What to Expect

Deciding to begin counseling and choosing the right therapist are very important decisions. You might have lots of questions regarding what the process is like. I hope to be able to answer some of those questions here. I make it a priority to be personally available for a phone consultation if you have additional questions before scheduling an appointment. I can be reached at 817-437-4505. Feel free to leave a message on my confidential voicemail or with our office staff.  I will return your call as soon as possible.

What do I need to do before our first appointment?

You will be asked to complete some online forms prior to your appointment, they will be sent to your email through a secured and encrypted e-signature software system. If you would rather sign paper forms, they will be available at the office upon your arrival. Please allow 15 to 20 minutes to complete all necessary documentation if you decide not to sign electronically . Please remember to bring your insurance card with you.

What happens during the first session?

Our one level  story office is built in a convenient and easily accessible location, away from congested areas to ensure additional privacy.  There is plenty of parking at any time of the day. I pride myself to start sessions on time. If I am ever unable to start on time because of an emergency, I ask for your understanding. I also assure you that you will receive the full time agreed to. If you are late, we will probably be unable to meet for the full time, because it is likely that I will have another appointment after yours.

Our first few sessions will involve an evaluation of your needs lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. I usually take notes during our meetings, you may find it useful to take your own notes and ask any questions you might have. During the initial assessment, information is gathered about a variety of psychosocial data. Evaluation may last from 2 to 4 sessions. Under certain circumstances I may recommend a psychiatric consult; conjoint marital/couple, conjoint parent/child sessions and/or group psychotherapy. You should evaluate this information along with your own opinions of whether you feel comfortable working with me. Therapy involves a large commitment of time, money and energy, so you should be very careful about the therapist you select. If you have questions about my procedures, we should discuss them whenever they arise. If you could benefit from a psychological treatment I cannot provide, I will help you to get it. You have a right to ask me about such other treatments, their risks, and their benefits.

How many meetings am I expected to participate in?

I normally conduct an evaluation that will last from 2 to 4 sessions. During this time, we can both decide whether I am the best person to provide the services you need in order to meet your treatment goals. If you decide to continue treatment, I will usually schedule one 50-minute session (one appointment hour of 50 minutes duration) per week at a time we agree upon, although some sessions may be longer or more frequent. Most of my clients see me once to twice per week. After 3 months, we will have an opportunity to evaluate our progress together, make changes to the treatment plan, terminate therapy or decide to continue for another three to six months.  Therapy then usually comes to an end. The process of ending therapy, called “termination” can be a very valuable part of our work. Stopping therapy should not be done casually, although either of us may decide to end it. I ask that you agree now to meet then for at least one more session to review our work together. If you would like a “time out” from therapy to try it on your own, we should discuss this. We can often make such a “time out” be more helpful.

How do I schedule/reschedule appointments?

Appointments are made by calling 817-437-4505  Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. My office manager will be available by phone or in person to address scheduling and billing requests. Email requests can be sent to administrator@drelenariedo.com.  A cancelled appointment delays our work. I will consider our meetings very important and ask you to do the same. Please try not to miss sessions. I will reserve a regular appointment time just  for you into the foreseeable future. I also do this for my other clients. You will be charged the full fee for sessions cancelled without 48 hour notice, for other than the most serious reasons. Third –party payments will not usually cover or reimburse for missed appointments.

What are your fees? Do you accept insurance? 

The fee for a session is $190 per hour. Each session is about 50-60 minutes. I am in network with a Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO plans and original Medicare. If you are looking for an in network provider, our office staff will assist you with verification of benefits, however I recommend for you to call your insurance company to personally verify behavioral health benefits and deductible before our first meeting.

Do you work with other  psychological issues other than the ones listed here? 

Yes. Having received education and supervision in clinical psychology at the doctorate level and subsequent training in a wide variety of acute and non acute settings, I have had extensive experience treating the whole spectrum of psychopathology, ranging from the most acute psychological problems to the expected frustrations and problems of daily life. After our phone consultation or initial meeting,  we will be able to decide if I am the best therapist to address your specific needs. If not, I will be providing you with referrals to therapists with other specialized training.

 I currently accept new clients,  if this changes I will be happy to provide you with appropriate referrals or put you on a waiting list for the next available appointment.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to call our office at 817-437-4505. I am here to help. Thank you for visiting us!