Appointments

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, I am taking new clients and am often able to get new clients into my schedule within a few days, if not sooner, when needed.  I answer my own phone, when able, and pick up my own messages as well.  All calls are confidential.

Appointments are available during the workday, several evenings, and on Saturdays.  Phone appointments are available as well, when needed.   

Contact Information 

Karla Austin, Ph.D
1425 West Pioneer
Suite 267
Irving, Texas 75061

972-986-0150 phone
972-313-2281 fax
austinphds@verizon.net
www.DallasChristianPsychologist.com

               www.KarlaAustin.com (new site!)
 Fees

My fees are $110.00 for a 50-minute individual or family session.  Group therapy is $30.00 per session.  My fees are quite competitive in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area.  I do not employ a sliding scale, as I consider the services I provide equal for all clients.  At times, I do offer a reduced fee when I deem it appropriate.  This is most often done for existing clients during times of hardship.  Fees do not increase by family size.  I am a provider for some insurance companies.  For specifics, please call.

 Insurance Questions 

Will my insurance cover counseling? 

If you have health insurance, and want to know if counseling is covered, you need to know if you have mental health benefits.  If so, your counseling may or may not be covered, depending on who you see, and your diagnosis.  Insurance more often covers counseling for those suffering with disorders dealing with depression, anxiety, sleep, sex, substance abuse, or other specific individual diagnoses.  Whatever the insurance plan, a deductible is usually required.  If you are unsure as to how your insurance works, you can call them to inquire, or I will assist you in determining your coverage.

Are you on my insurance?

I am a provider for several insurance companies.  If you are required to pick doctors from a provider list, you can check to see if I (Karla Austin, Ph.D., licensed psychologist) am on the list.  If I am not on the list, but you have out of network benefits, therapy with me would be covered under those guidelines. 

For years, I did not accept insurance due to the high priority I place on confidentiality for my clients.  I now try to help clients be informed of the risks of using their insurance, so they can make informed decisions.

 What if I don’t have insurance? 

If you have no insurance, you will benefit from my reasonable rates.  Usually, clients pay at the time of services.  I accept cash, checks, or money orders.  I will provide a receipt for payment.  I do not allow clients to run up a large bill.  I will work with those who have difficulty with payment on scheduling to meet their needs.

 
How do I know if I want to use my insurance?

 Often, clients choose not to use health insurance for counseling due to a desire for greater confidentiality and more personal control of their mental treatment.  Insurance companies typically require information including diagnosis.  Often, they want a treatment plan.  Sometimes, they dictate the number of sessions a client can obtain.  If you work for a small company, you may know the individuals who would handle your health insurance.  In this case, you may choose not to use insurance for your mental health.  If your insurance is handled by a company off site, and is managed by persons unknown to you, using insurance for your mental health treatment may be appealing.