FAQs
Referrals, Appointments, and Payments |
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Where do you offer these services? |
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What forms of payment does MedCare accept? |
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How do I give a referral or make an appointment? |
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If I refer someone to therapy, can I call MedCare to make sure they called? |
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What age does an individual receive adult-patient rights, including confidentiality rights? |
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Do I need a doctor’s order or referral to seek counseling? |
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Why wouldn’t I just talk to a friend instead of paying someone to talk to about my problems? |
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How do I file a complaint? |
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What if I think my family member or friend really needs help from a counselor, but I can’t get them to make an appointment? |
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What should I bring with me on the first visit? |
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Does MedCare offer psychological testing? |
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Does MedCare specialize in eating disorders? |
About Counseling: |
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What circumstances may call for the help of a counselor? |
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Who can seek counseling? |
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If my child is in counseling, how much involvement will I have? |
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How do I know if I should really seek professional help? |
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What kids of things would a person do in therapy? |
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What can counseling do for me that medications cannot? |
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What are the differences between Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Social Workers? |
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How long does counseling take? |
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I want to keep my personal information very private. How confidential is this process? |
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What if I see my counselor in public? |
Common beliefs, fears, and misconceptions: |
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Does counseling always involve the stereotypical black couch and stuffy therapist asking you to remember your most recent dream? |
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Aren’t people who seek help from a counselor “crazy?” |
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Do I have to have a diagnosis to seek counseling? |
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Am I required to notify anyone, such as my workplace, child’s school, or insurance company, if I am receiving counseling? |
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Am I a failure if I seek counseling? |
Still have questions? Email Kim at k.peterson@mpglp.com.
Answers to FAQs
Referrals, Appointments, and Payments |
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Where do you offer these services?
MedCare offers counseling at all their rehab centers:
Stafford Clinic
12371 South Kirkwood Road
Stafford, Texas 77477
713-995-9292
Northshore Clinic
5624 East Sam Houston Parkway N.
Houston, Texas 77015
832-323-5080
Spring Clinic
21004 I-45 North
Spring, Texas 77373
713-773-5120 |
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What forms of payment does MedCare accept?
MedCare accepts Medicaid, several private insurance plans, and private pay. Our private pay option is based off of a sliding scale that takes an individual’s annual household income into consideration.
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How do I give a referral or make an appointment?
To give a referral for our counseling services, the individual may call the clinic where they wish to receive services to make an appointment- Stafford (713-773-5100); Spring (713-773-5120); Northshore (832-323-5080).
We understand that seeking counseling can often be a very private issue. To speak directly with a counselor for questions or to make an appointment, call Kim Peterson, LPC-I at 713-773-5120 or email k.peterson@mpglp.com
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If I refer someone to therapy, can I call MedCare to make sure they called?
While we appreciate your referral, we cannot provide any information about whether this person has made an appointment, nor provide any other protected health information. |
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What age does an individual receive adult-patient rights, including confidentiality rights?
A person is considered an adult at 17 years of age. At this time, while the parent may be paying for services, the therapist cannot legally or ethically share any information regarding that person’s treatment without their consent.
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Do I need a doctor’s order or referral to seek counseling?
No, a doctor’s order or referral is not required for you to see a counselor. |
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Why wouldn’t I just talk to a friend instead of paying someone to talk to about my problems?
There are many benefits to seeking help from a counselor versus just talking to a friend. A counselor is able to provide a confidential and objective perspective on your circumstance. In other words, they are not too close to you or to the situation. In addition, a counselor has been trained to address a wide range of issues, and they have been trained to work with you in finding the right actions to take in your circumstance. Your counselor is also knowledgeable on a wide range of emotional and psychological issues and they are trained on how to evaluate and treat these issues. |
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How do I file a complaint?
If you are dissatisfied with your services or have concerns regarding your counselor, we encourage you to first try to resolve the issue with your therapist. If the problem is still not resolved, you may speak with the clinic director and/or administrator at MedCare Pediatric Group by calling 713-773-5100.
To file a formal complaint with the Texas State Board of Professional Counselors you may call the toll free complaint hotline at (800) 942-5540 or contact them in writing or by email at the address shown below.
Texas State Board of Professional Counselors
1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756
Phone: 512-834-6658/ Fax: 512-834-6789 |
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What if I think my family member or friend really needs help from a counselor, but I can’t get them to make an appointment?
If your friend or family member is 17 years or older, you cannot force them to attend counseling. There are some circumstances in which you may want to seek help from a counselor to learn how to respond to a particular situation, or how to interact with the person you are worried about.
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What should I bring with me on the first visit?
On your first visit, you will want to arrive about 15 minutes early, bring your insurance information, and any medical or psychological testing you think may be helpful for the therapist.
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Does MedCare offer psychological testing?
Depending on what testing needs you or your child have, we may be able to provide the necessary testing. Please call and speak with Kim Peterson, LPC-I at 713-773-5120 or email k.peterson@mpglp.com.
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Does MedCare specialize in eating disorders?
MedCare does not specialize in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders. However, our counselors can work with those individuals to address the depression, anxiety, and poor self-esteem that often accompany the eating disorder. If you feel you may be suffering from an eating disorder, please call your primary care physician.
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About Counseling: |
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What circumstances may call for the help of a counselor?
All people can benefit from the help of a trained professional at some point in their life, but especially during the most challenging of life circumstances.
