Frequently Asked Questions
What do the differing licensure level's (LPC, LPC-Associate, etc.) mean for me as a client?
Because our counselors have varying licensure statuses, ETCG is able to offer counseling services on a sliding fee scale. In addition to contracting with counselors who are fully licensed through the state of Texas, we also function as a training site for therapists that are seeking full licensure or are currently completing their graduate level training through a university practicum or internship.
Below is a description of each licensure status, and how you may benefit from receiving counseling services with a therapist currently at that status:
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PhD Clinician: Dr. Melanie Roudkovski earned a Ph.D. In Counseling, which is an educational status that indicates attainment of the highest-level credential for the discipline of counseling. Dr. Roudkovski also uses this credential to teach at the graduate level to train new therapists. She has been practicing for over 20 years and also carries the distinction of LPC-Supervisor (LPC-S). For more information regarding experience and expertise, follow the link to Dr. Roudkovski’s profile.
LPC-Supervisor (LPC-S): An LPC-S indicates that a clinician has earned the LPC and has practiced as an LPC for a minimum of 5 years. In addition, an LPC-S must complete specialized training and is recognized by the state as a qualified clinician for supervising LPC-Associates through their post-graduate clinical training. ETCG is privileged to have two LPC-Supervisors on staff: Dr. Melanie Roudkovski and Megan Korthals. If you are seeking a therapist with extensive clinical experience who has been recognized by the state as a supervisor and mentor for new therapists, an LPC-S may be the right choice for the next part of your story.
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Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC): An LPC indicates that a clinician has received masters-level training and is fully licensed by the state of Texas to provide counseling services. They are no longer under the supervision of another therapist and are therefore qualified to be practicing independently. LPCs have generally been practicing for a longer period of time, have established or are working toward identified specializations, and have spent more time receiving continuing education trainings in a variety of therapies. If you are seeking a therapist with a specific specialization and are able/willing to pay the LPC rate, an LPC may be the right choice for the next part of your story.
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Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-A): An LPC-A indicates that a clinician has completed their masters degree, passed a national counselor exam (NCE), and is currently seeking licensure while under supervision. LPC-As at ETCG are under the supervision of either Dr. Melanie Roudkovski or Megan Korthals. LPC-As meet weekly with their supervisor to staff cases. Attending counseling with an LPC-A means that you would benefit from the experience of two therapists, the LPC-A who is your personal therapist and their supervisor. At ETCG, many of the LPC-As are eclectic in nature—they treat a wide range of mental health symptoms, as well as have previous careers and life experiences prior to becoming a counselor. If you are seeking high-qualified counseling at a very affordable rate, an LPC-A may be the right choice for the next part of your story.
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Graduate Intern: A graduate intern is in the final phase of completing their masters-level training. These counselors have completed all prerequisite coursework and are approved by their graduate faculty to provide clinical services. Interns at ETCG go through a rigorous application and interview process and are selected based on mission fit and clinical ability. Interns are under the supervision of experienced therapists, meaning their clients benefit from both the experience of their supervisor as well as their personal counseling intern. If you are seeking high-quality, low-fee counseling services, a graduate intern may be the right choice for the next part of your story.
Does ETCG bill insurance?
ETCG has several Licensed Professional Counselors who are able to directly bill some private insurance plans (such as BCBS of TX, Aetna, United Health, and Cigna). The counselors contract with a third-party company for benefit authorizations and billing. If you would like to request that you be assigned to a counselor that bills private insurance through Headway, please complete our Counseling Appointment Request form. Please be aware that counselors who bill private insurance may not be available to accept new clients.
What are my options if ETCG cannot bill my insurance?
Many of the clinicians at ETCG, including Dr. Skarda, have partnered with Reimbursify. Your ETCG clinician can provide you with a superbill once services have been rendered. Reimbusify allows clients with insurance to download this app and file for out-of-network reimbursement in about a minute. Clients may also choose to seek reimbursement directly from their insurance company using the provided superbill.
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For more information about why many counselors don’t directly bill insurance, and how you can more easily navigate this challenge, please read our blog post here.
I’m not interested in Christian-based counseling, can I still attend counseling here?
YES! ETCG was founded on the premise of Christian principles and many of our clinicians adhere to Christianity as a belief system. While this worldview is shared among ETCG clinicians, it is not expected that our clients share the same beliefs. All clinicians are bound by a Code of Ethics that recognizes the importance of the therapeutic environment as an unbiased space for clients to explore the life challenges that have brought them to counseling. We explore and utilize faith and spirituality overtly in counseling only in accordance with the requests and comfort of clients. We work with clients from various religious and faith backgrounds, and we also recognize that spiritual issues may contribute to the challenges facing clients. Our clinicians are prepared to explore these concerns, and several have experience working specifically with these issues.
If you would prefer non-faith based counseling, please specify this request when seeking services. Please feel free to read the biographies of each counselor and directly contact one that you believe would be a good fit for you.