Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer in person or virtual appointments?
We are pleased to offer both in-person and virtual appointments. Our office is location in central San Antonio, overlooking beautiful Breckenridge Park. The address is 3510 North St. Mary’s Street, Suite #210, San Antonio TX 78212.
We also provide services via teletherapy with clients living anywhere in the state of Texas. Teletherapy is mental health treatment through an internet live video connection which take place on a secured video platform. This allows you to be seen in a space you are most comfortable, without commuting or waiting in an office, at your own convenience.
Studies have found patients benefit from video therapy sessions equally to in-person treatment.
Who do you see in therapy?
We specialize in working with adults and adolescents (13+). We also have experience working with couples as well as conducting psychological assessments.
Are you taking new clients?
Yes! We currently have limited openings for new clients. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, so reaching out early is recommended.
Do you take insurance?
We are an in-network provider for Aetna insurance. Otherwise, we are considered an “out-of-network provider” for insurance companies. You will pay for services at each session and we will provide invoices to submit to receive possible reimbursement. Please be aware that insurance companies often require therapists to provide clinical diagnosis and treatment records. Please find out exactly which mental health services are covered by your insurance policy.
Why do some people choose an out-of-network psychologist?
An out-of-network psychologist is a therapist who has not entered into a reimbursement agreement with your insurance. You may choose an out-of-network psychologist for several reasons:
In-network providers are unavailable or are scheduled weeks in advance
You live in a rural area where there aren’t any practicing therapists
You need a clinician with advanced training (e.g., a doctoral degree versus a master’s degree) with specialty in certain clinical problems or treatments
You have a chronic and/or severe mental illness and your health insurance plan does not include coverage for these mental illnesses
There are many benefits to out-of-network care, including:
You are free to choose your provider
You do not have to obtain a referral from your primary care provider
You are not required to get health insurance pre-authorizations for evaluations or counseling sessions
You do not have any geographic limitations in regards to whom you choose
Most health insurance plans cover some out-of-network charges
Your medical history is kept confidential and stays strictly between you and your psychologist
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. Our practice will provide you with an initial Good Faith Estimate for the intake evaluation. Once a treatment plan has been created based on the intake evaluation, we will provide you with a Good Faith Estimate for therapy services.
What should I expect from therapy?
During your first appointments, Dr. Martin will learn more about your background, your story, and the challenges you are facing that have led you to therapy, and explore your personal goals for the process. For example, a goal may be to reduce worry, address depressive symptoms, have fewer distressing thoughts about traumatic events, or to improve relationships. You and Dr. Martin will then collaboratively choose a thoughtful, evidence-based treatment for these concerns. Session by session, you’ll work together to give you the tools and support you need to address the challenges you’re facing. By the end of treatment, the goal is for you to “become your own therapist.” For more information about Dr. Martin’s approach to therapy click here.
How long do therapy sessions last?
50 minutes is the standard therapy hour. Longer sessions are available by request.
What is your cancellation policy?
Embark has a cancellation policy where you must provide 24 hours advance notice. This allows us to fill your reserved time with someone else. If you do not contact us to cancel with 24 hours notice, you will be required to pay the full fee for the session. This does not apply for emergency situations.
I identify as [fill in the blank], will I be welcomed in therapy?
We strive to maintain a posture of cultural humility in our practice. This means that with each client, we hope to open up a conversation in a way that genuinely attempts to understand, honor, and affirm a person's identities as well as how they intersect with one another. Embark is purposefully inclusive. All are welcome.
What about confidentiality?
You might seek therapy specifically because your personal information will be confidential. Our communication is protected by the same federal and state laws as all of your medical care (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA). There are some circumstances in which Dr. Martin is legally mandated to break confidentiality (for example, if you tell him about the abuse of a child or an elderly person). If you have any concerns about confidentiality, please discuss these with Dr. Martin.
How do I get started?
The effectiveness of therapy has a lot to do with having a good fit between client and therapist. That's why we offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so that you can figure out if Embark might be a good for you. Feel free to reach out via the contact page to schedule a time to talk by phone to discuss your background, goals, and how we can help.