Clinical Therapy Practice

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What about confidentiality?

A: GCCS keeps all information about clients strictly confidential. GCCS strictly adheres to laws of privacy and confidentiality enforced by the state and federal laws, as well as professional standards and ethics set forth by the National Association of Social Work, Texas and New Mexico State Board of Social Work Examiners, Texas Department of State Health Services and the New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board. Any information about the evaluation, treatment or contact with clients cannot, by law, be disclosed to anyone without the persons expressed written consent. This includes disclosing information to parents, guardians, spouses, even if the parent or spouse is paying for therapy and the person is over 18 years of age.

While this list is not exhaustive, below are some legal exceptions to this rule:

  • If you disclose information or a plan to harm another person. GCCS is required to warn the intended victim and
    report this to the authorities.
  • If you disclose or imply a plan for suicide or self injurious behavior. GCCS is required to notify legal authorities
    and will make attempt to notify family.
  • If you disclose a crime against a child (or vulnerable adult), including physical, sexual, emotional abuse and
    neglect. GCCS is required to report this information to the appropriate social services and legal authorities.

Q: I am under 18 and live with my parents. Will my parents know what we discuss in therapy?

A: If you are under 18 years of age, your parents or guardians have a right to know how you are doing in therapy and concerns or worries may be discussed. However, specifics of what is discussed are not disclosed. If there is something that you (the client) and the therapist agree your parent or guardian needs to know, the therapist might also share this information or encourage you to share it. Sometimes the therapist may meet with only your parents or guardians, sometimes the therapist may meet only with you and other times everyone may meet. If you discuss plans to seriously hurt

yourself, hurt someone else, or that someone you know is hurting you, because of the law, a parent, guardian or someone else will be notified.

Q: How long does therapy usually last?

A: The length of therapy depends on you and a variety of factors. Some clients are able to work through their treatment goals within months whereas others require a longer term. Length of therapy typically depends on the complexity of issues, determination to make meaningful change, the consistency of attendance and the frequency of sessions.

Q: How often will we meet?

A: Once a week sessions are recommended. At times, depending on the severity of the issues presented, twice a week sessions will be needed. At times, client’s financial or scheduling limitations impact how often therapy sessions are. Clients who attend sessions less frequently may require a longer period of time to accomplish their treatment goals than those who attend sessions regularly.

Q: How much do services cost?

A: Fees for individual therapy for 45 min session range from $175-$230, depending on the practitioner you are seeing. Fees are explained at the time of scheduling for services. Other Intensive workshops, groups and events, fees will be explained before signing up for these particular programs.

Q: Does GCCS accept my insurance?

A: GCCS does not accept insurance for payment of services, all fees are self pay. However, some services may be covered under a person’s out of network benefit plan. It is encouraged to find this out beforehand, including what limitations your insurance has in this area. We are not involved in this process. We can provide receipts for clients to submit on their own for any reimbursement. We do not guarantee that claims will be honored. It is best to contact your insurance carrier to determine if you have out of network benefits for mental health services.