
Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Connect.
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Schedule a free intro call
You’ll be asked to provide some key pieces of information by answering a series of questions on our new client inquiry form to ensure we can address your needs effectively.
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Introductory call
Learn more about VastMind Wellness and ask any questions that will help you determine if we are the right fit for you. There is no obligation to make any decisions during this phone call.
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Start your journey
If you decide to work with Dr. Chavira, a comprehensive intake assessment will be scheduled. You’ll be asked to provide information about your current problems and history to set the stage for your customized plan.
FAQs
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All sessions are conducted in a secure telehealth environment, ensuring your privacy and confidentiality while providing the flexibility and convenience of remote therapy.
At this time, only individual therapy for adults (18+) is being offered.
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Online therapy is suitable for a wide range of people seeking mental health support. It is particularly beneficial for those who value convenience and flexibility, such as busy professionals, parents, or anyone with mobility challenges. Additionally, online therapy can be a great option for those living in remote areas with limited access to in-person services.
While online therapy can address various concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and personal growth, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Those needing a higher level of care (e.g., severe symptoms, acute suicidal thoughts, or self-harm) may benefit more from in-person therapy.
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I specialize in guiding women through challenges like divorce/break up recovery, difficult relationships, midlife burnout and anxiety, and major life transitions (e.g., career changes, becoming an empty nester, adjusting to retirement).
My goal is to create a supportive environment where you can explore your experiences and foster personal growth. If you have any questions about my areas of expertise, please feel free to ask!
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At this time, I don’t work with people experiencing severe mental illnesses (e.g., psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder), personality disorders, chronic suicidal thoughts, or self-harm.
If you require more frequent sessions than I typically offer, you may benefit from a different therapeutic approach or higher level of care.
It’s essential to find the right support for your needs, so feel free to reach out if you have questions!
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The initial 60-75 minute intake costs $360, and 45 minute therapy sessions cost $205 each.
There is a lot of ground to cover in the therapy intake assessment! I focus on gathering detailed information about your mental health history, current concerns, and goals. It involves structured questions to help me understand your background and assess your needs and expectations. We also go through the therapeutic process, confidentiality, clinic policies and procedures, scheduling, and any questions you may have.
In contrast, a therapy session is more interactive and centered on addressing specific issues, exploring emotions, and working on strategies for personal growth. The intake sets the foundation for future therapy, while ongoing sessions focus on deeper exploration and progress toward your therapeutic goals.
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Great question! Investing in private pay therapy is about prioritizing personalized, high-quality care tailored to your needs, without the limitations set by insurance companies. While insurance can make therapy more accessible to people, it often dictates the number of sessions you can have and the type of issues that qualify for coverage. This approach can feel rushed or cookie-cutter, leaving deeper issues unaddressed.
In contrast, private pay therapy allows us to fully focus on your unique goals, whether that’s overcoming burnout, navigating a major life transition, or improving relationships. For instance, if you’re dealing with ongoing relationship challenges, insurance may only approve sessions addressing immediate symptoms like anxiety, leaving the root causes and lasting solutions unexplored.
The cost of settling for less personalized care can mean unresolved issues, ongoing stress, and more time and energy spent trying to piece things together on your own. Private pay therapy is a financial commitment, but it’s also an investment in lasting growth, clarity, and the skills to build the life you truly want. Many clients find that the long-term benefits—improved confidence, healthier relationships, and greater emotional balance—are worth every penny.
I’m happy to provide a superbill so you can seek reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits if your plan allows. It's always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage options.
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Coaches can be helpful for setting and achieving specific goals, but they aren’t trained to diagnose or treat mental health conditions. Unlike therapy, coaching isn’t a regulated field, so the level of training and expertise can vary widely.
Therapists are licensed professionals equipped to help you explore deeper issues, uncover root causes of challenges, and address emotional pain or trauma. If your concerns involve mental health, relational patterns, or a desire for deeper insight and healing, therapy may be the better fit. Both approaches can be beneficial depending on your needs.
