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Yes. Julie Delene Penix, LPC is in-network with BCBS, Cigna, Magellan, Ambetter, and United Health Care. Julie Delene Penix, LPC is also in-network with insurance plans that use the above-mentioned carriers, including Oscar.  Julie Delene Penix, LPC is in-network with Cigna and Optum United Health Care EAP plans, as well. We are NOT in network with Aetna, Humana, TriCare, Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP.

No.

Cash, Check, Credit Card, or Debit Card

Yes, we see patients from 10am to 7pm Monday through Thursday and 9am to 5pm on Friday.

No.

Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, OCD, ADHD, Grief & Loss, Life Changes, Couples & Families, Infidelity, Divorce, Job Stress, Career Counseling, Parenting Concerns, Family Issues, Friend Stress, Relationship Concerns, Assertive Communication, Conflict Resolution, Emotional Intimacy, Boundaries, and Coping with Life Stress.

We treat teens ages 13 and up. We don’t treat children, and we recommend a Registered Play Therapist for children under the age of 13.

The first session takes about an hour and consists of getting a good history of the person, the family, and the problem; and developing a plan for treatment that is mutually agreed upon. It is not a counseling session. It is called an intake or a diagnostic session.

Regular sessions range from 45 to 55 minutes in length, usually once weekly, and are more open discussions. You may or may not have tasks to complete between sessions, depending on your preference. Sometimes, you may feel more emotionally drained after a session; while at other times, you may feel lighter, depending on the topic and work done in that session.

Yes, with some exceptions. Child abuse, elder abuse, or abuse of a disabled person must be reported. If you plan and intend to kill or seriously injure yourself or someone else, we will need to get you help. If you are involved in any legal cases, such as child custody, judges can order all medical records if they so choose. Minors are in custody of parents or guardians who maintain the legal rights they are given. You may choose others you want to disclose information to, such as insurance, doctors, family and friends.

 No.

Abie uses EMDR, an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method shown to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. Through the use of bilateral stimulus (eye movement or tapping,) EMDR therapy focuses on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors that result from the distressing issues, and allows the brain to resume its natural healing process. To learn more about EMDR, you can visit the following website: emdria.org or call for more information.

Delene uses some DBT techniques, such as mindfulness, but does not provide the full scope of DBT treatment. Dialectical-Behavior Therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for people with Borderline Personality Disorder and others who struggle with intense emotions. DBT is based on the concept that two opposing truths can be true simultaneously. For example, people are both good and bad at the same time. Mindfulness mindfulness can be an effective tool in managing anxiety.

YES. CBT is our primary treatment method at Garland Counseling Center.  Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is an evidence-based treatment and is shown to be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. Therapy targets changing behaviors and negative thoughts to improve mood and functioning and to reduce and manage anxiety. It may also be used to address trauma and couples issues.

We charge a $50 fee for cancellations made with less than 24-hour notice, as insurance will not pay for canceled sessions. For high-demand times, such as evenings and weekends, we request as much notice as possible, preferably 72 hours or more notice, as these are often wait-listed time-slots.

If you arrive more than 20 minutes late, we will need to charge you the full self-pay rate, as insurance will not pay for that session.

We see patients either in person or by telehealth, depending on your preference. In some cases, the therapist may determine it is best for you to present in person for sessions. If either the therapist or patient is sick or exposed to someone who is sick, we will need to use telehealth or reschedule the appointment. 

You will receive a link for the teletherapy appointment from our office. Insurance requires an interactive video/audio link. You will need a strong internet connection. If there is a connection issue, please, restart your computer and log back in, and notify your therapist of the problem. If the connection issue is not resolved with the restart, we may try a different platform. You will need a quiet, private, place where you can devote your undivided attention, just as though you are sitting in the therapist’s office. Please, arrange for childcare in advance. Please, dress appropriately, just as though you would if going into the office. Please, refrain from restroom visits and multitasking during the session.