Frequently Asked Questions
We're here to help
Find answers to common questions about our services, what to expect, and how we can support you.
Beginning Your Journey
Counseling is typically best if you're dealing with past trauma, mental health concerns like anxiety or depression, grief, or relationship issues that feel stuck. Counseling helps you understand and heal from past experiences.
Coaching is ideal if you're looking to grow, set goals, improve leadership skills, or navigate life transitions. Coaching is future-focused and action-oriented.
Still not sure? That's okay! During your initial consultation, we'll help you determine which path is right for you. You can also explore our Coaching and Counseling pages to learn more.
Your first session is called an intake or assessment session. Here's what to expect:
- Paperwork: You'll complete intake forms about your history, current concerns, and goals. We'll send these electronically before your appointment when possible.
- Getting to know you: Your counselor or coach will ask questions to understand your background, what brings you in, and what you hope to achieve.
- Informed consent: We'll explain confidentiality, your rights, and our policies.
- Treatment planning: Together, we'll discuss a plan that fits your needs.
The first session typically lasts 60-90 minutes. It's normal to feel nervous—we're here to create a safe, welcoming space for you.
Scheduling is easy! You have several options:
- Call us: 817-906-1111 during office hours (Mon-Thu, 9am-5pm)
- Contact form: Fill out our contact form and we'll reach out within 1-2 business days
- Email: Send us a message at info@his-story.org
We'll match you with a counselor or coach based on your needs, preferences, and availability.
Complete the registration form on our Coaching page and we will contact you to schedule your first appointment.
What We Offer
We offer a variety of counseling services including:
- Trauma Informed Care: Specialized support for those who have experienced trauma
- EMDR Therapy: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for trauma processing
- Play Therapy: Therapeutic approach for children ages 3-12
- Couples Counseling: Relationship support for partners
- Individual Counseling: One-on-one support for adults, teens, and children
- Animal Assisted Therapy: Learn about our AAT program
Learn more on our Counseling page.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences.
During EMDR sessions, you'll briefly focus on a traumatic memory while experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically side-to-side eye movements). This helps your brain reprocess the memory so it becomes less distressing.
EMDR has been extensively researched and is recommended by organizations including the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association for treating PTSD.
Yes! We offer telehealth sessions for many of our services. Virtual sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform.
Telehealth is a great option if you:
- Have a busy schedule or long commute
- Prefer the comfort of your own space
- Have mobility or transportation challenges
- Are feeling unwell but still want to attend your session
Some services, like Play Therapy, are best conducted in person. We'll help you determine what works best for your situation.
Life coaching is forward-focused, strengths-based, and relational. Coaches help you clarify direction, strengthen relationships, build confidence, establish healthy rhythms, and move from stuck to thriving.
Coaching is for individuals in transition or ready to grow — whether clarifying purpose, improving leadership, strengthening relationships, or building healthier rhythms.
Psychoeducational Assessment
Psychoeducational assessments evaluate a child's cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral abilities and challenges. Through assessment, we gain a holistic understanding of the child so strengths and unique needs can be better understood and supported.
Psychoeducational assessment services are currently offered for children and adolescents ages 6 to 16.
The complete battery of assessments is $1,500. Contact Dr. Lindsay Akers at lindsay@his-story.org or use our contact form to schedule a 15-minute phone consultation.
Assessment is a multi-step process. The assessor gathers information from caregivers, the child, and teachers when appropriate, then provides recommendations to the family and school to help meet the child's unique needs.
Payment & Assistance
Our rates are below market value as a non-profit organization. Individual counseling sessions typically range from $120–$150 for 50 minutes. Coaching sessions range from $100–$150. See our full Fees & Scholarships page for a complete fee schedule.
As a non-profit organization, our mission is to make mental health care accessible. We offer several options:
- Scholarships: Need-based programs available based on your household circumstances
- Payment plans: Flexible arrangements to spread out costs
- HSA/FSA: We accept health savings and flexible spending accounts
Don't let cost be a barrier. Contact us to discuss scholarship eligibility and payment options.
Session fees vary based on the coach or counselor you work with. Fees are defined in your consent paperwork and only change if agreed to in writing between you and the His Story office.
These fees may be charged if you cancel outside the allotted grace period or fail to show for a scheduled appointment. Specific amounts are defined in your consent paperwork.
Counseling is not defined by a fixed number of sessions. With your clinician's input, you decide frequency and duration based on your goals and progress.
Yes. His Story provides scholarships and sliding-scale options so care remains accessible. Contact our office to discuss availability and eligibility.
A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is a tool that provides an understanding of your financial commitment to coaching or counseling so you can make informed decisions. Session fees vary based on your coach or counselor. Ask us if you need a GFE for your care plan.
What to Know
Session length: Most sessions are 50-60 minutes. Initial assessments may run 60-90 minutes. EMDR sessions can be extended to 90 minutes when needed.
Frequency: This depends on your needs and goals. Many clients start with weekly sessions, then transition to every other week or monthly as they progress. Your counselor or coach will work with you to determine what's best.
Duration of treatment: This varies widely. Some people find relief in a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. We'll regularly assess your progress together.
We understand that life happens. Here's our policy:
- 24+ hours notice: Cancel or reschedule at no charge
- Less than 24 hours: May be charged up to 50% of session rate
- No-show: May be charged the full session rate
We're understanding of true emergencies—just communicate with us as soon as possible.
Your safety is our priority. Here's how we handle weather and emergency situations:
- Office closures: If our office closes due to severe weather (ice, snow, flooding) or other emergencies, we will contact you to reschedule. No cancellation fees apply for weather-related closures.
- Telehealth option: When possible, we may offer to convert your in-person session to a telehealth appointment if you're comfortable and have a safe, private space.
- School closures: If local schools are closed due to weather, we typically follow their lead for in-person sessions.
- Your decision: If you feel unsafe driving to your appointment due to weather conditions, please let us know. We'll work with you to reschedule or switch to telehealth without penalty.
We'll communicate any closures via phone, email, and our social media pages. When in doubt, call our office at 817-906-1111.
Yes, confidentiality is fundamental to the therapeutic relationship. What you share stays between you and your counselor, with a few legal exceptions:
- Imminent danger to yourself or others
- Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly, or disabled person
- Court order or legal subpoena
- When you provide written consent to share information
We'll explain all of this in detail during your first session. You can learn more on our Disclosures page.
Most counseling sessions are about 50 minutes and tailored to your needs. Consultations with our Executive Director are also available.
Due to high demand, we require at least 24 hours' notice for appointment cancellations. Appointments missed or canceled with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a cancellation fee.
Intake & Client Forms
His Story uses electronic forms for intakes and ongoing health records. Contact our office at 817-906-1111 or info@his-story.org to receive the correct forms for your visit.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For crisis support you can also call or text 988.