Answers to common questions about therapy, rates, and insurance
My current session rates are:
Payment is due at the time of service. I accept credit cards, debit cards, and HSA/FSA cards.
All sessions are 50 minutes in length. This is the standard therapeutic hour and allows time for meaningful, focused work during each session.
Yes. I offer in-person sessions at my office in Austin, TX, as well as secure telehealth sessions for clients located anywhere in the state of Texas. Both options are available at the same rate, and many clients appreciate the flexibility of choosing the format that works best for them week to week.
Office Location: 8400 N. Mopac Expressway, Suite 302, Austin, TX 78759
I typically recommend weekly sessions, especially when starting therapy, to build momentum and maintain consistency. As you progress and begin to feel more grounded, we can discuss moving to biweekly or less frequent sessions based on your needs and goals. One of the benefits of private pay is that we get to make this decision together—without an insurance company dictating your treatment timeline.
This is one of the most common questions I receive, and it's an important one. I made the intentional decision to operate as a private pay practice because I believe it allows me to provide the highest quality of care to my clients. Here are the primary reasons:
In order for insurance to cover therapy, a therapist must assign a formal mental health diagnosis from the first session. This diagnosis becomes a permanent part of your medical record. Many people who seek therapy don't necessarily meet the criteria for a clinical diagnosis—they may be navigating a stressful life transition, working through relationship challenges, developing parenting skills, or simply wanting to grow as a person. I don't believe you should have to carry a diagnostic label to get the support you deserve.
When insurance is involved, the insurance company—not your therapist—often has the final say on how many sessions you receive, how long treatment lasts, and what approaches are covered. They may deny continued sessions if they determine you're no longer "medically necessary," even when you and I agree that more work would be beneficial. By working outside of insurance, I can tailor your treatment plan entirely around your needs, goals, and pace—not around what a third party will approve.
When you use insurance for therapy, your insurance company has access to your diagnosis, treatment notes, and session details. They can audit records and request clinical documentation at any time. With private pay, your therapy remains between you and me. No one else reviews your records, and your personal information stays out of insurance databases.
Insurance-based practices often require therapists to maintain very high caseloads due to low reimbursement rates, which can lead to burnout and less individualized attention. By operating as a private pay practice, I'm able to maintain a smaller, more focused caseload. This means I have the time and energy to be fully present for each client and to provide the thoughtful, personalized care that effective therapy requires.
Possibly. While I don't file insurance claims directly, many insurance plans offer out-of-network benefits that may partially reimburse you for therapy sessions. I can provide you with a superbill—a detailed receipt with the information your insurance company needs to process a reimbursement claim. I recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits and what percentage they may cover.
Questions to ask your insurance company:
Yes. Therapy is an eligible expense for most Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). I accept HSA and FSA cards as a form of payment. This can be a great way to use pre-tax dollars toward your mental health care.
I understand that paying out of pocket for therapy is a meaningful financial commitment, and I don't take that lightly. What I can tell you is that private pay therapy offers real advantages that directly impact the quality of your care:
Investing in therapy is investing in yourself, your relationships, and your long-term well-being. Many clients find that the freedom and quality of private pay therapy makes a meaningful difference in their progress.
You can reach me by email at noellelutton1@gmail.com or by phone at (210) 879-7076. I'll respond as soon as possible, typically within 24–48 hours. From there, we can discuss your needs and find a time that works for you.
I'm happy to have a brief phone conversation to answer your questions and help you determine if my practice is the right fit for you. Please reach out by email or phone to get started.