Coffee cup, black notebook/journal, and pen on top of a wooden table

Frequently Asked Questions

What issues do you specialize in?

I specialize in helping people navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma recovery, and identity exploration. I’m passionate about supporting survivors of abuse, women, mothers, young adults, and professionals managing high-stress situations or parenthood challenges.
What if I’ve never been to therapy before?

That’s completely okay! Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but I’m here to create a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings. You don’t have to have all the answers—that’s what we’ll work on together.
How can I decide if therapy is right for me?

Therapy provides a supportive space to explore emotions, navigate challenges, and develop tools for personal growth. Whether you have specific concerns or just need a place to process, therapy can be a great fit. Our free consultation is a great first step to figure this out.
What should I do if therapy doesn’t feel effective?

Your progress and satisfaction are very important to me. If you feel therapy isn’t working, let’s talk about it! We can adjust our approach, revisit your goals, or explore other strategies to ensure you get the most out of our work together.
What age groups do you work with?

I primarily work with adults, including young adults, professionals, and parents. If you have a specific question about whether I work with your age group, feel free to ask during our free consultation.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?

I use evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your unique needs to help you feel supported and empowered.
How long does therapy usually last?

The length of therapy depends on your goals and needs. Some clients see improvement in a few months, while others choose to continue therapy long-term for deeper growth and support. We can discuss your preferences during our sessions.
How do I schedule an appointment?

Scheduling is simple! Click the Request Appointment button, which will take you to Inspired Practice, LLC’s scheduling system. From there, select Request Appointment, find my name (Alicia Hawley-Bernardez, PhD, LMSW), and choose a time that works for you.
What is included in the 15-minute Free Initial Consultation?

This brief consultation is an opportunity for us to connect and see if we’re a good match. You can share what’s bringing you to therapy, ask questions about the process, and discuss your goals. I’ll also explain how I work and address any logistical questions you have.
How often will we meet?

To start, we’ll typically meet weekly for the first month to build a solid foundation, set goals, and create a plan. After that, we’ll assess your progress and adjust the frequency to suit your needs.
Can I reschedule or cancel my appointments?

Yes, you can cancel or reschedule appointments through your client portal. Just let me know at least 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged for a missed session.
What if I need help outside of session hours?

While I’m unable to provide emergency support outside of scheduled sessions, I recommend contacting a crisis hotline or emergency services if you’re in immediate danger (Texas Mental Health Crisis Services). For non-urgent matters, you can leave me a message, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
What happens if I’m running late to a session?

If you’re late to a session, we’ll still meet for the remaining time, but please note that I usually wait only 10–15 minutes before considering the session a no-show. It’s best to let me know in advance if you’re running late so we can make the most of our time together.
Is therapy confidential?

Yes, therapy is confidential. However, there are legal exceptions, such as situations involving harm to yourself or others, which we’ll discuss in detail during your first session.
Do you offer virtual or in-person sessions?

At the moment, I offer virtual therapy sessions only, making it easier for you to attend from the comfort of your home.
How long are therapy sessions?

Regular sessions are typically 53 minutes long, but we can adjust the timing if needed.
How should I prepare for my first session?

Once you’ve booked your session, you’ll receive an email with intake paperwork to complete. If you’re using insurance, make sure your details are submitted at least 48 hours before your session to avoid any delays. Before our session, take some time to reflect on what’s been on your mind and what you’d like to work on. Feel free to jot down any specific questions or concerns so we can prioritize them together.
Do I need any special technology for virtual sessions?

All you need is a private, quiet space and a device with internet access, a webcam, and a microphone. You’ll receive an invitation via the portal for the secure video session.
Can I bring my child to therapy sessions?

Therapy is your time to focus on yourself. If childcare is a concern, I recommend scheduling a session during a time when you can have uninterrupted space to get the most out of our time together.
What if I don’t feel comfortable with virtual therapy?

Virtual therapy can feel different at first, but many people find it convenient and effective over time. If you have concerns, let’s discuss them during your free consultation to see if it’s a good fit for you.
Do you offer couples or family therapy?

