Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of therapy?
That depends on you. Therapy is meant to be a confidential, supportive, and welcoming space for you to address your needs and concerns. Together, we will work to help you identify your goals and create a plan for treatment.
What should I expect for my first therapy session?
During your first session, also known as an intake session, we’ll review your intake paperwork, discuss what brings you to therapy, and identify your goals for our work together. You’ll also have time to ask questions and get a feel for the therapy process. First sessions are typically 50–60 minutes, while most ongoing sessions are 50 minutes.
How long will I need therapy?
There is no set timeline for therapy. How long you attend depends on your goals, concerns, progress, and individual needs. We’ll regularly evaluate how therapy is going and adjust our work together as needed.
How do I schedule a therapy appointment?
Getting started is simple. Reach out through the website, by phone, text, or email to request an appointment or ask any questions you may have. I’ll follow up to discuss availability and make sure my services are a good fit for your needs. Once your appointment is scheduled, you’ll receive secure intake forms to complete before your first session.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process distressing experiences and memories that may continue to affect how you think, feel, or respond in the present. EMDR can be helpful for trauma, anxiety, negative beliefs, and experiences that continue to feel unresolved or “stuck.”
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to talk through every detail of a difficult experience. Instead, it uses structured techniques, including bilateral stimulation, to help the brain process memories in a healthier, more adaptive way.
Learn more about EMDR and my approach on the Services page.
What does self-pay mean?
Chelle Brown Counseling is a self-pay practice, which means payment is made directly at the time of service rather than billed to insurance. Self-pay allows clinical decisions to remain between you and your therapist without requirements from a managed-care plan. Credit cards and HSA cards are accepted.
Can I use my insurance?
Chelle Brown Counseling is a self-pay practice and does not accept insurance. However, I can provide a superbill upon request that you may submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Coverage and reimbursement vary by plan, so I recommend contacting your insurance provider to learn about your specific benefits.
What is a superbill?
A superbill is an itemized document that includes information about the therapy services you received. You can submit it to your insurance company to request possible out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement is not guaranteed and depends on your individual insurance plan, deductible, and out-of-network benefits.
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes. I offer secure online therapy for women and adolescent girls located in Texas, Louisiana, and South Carolina. Online therapy allows you to meet from a private location through a secure video platform while receiving the same personalized support offered in the therapy office.
Is online therapy confidential?
Yes. Online therapy sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, and your privacy is treated with the same care as it would be during an in-person appointment. You will be encouraged to join each session from a quiet, private location where you feel comfortable speaking openly. As with all therapy, there are limited legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality, which will be explained in your intake paperwork.
What technology do I need for online therapy?
You will need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, along with a reliable internet connection. Before your appointment, you will receive a secure link to join the session. Headphones are optional but may provide additional privacy and make it easier to hear and communicate clearly.
What happens if I experience an emergency during online therapy?
Chelle Brown Counseling is not an emergency or crisis-response service. If you are in immediate danger, call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. At the beginning of each online therapy session, I may confirm your current physical location and emergency contact information so that we have a clear plan if an urgent concern arises during our appointment.
Can I receive EMDR through online therapy?
Yes. EMDR therapy can be provided through secure online sessions when it is clinically appropriate for your needs. I have completed EMDRIA-approved EMDR training and can adapt EMDR techniques for the online setting. We will first consider your goals, privacy, comfort, readiness, and available support to determine whether online EMDR is a good fit for you. If another approach would be safer or more helpful, we will discuss that together.
I have more questions.
We are happy to help! Send an email to chelle@chellebrowncounseling.com.
Ready to make an appointment?
Reach out here, call or text 430-201-4723, or email chelle@chellebrowncounseling.com.