Frequently Asked Questions
Insurance and Payment
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Therapy session rates range from $40-$225, depending on the therapist's experience and education. Some therapists also offer a discount on their usual hourly rate for active duty military members and their families.
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We do not offer fee or pro bono services. For those in need of services at no/low cost, we recommend contacting the following clinics:
The lowest cost services provided at ICFE are through graduate student interns working under the supervision of ICFE Owner and Director, Dr. Becky Davenport. Student intern services are available at $40 per session.
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Clients may choose to pay for services with cash, check, or credit card. Health Savings Accounts and similar options are also usually accepted, depending on the terms of the account set by the administrator of the fund. Clients will be prompted to enter a credit card number in their online client portal prior to their first session- credit card information is stored securely in a PCI-compliant format within our electronic record system
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You can use your insurance benefits for therapy in two ways: with an in-network or out-of-network provider.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network
Most of our therapists are not in-network with insurance companies, which means we don't bill your insurance or accept co-payments. If you need to see an in-network provider, please let us know when you schedule your appointment. If we don't have a therapist who accepts your plan, we'll provide referrals to other options.
If you have out-of-network benefits, you pay for the session at the time of service, and we'll give you a receipt with all the information you need to submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. We will also complete any additional paperwork required by your insurer at no charge unless the forms are substantial.
Important Information About Insurance and Diagnosis
It's important to know that all insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis to cover psychotherapy services. If you prefer not to have a diagnosis on your record, you may choose to pay for sessions out-of-pocket instead of using your insurance.
To determine if you have mental health coverage, ask your health insurance carrier the following:
What are my mental health benefits?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider? What forms need to be completed to obtain reimbursement for psychotherapy with an out-of-network provider?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Does my health plan cover couple and family psychotherapy sessions? (Procedure Code 90847 is specifically what you should ask about if you are seeking couples or family therapy.)
Therapy Experience
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Because your appointment time is reserved just for you, it is important for your therapist to get as much advance notice as possible if you are not going to be able to attend the session. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice, and client no-shows, will result in a charge equal to the full session fee.
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To request a copy of your therapy records, please send a written request to:
ICFE Custodian of Records
21015 Market Ridge
San Antonio, TX 78258You can mail the request, deliver it in person, or email it to admin@icfetx.com.
What to Include in Your Request
To confirm your identity, your request must include:
Your full name
Your date of birth
Your signature
A copy of your photo ID
Please also specify how you would like to receive the records (e.g., mail, in-person pickup) and provide contact information in case we have questions. Including the time frame of your services is also helpful.
Requesting Records for a Minor
When requesting records for a minor, you must provide:
The child's full name and date of birth
Your name and relationship to the child
Your signature
A copy of any legal documents that confirm you are entitled to receive the child's medical records.
You can send these documents to admin@icfetx.com.
Requesting Couple or Family Records
For records from couples or family therapy, your request must include all of the above information as well as a signed HIPAA release form from all other parties involved. Records from group sessions cannot be released to one individual without consent from everyone in the record.
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Finding a therapist can be overwhelming, but we're here to help you determine if we're the right fit for your needs. We believe the most effective therapy happens when a client and therapist are a good match, both in terms of expertise and personality.
Find a Therapist with the Right Expertise
While many therapists are generalists, we believe finding a specialist can lead to better outcomes. At ICFE, we specialize in working with couples, children, and families, as well as individuals who want to improve their relationships.
We encourage you to think about your goals for therapy and then call us to discuss your specific situation. We can help you determine if one of our therapists has the experience to help you.
The Therapeutic Relationship is Key
The relationship between you and your therapist is the most important factor in successful therapy. This is even more crucial in couple and family therapy, where every person needs to feel comfortable. Therapists have different personalities and styles, and it's okay if you need to meet with a few before finding the right fit. Our therapists will regularly check in with you to ensure a strong and positive therapeutic relationship.
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You may see the acronym “LMFT” in our therapists’ names. That stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. LMFTs are qualified to treat individuals, couples, and families, not just married people or families. The term "marriage and family" in our title highlights our unique approach to therapy.
Our Approach to Therapy
What sets us apart is our focus on the powerful significance of relationships in a person's life. We recognize that individual problems like depression or anxiety are not isolated issues; they are both affected by and affect a person's relationships and family history. Therefore, even when treating an individual, we consider their social and relational context.
Specialized Skills for Couples and Families
When working with couples and families, LMFTs have a unique skill set. We are trained to balance the needs of multiple people simultaneously within a session and to understand how interactions within the family or couple dynamic are connected to the problems being brought to therapy.
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No, we work with individuals as well! Our name as the Institute for Couple and Family Enhancement signifies our emphasis on how interactions within the family or couple dynamic are connected to the problems being brought to therapy, even individual therapy.
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If you're wondering whether you should seek therapy, it's likely because something has prompted you to ask the question. When conversations and personal attempts to solve a problem aren't working—or are even making things worse—a professional can offer an objective perspective to help you and your family move in a new direction.
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Please visit our Services pages to better understand how each type of therapy works. After the first 1-2 sessions, your therapist will be able to offer a general description of his/her recommendations for the therapeutic process to give you a “road map” for future sessions. We will also often ask you to do some “homework” between sessions, as well, to facilitate your progress toward your goals.
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In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist.
There are several specific exceptions to confidentiality within individual, couple, or family therapy. Your therapist will include information about exceptions relevant to services you receive in the consent form that you complete prior to beginning therapy.
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The specific approach used by the therapist will vary depending on the nature of an individual’s presenting problem and goals for therapy. The therapist will first and foremost focus on developing a relationship with the client in which the client feels heard, supported, and understood. After gathering relevant information about the client’s goals and situation, the therapist will work collaboratively with the client to determine the treatment plan to be utilized to facilitate achievement of the client’s goals.
ICFE therapists use a variety of therapeutic modalities and theoretic approaches including:
Solution-Focused Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Collaborative Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Trauma-Focused CBT
Neurofeedback
Faith-Based therapy/Christian Counseling
Client Centered Therapy
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) and attachment theory
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Internal Family Systems Therapy
Psychoeducation