What is a licensed psychologist?
A psychologist is a doctoral-trained professional who evaluates and treats a full range of emotional and psychological challenges. Their license certifies the completion of broad educational and training requirements. It authorizes the psychologist to independently diagnose and treat psychological problems. After a license has been granted, the psychologist must continue their professional education. Psychologists maintain the highest professional and ethical standards of practice.
How do psychologists differ from other types of mental health professionals?
Psychologists receive more education and training in psychology and mental health service than any other mental health professional. Their training often requires a minimum of seven years beyond the undergraduate degree. A clinical psychologist may provide counseling and psychotherapy but will also draw from rigorous scientific research. This ensures that treatments are effective and well-matched to what the client wants. Clinical psychologists will often be more “active” than psychotherapists and counselors. Clinical psychologists in Texas do not currently prescribe medicine. However, most will have a good understanding of relevant medicines and will identify when you should consult your doctor.
What is an evidence-based treatment?
Evidence-based treatment refers to treatment methods and intervention techniques that are supported by science. They are informed by peer-reviewed, scientific research indicating that the strategies and methods used are effective. Using approaches that have been put through rigorous testing ensures the validity of a therapy. In addition, evidence-based treatment integrates good science with clinical experience and expertise. Evidence-based treatments are listed as ‘best practice’ and ‘preferred’ approaches for treatment by both the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association. I choose to use evidence-based treatments because because I want to do effective work and have seen these interventions work well time after time.
What is an outcome-driven treatment?
Outcome-driven treatment is a treatment that includes clear goals and focuses on the desired outcome. Clear goals are developed early in treatment, and we measure and monitor progress regularly (typically every month) to make sure that symptoms are improving. This approach is also known as measurement-based care. The length of treatment depends on the number and complexity of goals and the extent to which the client works to accomplish them. An outcome-driven approach is personalized and not a “one-method-fits-all” approach. The client and the clinician work together as a collaborative team to maximize success.
What are your fees for therapy and related services?
I believe that clear and upfront information about fees is an important part of a respectful and supportive therapeutic relationship. My fee is $250 for the initial 50-minute session and $200 for each follow-up 50-minute session. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) appointments are 90 minutes and are billed at $300 per session. I am a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience, and my fees reflect the depth of training and individualized care I provide. Limited sliding-scale availability may be offered based on documented financial need, and fees are reviewed periodically. Psychological testing and formal evaluations are billed separately. If you have questions or would like to discuss whether working together may be a good fit, I welcome you to reach out.
How do I make an appointment?
To make an initial appointment, you can call/text me at (832) 437-6260. I will want to talk with you and ask some basic background questions about you and about your reason for seeking help. This is because I want to make sure that I am the best person to help you. If we both agree that I may be the right person, I can then email you instructions to make an appointment online, or we can make an appointment over the phone, whichever is easier for you.
Does Dr. Valdés take insurance?
To ensure the highest quality of dedicated, highly individualized care without the clinical constraints or treatment limitations often imposed by insurance companies, I am not an in-network provider for insurance panels.
Many premium insurance plans offer competitive “out-of-network” mental health benefits. I am committed to making this process as seamless as possible for your family and offer two convenient options for utilizing your benefits:
- Complimentary Courtesy Billing: As a courtesy to reduce administrative stress for my families, I can file out-of-network claims directly with your insurance company on your behalf. The insurance company will receive the necessary session details (such as duration and standard diagnostic codes) and will mail any eligible reimbursement directly to your home.
- Superbill Provision: If you prefer to manage your claims independently or utilize a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)/Health Savings Account (HSA), I am happy to provide you with a detailed superbill containing all required clinical and procedure codes for your direct submission.
Because out-of-network reimbursements and deductibles vary significantly by plan, I highly recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to verify your specific out-of-network mental health benefits.
If the appointment is for a child, who should come to the first appointment?
If you’re seeking therapy or an assessment for your child or teen, my intake process is designed to be highly collaborative and protective of your child’s comfort:
- Session 1 (Parents Only): I typically begin by meeting with parents or caregivers alone. This gives us a chance to speak openly and share important background information—without the risk of making your child feel uncomfortable or “talked about.”
- Sessions 2–3 (Getting to Know Your Child): Next, I’ll focus on getting to know your child or teen. They’re welcome to come in on their own or with you, depending on what feels most comfortable for them.
- The Roadmap: Once I’ve completed this initial mini-evaluation, we’ll meet again to discuss my clinical impressions and collaboratively talk through a tailored plan to support your child’s well-being.
How long do the sessions last?
A typical session lasts for 50 minutes. After the session, I spend about 10 minutes documenting a progress note.
What can I expect from my initial session?
During the first session, I will gather detailed information about the reason you are seeking help and what goals you hope to reach with our work. At the end of the first session, we will develop a plan for how to work on the concern that brings you here.
Will the things I discuss in therapy be kept private?
Confidentiality is an important part of psychology’s code of ethics and we take your privacy very seriously. Psychologists understand that people need to feel safe and comfortable to be able to share private and revealing information. People need a safe place to talk about anything they’d like, without fear of that information leaving the room. Being able to share without worries about confidentiality allows us receive good care. Laws are also in place to protect your privacy. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) contains a privacy rule that creates national standards to protect individuals’ medical records and personal information. In some situations, however, psychologists may be required to share specific information to protect the safety of the client or that of others. For example, where there is a reasonable suspicion of child abuse or where there is a reasonable suspicion that the client presents a danger to himself or others.
How long does the therapy process typically take?
Because my practice focuses on highly structured, evidence-based treatments—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), SPACE, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)—our work is designed to be goal-oriented and efficient, rather than open-ended.
While there is no one-size-fits-all timeline, here is what you can typically expect:
- Short-Term, Targeted Focus: Many evidence-based protocols are designed to show measurable momentum within 8 to 14 weeks.
- Early Momentum: Many clients and parents begin noticing practical, real-world shifts in anxiety and behavior within the first few sessions as we establish your custom toolkit.
- Collaborative Control: You are always in control of the timeline. Once your initial goals are met, we will evaluate whether to transition to monthly maintenance “check-ins,” pivot to new goals, or successfully conclude treatment.
What if I need medication?
I am a psychologist, so I do not prescribe or even recommend considering specific medications. However, if we both feel that there is a possibility that medicine might be helpful, I will refer you to a psychiatrist who can assess that possibility further. If the psychiatrist determines that medication may be helpful, the psychiatrist and I will collaborate and communicate frequently to make sure that you are getting the best care possible from both of us.
If you think we might be a good fit, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out whenever you’re ready.