that amount in your explanation of benefits.
- Count any amount you pay for emergency services or out-of-network services toward your deductible and out-of-pocket limit.
If you believe you’ve been wrongly billed, you may contact [applicable contact information for entity responsible for enforcing the federal and/or state balance or surprise billing protection laws].
Visit No Surprises Act for more information about your rights under federal law.
Michele Frances Purvin, LCSW-S, LCDC, LLC
136 E San Antonio Street #104 San Marcos, Texas 78666-5509 Contact: 512-644-9036 Email: michelepurvin@gmail.com
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