FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The practical things people usually want to know before they send a first message. If yours is not here, ask it on the consultation call — no question is too small.
- Where do you see clients?
- Everywhere in Texas, and only in Texas. Spero Counseling is a fully telehealth practice, so sessions happen by secure video wherever you are — home, a parked car, a quiet room on campus. A counselor may only work with clients located in the states where they hold a license, and Marisa is licensed in Texas.
- Who do you work with?
- Adults and teens. Most clients are young adults in their twenties, college students, teenagers, and mothers who have been holding everything together for a long time. If a parent or partner found this page for you, that is a perfectly normal way for therapy to start.
- What happens on the free consultation?
- A short conversation, no paperwork. You say what is going on and what you are hoping for, Marisa explains how she works and answers your practical questions, including the session fee. If she is not the right fit she will say so and point you elsewhere.
- What does a session cost?
- Marisa confirms the session fee with you on the free consultation, before anything is scheduled or charged. The practice is self-pay. A limited number of reduced-fee places are available — ask on the call.
- Do you take insurance?
- No. Spero Counseling is self-pay. Marisa can provide a superbill on request if you would like to try claiming out-of-network reimbursement from your plan, though whether it is reimbursed is between you and your insurer.
- How often would we meet?
- Most people start weekly, because momentum matters early on. As things settle, many clients move to every other week and then to occasional check-ins. You are in control of your therapeutic process, including its pace.
- What kind of therapy do you practice?
- Primarily cognitive behavioral therapy, in a client-centered and solution-focused frame, with mindfulness-based strategies for the body side of things. Marisa also brings eight years of ABA experience from working in a school before private practice.
- Do I have to be a Christian to work with you?
- No, and it is never assumed. Marisa offers Christian counseling for clients who want their faith in the room, and it is entirely opt-in and client-led. Clients of every faith and none receive exactly the same care.
- Is therapy by video as good as in person?
- For most of the work Marisa does, yes — and telehealth removes a drive, a waiting room and a childcare problem, which is often the difference between going and not going. If at any point she thinks a higher level of care or an in-person service would serve you better, she will tell you.
- Is what I say confidential?
- Yes, with the legal exceptions every Texas counselor is bound by: risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else, suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult, and a court order. Marisa will walk you through this in your first session before you decide what to share.
- What if I need to cancel?
- All visits that are not cancelled before 24 hours of the appointment time — or before the last business day before your appointment (e.g., contact by Friday for a Monday appointment) — will be charged a $100 fee for the missed appointment.
- What if I am in crisis right now?
- This practice is not an emergency service and messages are not monitored around the clock. If you are in immediate danger call 911. For mental health or suicide crisis support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, free and available 24/7.
Still not sure? Ask on the consultation call. No question is too small for it.
Still Not Sure You Are Eligible?
Check the state you will be sitting in during sessions. It takes one click, and if the answer is no you will still leave with somewhere to go.
Can Marisa See Me?
Counseling licenses are state by state. Choose where you will physically be sitting during sessions — the answer updates as you pick.
Yes
Marisa can work with you.
She is licensed in Texas and every session is held by secure video, so you can meet from home, a parked car, or a quiet room on campus. The next step is a free consultation.
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