Yes, I offer couples and family therapy. However, I’m unable to bill insurance for these sessions.
Do you accept insurance or provide sliding-scale fees?

Yes, I currently accept Aetna and Cigna insurance. If you have a different insurance provider, I can provide you with a Superbill to submit for reimbursement (see more information below). I can also offer sliding-scale fees for those without insurance or experiencing financial challenges—let’s talk about it during your free consultation.

How Do I Submit a Superbill to My Insurance for Out-of-Network Reimbursement?

If your insurance plan offers out-of-network benefits, you can submit a superbill (an itemized invoice) to request reimbursement. Here’s how:

Get Your Superbill

After your session(s), I’ll provide you with a superbill. This document includes all the information your insurance company needs, such as:

Your name and contact details
My name, credentials, and license information
Diagnosis and treatment codes (ICD-10 and CPT codes)
The date(s) of service and session fee(s)

Confirm Your Insurance Benefits

Call your insurance company to ask about your out-of-network mental health coverage. Be sure to ask:

Do I have out-of-network benefits for therapy?
What percentage of costs will you reimburse after I meet my deductible?
How much is my deductible, and how much of it has been met?
What documentation do I need to submit a claim?

Complete a Claim Form

Many insurance companies require you to fill out a claim form for out-of-network reimbursement. You can usually find this form on their website or by contacting their customer service.

Submit the Superbill and Claim Form

Attach the superbill to your completed claim form.

Submit the documents to your insurance company via mail, fax, or their online portal (check your insurance provider’s preferred method).

Follow Up

Keep copies of all documents you submit.

Follow up with your insurance company to confirm they received your claim and ask how long it will take to process.

Receive Your Reimbursement

Once your claim is processed, you’ll receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) detailing what was covered. If approved, your reimbursement will be sent directly to you.

Insurance vs. Private Pay: Key Differences

Insurance

Diagnosis Requirement: Some insurance plans require a mental health diagnosis for coverage. If you don't meet the diagnostic criteria, they may not cover the session, even if therapy would still be beneficial. I’ll always be open with you about what’s needed and how we can make therapy work for you.

Payment Structure: Depending on your insurance plan, it may cover 60–80% of the session cost or apply it toward your deductible. If you have a high deductible, you may pay out-of-pocket until it's met. We’ll discuss your options to ensure the process is as clear and manageable as possible.

Privacy Considerations: Insurance companies may review your clinical records for auditing purposes, which means they could have access to your information. While I prioritize your privacy, once shared with your insurance, I don't have control over how it's used.

Treatment Control: Insurance can sometimes limit the number of sessions or the length/frequency of treatment. Together, we’ll work to navigate these limits in a way that still helps you meet your therapy goals.

Cost vs. Control: Insurance coverage may reduce your out-of-pocket costs, but it can limit privacy and control over treatment decisions. We’ll discuss your options so you can make the choice that works best for you.

Private Pay

Diagnosis Flexibility: With private pay, a diagnosis isn't required to begin therapy. This allows us to focus on your goals and well-being, without the pressure of fitting into a specific diagnostic category. A diagnosis can still be part of our treatment plan, but it's completely up to you how we move forward.

Payment Structure: You’ll pay for the full session at the time of service, which may feel like a higher cost upfront. However, it means we can focus on what’s best for you without the constraints of insurance requirements.

Privacy Protection: With private pay, your information is fully confidential, with the exception of legal or ethical obligations (such as harm or abuse). This means you have more control over your privacy, and I can offer a space that feels truly safe and protected.

Treatment Control: When paying privately, you and I can decide on the frequency, duration, and overall course of therapy based on what feels right for your goals. This gives us the flexibility to work together in the way that best suits your needs.

Cost vs. Control: While private pay may come with a higher out-of-pocket cost, it offers greater flexibility, privacy, and control over your treatment. You get to focus entirely on what works best for you, without outside restrictions.

Contact Me Today