We currently accept in-network benefits through Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Oxford, Oscar Health, BCBS, and UMR in both Maryland and Texas. This is made possible through our billing partners, Alma and Headway. While we are in-network with these companies, please note that certain plans may still be considered out-of-network—we’ll verify your benefits before your intake to avoid surprises.

If your plan is out-of-network, we can offer options to help you get reimbursed easily. We encourage you to bring up any insurance questions during your free consultation so we can plan the best path forward together.

Insurance can be a great way to reduce the cost of therapy, but it’s important to consider whether using your benefits truly serves your needs. When you use insurance, your provider must assign you a mental health diagnosis, and that diagnosis is shared with your insurance company—which could potentially be accessed or used in other contexts, such as life insurance applications or legal matters.

Insurance companies also influence your care by limiting what they’ll cover. For example, they may only approve 53-minute sessions for certain diagnoses, defaulting others to shorter 45-minute sessions. They may also restrict how often you can be seen or how long treatment is covered. Because coverage is based on “medical necessity,” they may stop paying once you start improving—even if you and your therapist agree that continued support would be helpful.

After your consultation, you’ll receive an invitation to set up your client portal. This is where you’ll complete your intake paperwork, including consent forms and a brief pre-intake survey. These forms must be completed before your intake session—if they aren’t finished in time, we’ll need to reschedule. You’ll also receive a separate invitation to enter your billing information through the appropriate payment portal, depending on your insurance or payment method. Let your therapist know if you’re having any issues with any of this documentation.

Your intake session typically lasts between 40 and 60 minutes. It may feel a bit more structured and less personal than future sessions—that’s completely normal. During this time, your therapist will review key policies and important information to help you get the most out of counseling. She’ll also begin the assessment process, which includes some personal questions. While you’re always in control of what you choose to share, honest answers can help lay the groundwork for meaningful, personalized support.

After your intake session, your therapist will talk with you about next steps. This may include creating a treatment plan, deciding how often and when to meet, and addressing any other planning needs. Some clients come to therapy simply for extra support and space to process, while others prefer a more structured, goal-focused approach. Earthsong Counseling welcomes both. Your therapist may also recommend additional resources, such as group therapy, if it feels like a good fit for your needs.

To join your session, simply click the link provided in your reminder email or text. Sessions are held via Google Meet, so if you’re joining from a phone, you may need to download the app ahead of time. Your link is for your sessions only and will not change without your knowledge.

You’ll receive two reminders directly from Earthsong Counseling: one by email 48 hours before your session, and one by text 5 minutes before. You may also receive automated reminders from the billing platform, but please note that those are not the most up-to-date and will not include your session link. You can usually unsubscribe from those if you prefer.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long therapy lasts—it depends on your goals, needs, and preferences. At Earthsong Counseling, we value the therapeutic relationship as a key part of healing, especially for those with a history of trauma or neurodivergence. Some clients choose short-term support, while others stay longer to deepen their work. Ideally, you and your therapist will decide together when it’s time to end therapy, ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition.

However, in rare cases—such as assaultive behavior or failure to pay—therapy may be ended without mutual agreement. These policies will be reviewed during your intake session.