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Therapy is most effective when sessions are held weekly or biweekly (i.e., every other week). Each session lasts 45 minutes and is typically scheduled on the same day and time each week, depending on availability.
The length of treatment varies based on your needs and goals and is a decision we’ll make together. Some individuals with less severe concerns may find they benefit from just a handful of sessions to address specific issues. Others may prefer to continue therapy longer to explore deeper patterns and sustain growth. Many people taper session frequency after building a strong foundation and achieving meaningful progress, often within a few months of consistent work.
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Engaging in weekly therapy offers several key benefits that enhance your healing journey. Regular sessions foster a strong therapeutic relationship, providing a safe space for open expression and building essential trust. This consistency offers ongoing support, allowing us to address challenges in real time and maintain momentum in developing effective coping strategies.
Additionally, weekly meetings facilitate deeper exploration of your experiences and emotions, leading to valuable insights into your concerns and goals. Finally, regular check-ins help us monitor your progress and ensure alignment with your therapeutic objectives. Together, these elements create a supportive framework for personal growth and empowerment.
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To ensure the best outcomes in therapy, I typically recommend sessions once a week. This pace allows you time to reflect, process, and apply what we discuss. However, if clinical needs warrant it, we can explore temporarily increasing session frequency to address specific challenges.
While challenges may arise between sessions, maintaining boundaries is essential for your progress and enables me to provide focused care. Together, we’ll develop strategies to navigate difficult moments, including tools from our sessions and external support resources. I’ll always be here to discuss any struggles during our next session.
If you require long-term, frequent contact or crisis-level care, I may not be the best fit and can provide referrals to therapists who specialize in that level of support.
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My approach to treatment is collaborative and client-centered, focusing on your unique needs and goals. I draw from various evidence-based methods, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and relational approaches to help you gain insights, build coping skills, and foster personal growth. Throughout our work together, I prioritize open communication and encourage your active participation in the therapeutic process.
AVAILABLE TRAUMA-FOCUSED PROTOCOLS:
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Prolonged Exposure
Written Exposure Therapy -
I see clients Tuesday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM (CST).
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I have a 48-hour cancellation policy for all sessions. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please do so at least 48 hours in advance to avoid being charged the full session fee.
Each appointment is specifically reserved for you, and last-minute cancellations can impact my schedule and availability for other clients. Thank you for your understanding. If you have any questions or need clarification, please don't hesitate to ask!
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If you are pursuing therapy due to a legal matter, it’s essential to seek the services of a forensic psychologist or psychiatrist because they are specifically trained to provide objective evaluations that can hold up in legal proceedings.
Unlike a therapist, whose primary role is to support emotional well-being, forensic professionals are experienced in handling legal complexities, such as court testimonies, custody evaluations, and providing expert opinions.
They maintain an objective stance and are equipped to handle the intersection of mental health and legal requirements, ensuring that any clinical evaluations or records are properly prepared for legal scrutiny without compromising your therapeutic care.
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As a therapist, the primary focus is on supporting emotional well-being and fostering a trusting therapeutic relationship. Conducting evaluations for legal or disability purposes can create conflicts of interest and blur the lines between therapeutic care and objective assessment.
For these types of evaluations, it's important to work with professionals specifically trained in forensic assessments, such as forensic psychologists or psychiatrists, who can provide the necessary expertise and unbiased evaluations required by legal or disability proceedings.
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If you are in an emergency situation or experiencing a crisis, it's important to seek immediate help. Please contact emergency services (911) or go to your nearest emergency room.
You can also reach out to a crisis hotline for support. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.
While I aim to provide a safe and supportive environment during our sessions, I encourage you to utilize these resources for urgent situations. Your safety and well-being are the top priority. If you have any questions about creating a plan for emergencies during our sessions, please feel free to discuss it with me.