frequently asked questions
how old are your clients?
All of our therapists see adults (18+) and many see kids 6-17 years old with their parent or guardian's consent.
do you see any clients who aren’t lgbtq+?
Yes! All genders and sexualities are accepted here. Although most of our clients are LGBTQ+, we welcome straight and/or cisgender clients as long as they’re comfortable working with a queer therapist.
what is “vada”? How do you say it?
“Vada” comes from the name of the main character in My Girl and is pronounced VAY-duh. It’s also in the super-emo song The Tide by The Spill Canvas.
isn’t transgender therapy illegal in texas?
No. Despite continued attacks on trans healthcare, it is NOT illegal. The American Counseling Association, Texas Counseling Association, American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Prevent Child Abuse America all support and recognize the importance of trans-affirming care, including therapy. We can and will provide the necessary, life-saving mental health services all trans, intersex, and non-binary people deserve. If you are under 18, please contact us to find out more about accessing safe, gender-affirming services.
do i need a letter for hrt?
Probably not. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), also known as Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT), is available in Texas using an informed consent treatment model. This means that if you are an adult, you likely do not need a letter from a therapist to obtain hormones.
During the 2023 Texas Legislative Session, conservative lawmakers voted to ban gender-affirming HRT for trans minors. This bill was signed by the Governor and took effect September 1, 2023 and upheld by the Texas Supreme Court in June 2024.
Bottom line: if you are a trans minor seeking HRT, please contact us to discuss your options.
what does lpc(-s) mean?
LPC stands for "Licensed Professional Counselor." This is just one of many licenses therapists may have (LCSW, LMFT, PhD, and PsyD are others).
The “S” in LPC-S stands for Supervisor. Supervisors are permitted to provide ongoing clinical supervision to LPC-Associates.
All LPCs in Texas are bound to the rules and regulations of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors which now falls under the purview of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. If you need to file a complaint against a mental health therapist in Texas, you can do so here.
do you prescribe anti-depressants or ketamine?
No. Only physicians, psychiatrists, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners can prescribe psychiatric medication in Texas. If you are interested in trying medication, including ketamine, we can provide you referrals.
Note: Some of our clients take medication and some don't. We support your right to choose what's best for your health. We’re happy to discuss the risks and benefits of anti-depressants, anti-anxiety meds, ketamine, and other treatments so you can make an informed decision about what's best for you.
What is the no surprises act?
Under the No Surprises Act, clients have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much their medical care will cost. This means all healthcare providers are required to give an estimate of the bill to patients who don’t have insurance or are not using insurance.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call HHS at (800) 368-1019.