Frequently Asked Questions
What do the differing licensure level's (LPC, LPC-Associate, etc.) mean for me as a client?
Because our counselors have varying licensure status, ETCG is able to offer counseling services on a sliding fee scale. In addition to contracting with counselors who are fully licensed through the state of Texas, we also function as a training site for therapists that are seeking full licensure or are currently completing their graduate level training through a university practicum or internship.
Below is a description of each licensure status, and how you may benefit from receiving counseling services with a therapist currently at that status:
PhD and/or LPC-Supervisor (LPC-S): A PhD indicates that a clinician completed several additional years of graduate level training in the field of counseling. At ETCG, our PhD level clinician has been providing counseling services for over 20 years. She also functions as our LPC- Supervisor, which means she provides supervision services to the other counselors at ETCG who are under supervision for independent licensure. If you are seeking a therapist with over 20 years of experience, and are able/willing to pay the PhD rate, our PhD therapist may be the right choice for the next part of your story.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC): An LPC indicates that a clinician has received master's level training, and is fully licensed by the state of Texas to provide counseling services. They are no longer under the supervision of another therapist and are therefore qualified to be practicing independently. LPC's have generally been practicing for a longer period of time, have established specializations, and spent more time receiving continuing education trainings in a variety of therapies. If you are seeking a therapist with a specific specialization, and are able/willing to pay the LPC rate, a LPC therapist may be the right choice for the next part of your story.
Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-A): An LPC-A indicates that a clinician completed their masters degree, passed a national counselors exam, and are currently seeking licensure while under supervision. All LPC-A's at ETCG are under the supervision of Dr. Melanie Roudkovski, PhD. LPC-A's meet weekly with their supervisor to staff cases. Attending counseling with an LPC-A means that you would benefit from the experience of two therapists, the LPC-A who is your personal therapist and their supervisor. At ETCG, many of the LPC-A's are eclectic in nature—they treat a wide range of mental health symptoms, as well as have previous careers and life experiences prior to becoming a counselor. If you are seeking high-qualify counseling, at a very affordable rate, an LPC-A may be the right choice for the next part of your story.
Graduate Intern: A graduate intern is in the final phase of completing their master's level training. They are also under the supervision of experienced therapists, meaning their client's benefit from both the experience of their supervisor, as well as their personal counseling intern. If you are seeking high-quality, low-fee, counseling services, a graduate intern may be the right choice for the next part of your story.
Does ETCG bill insurance?
ETCG has several Licensed Professional Counselors who are able to directly bill some private insurance plans (such as BCBS of TX, Aetna, United Health, and Cigna). The counselors contract with a third-party company for benefit authorizations and billing. If you would like to request that you be assigned to a counselor that bills private insurance through Headway, please complete our Counseling Appointment Request form: LINK TO FORM. However, please be aware the counselors who can accept private insurance may not be available to accept new clients.
What are my options if ETCG cannot bill my insurance?
Many of the clinicians at ETCG, including Dr. Skarda, have partnered with Reimbursify. Your ETCG clinician can provide you with a superbill once services have been rendered. Reimbusify allows clients with insurance to download this app and file for out-of-network reimbursement in about a minute.
For more information about why many counselors don’t directly bill insurance, and how you can more easily navigate this challenge, please read our blog post here.
I’m not interested in Christian-based counseling, can I still attend counseling here?
YES! Although ETCG is proud to offer high-quality and professional Christian-based counseling services, there are also several ETCG counselors who specialize in working with client’s regardless of their faith preferences. Our professional counselors have experience working with clients who have a variety of spiritual beliefs, and their skill sets also include (but are not limited to) those who have experienced any degree of spiritual abuse/trauma. While many of the counselors at ETCG may share the a personal Christian faith, every client's therapeutic journey is unique and personal. You should never feel that a counselor include their personal beliefs in counseling, unless this has been specifically requested by you.
If you would prefer non-faith based counseling, please specify this request when seeking services. Please feel free to read the biographies of each counselor and directly contact one that you believe would be a good fit for you.