- Divorce and separation
- Change in schools or jobs
- Physical or mental disability
- Grief and loss of a loved one or pet
- Financial and job stress
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Who can seek counseling?
Anyone can seek counseling services. MedCare’s counselors are experienced in working with children, adolescents, and adults both individually and within a group setting.
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If my child is in counseling, how much involvement will I have?
Depending on the age of the child and the reason for seeking help, your counselor may ask you to participate in some of the play therapy sessions, or attend some sessions with your adolescent. Often times, the counselor may want to meet with the parent regularly to provide feedback and general consultation on how you can make changes at home in order to help your child or adolescent. We understand that most problems are not limited to one person, but that entire families are affected. |
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How do I know if I should really seek professional help?
You may choose to seek help from a counselor if your problems are significantly interfering in your life. For example, you are unable to concentrate at work or school, or maybe your friends or family members do not want to be around you because you are always sad and irritable.
You may also choose to seek help if there has been a major event in your family, such as a divorce. Even if you do not see serious emotional or social effects in your kids, seeking consultation from a professional on how to best handle the situation with your ex spouse or children is a positive step in preventing serious problems. It is also recommended that a counselor meet with your children during a significant event so that they can evaluate how your child is handling the change and so your children are given an opportunity to work through their emotions and thoughts over the changes. |
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What kids of things would a person do in therapy?
Depending on your needs, your therapy may be primarily based on talking with your counselor. Your counselor may also suggest activities outside of the session to help you make progress with your goals. Children will often play, including, drawing and games.
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What can counseling do for me that medications cannot?
Study after study shows that for serious emotional disturbances, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, a combination of medication and “talk therapy” renders the most improvement. Many counselors will often recommend their clients to seek a medication consultation from their psychiatrist, especially when they are unable to make much progress due to the severity of their condition. Medication can make therapy more effective by making it easier for people to make necessary improvements. Therapy can make medication more effective by showing people how to avoid situations that foster negative emotions.
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What are the differences between Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Social Workers?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who specialize in mental health. They are the only mental health professionals who can prescribe medication. They often do not provide psychotherapy (or “talk therapy”).
Psychologists have a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. They are trained in the assessment and treatment of psychological and behavioral health. They are often either in a hospital, clinic, or private practice.
Licensed Professional Counselors (L.P.C.s) hold a Master’s degree and are licensed by the state to provide assessment and treatment of psychological and behavioral health. They often work in a hospital, clinic or private practice setting.
Social Workers (MSWs) hold a Master’s degree and may have also completed additional training to provide assessment and treatment of psychological and behavioral health. They often work in a hospital and clinical setting and are often instrumental in helping individuals identify community services that may provide ongoing support. |
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How long does counseling take?
The amount of time for counseling will depend on the person and the issue they wish to have addressed. This is a question that should be discussed directly with your counselor.
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I want to keep my personal information very private. How confidential is this process?
Your work with your counselor is highly confidential. Your therapist is bound by both legal and ethical requirements to keep your information confidential.
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What if I see my counselor in public?
Because the therapeutic relationship is so confidential, if you see your therapist in public, he or she will not acknowledge that they know you unless you initiate the connection.
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Common beliefs, fears, and misconceptions: |
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Does counseling always involve the stereotypical black couch and stuffy therapist asking you to remember your most recent dream?
Not likely. Most counselors today seek to provide a relaxed and non-threatening environment for their clients. While our couches and chairs are comfortable enough to lie down, that’s up to you!
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Aren’t people who seek help from a counselor “crazy?”
Absolutely not! While some people need therapy, everyone can benefit. Many people who seek the services of a licensed counselor simply need support and help through a difficult time.
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Do I have to have a diagnosis to seek counseling?
No, many life circumstances warrant the help of a professional counselor and there is not a diagnoses required. Your insurance provider may, however, require a formal diagnosis to reimburse for the service. |
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Am I required to notify anyone, such as my workplace, child’s school, or insurance company, if I am receiving counseling?
You are not required to notify anyone that you, or your child, are in counseling. Even if your child receives psychological testing, telling the school is your choice. If you are to receive insurance reimbursement, however, the insurance company will likely require feedback and often request a diagnoses from your counselor. |
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Am I a failure if I seek counseling?
Of course not. Seeking counseling often takes courage and is a sign of wanting to make positive changes in your life. |
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Links from Frequently Asked Questions:
Eating Disorders-
Anorexia Nervosa is a refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height and includes an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though under weight, and a disturbance in the way in which one’s body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight on shape or self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight.
Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by recurrent inappropriate behaviors to prevent weight gain such as self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or other medications, fasting, or excessive exercise.
Binge-eating disorder consists of recurrent episodes of binge eating, but without the use of compensatory behaviors (such as vomiting or excessive exercise) as seen in Bulimia Nervosa.
Depression
Depressed mood most of the day; markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all or most activities most of the day; significant weight loss or gain; inability to sleep or sleeping too much nearly every day; feeling of restlessness or feeling slow moving; feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt; inability to concentrate; indecisiveness; recurrent thoughts of suicide or harming self
Anxiety
Excessive anxiety and worry; restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge; being easily fatigued; difficulty concentrating or mind going blank; irritable; muscle tension; sleep problems.
Return to Does MedCare specialize in eating disorders?
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