frequently asked questions
As a part of our work together in counseling, I find it helpful to provide clients with the best resources and information available to meet their specific needs to aid in the therapeutic process.
Please review our preferred book list, additional treatment resources, and our frequently asked questions from clients. We are happy that you are here!
Treatment Centers
Psychiatrists & MD’s
Welcome to our Amazon storefront dedicated to mental health resources and preferred reading! We have curated a list of books and other products that we believe will help you prioritize your mental well-being.
Additional Resources
-
Sometimes clients seek therapy for a variety of reasons whether that be a long-standing mental health struggle or an opportunity to have a trusted space to make personal growth and mental wellness a priority. You can be reassured that we will work with each person to identify their specific needs for therapy and meet their unique goals. We want to support clients through their journey and not keep them in therapy if it is not necessary.
-
In our initial appointment, this is an opportunity to gather information and have a clear understanding of what the goals are for our sessions together. Counseling can offer a safe space to process your emotions, gain insight and deeper self-awareness, explore your family of origin dynamics and patterns, learn necessary skills to cope with various stressors and anxieties of life.
-
Your privacy and confidentiality is of the upmost importance to our practice. As a client your records, any communications are confidential unless:
Privacy Policy
1. Information you and/or your child or children report about physical of sexual abuse of a minor or an elder person. As mandated reporters, we are, in such circumstances, obligated by Texas State Law to report this information to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
2. You provide information that informs us that you are in danger of harming yourself or another person.
3. You sign a release of information to speak with possibly a doctor or family member.
Cancellations:
We understand that sometimes clients need to cancel sessions. If you are unable to make your appointment, please reach out to the office within 48 hours to avoid being charged for your appointment time.
-
Please check with your therapist at E&E regarding insurance benefits, we do accept Flexible or Health Spending accounts for payment. After every session we can provide clients with Superbills to submit to their insurance company to seek reimbursement for services depending on their discretion. Please note that a diagnosis will be given to be reimbursed by the insurance company.
-
The cost of sessions ranges from $130-$175 for a 45-minute session, and we accept cash, and all major credit cards. Please check with your therapist if they are in network with your insurance provider.
We can provide a superbill to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement, this is based on your unique policy.
Another option is to file the claim on your behalf through a third-party billing company, Mentaya. Here is the link below to verify your benefits.
Mentaya Benefits Calculator
-
Required Consumer Notice (HB 4224 / Sec. 181.105)
How to Request Your Health Care Records
If you wish to request a copy of your health care records held by Empower and Elevate:
1. Submit your request in writing to rachael@empowerandelevate.net
2. Include your full name, date of birth, contact information, and a clear description of the records you are requesting.
3. You may be required to sign an authorization form before records can be released.
Our team will respond within one week and in accordance with applicable law regarding access to protected health information.
How to Contact the Appropriate Licensing or Disciplinary Authority
Consumers have the right to contact the governmental authority that licenses or regulates health care providers. Depending on the type of license involved, you may contact one of the following:
Professional Licensing BoardsMany health professions are regulated by specific state boards or councils (e.g., nursing, counseling, social work, etc.). You can find licensing authority contact information through the Texas Attorney General’s consumer health care regulation list or via the Texas Health Professions Council. If you are unsure which licensing authority regulates your provider, please contact us, and we will assist you.
How to File a Consumer Complaint
Under Texas law, you may file a complaint if you believe your rights regarding access to health records or other consumer protections have been violated.
Texas Office of the Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division
The Office of the Texas Attorney General maintains an online portal where consumers can file complaints related to consumer protection issues, including those involving access to health care information.
File a Complaint Online: https://consumerprotection.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumercomplaintportal/s/General Consumer Protection Information:https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection
You may also contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division by mail or phone, as listed on their website.
Additional Information
For more details about consumer rights relating to health records, privacy protections, and the full list of state agencies that regulate health care providers and handle complaints, visit the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Information Website under Texas Health & Safety Code § 181.103.
our treatment modalities include
COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY (CBT)
SOLUTION FOCUSED BRIEF THERAPY (SFBT)
GENERAL FAMILY SYSTEMS
MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING
EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION
AND REPROCESSING (EMDR)
SMART RECOVERY
DIALECTICAL BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (DBT)
EXPOSURE RESPONSE PREVENTION (ERP)
GOTTMAN METHOD & EMOTION FOCUS THERAPY (EFT)
Who We Are
Wise Women’s Guide to Divorce — A Collaborative Empowerment Seminar
The Wise Women’s Guide to Divorce is an educational seminar created to help women gain clarity, confidence, and actionable insight if they are considering divorce or navigating the early stages of separation. Instead of pressure or confusion, participants will receive straightforward guidance, a roadmap for next steps, and access to trusted local professionals.
This event is a collaboration between Empower & Elevate, DeFord Law Firm, & our partner SHFD Forensics, bringing together legal expertise, financial clarity, and personal empowerment tools to support women holistically in this transitional phase.
Attendees will walk away with:
Clarity & Confidence
Understand the divorce process in Texas
Learn what legal rights and options matter most
Get a realistic picture of timelines, costs, and key milestones
Actionable Tools & Resources
Custody frameworks and financial planning basics
Exposure to local support services — counseling, safety planning, career re-entry, budgeting, and more
A practical roadmap to help you decide your next move intentionally and confidently
Supportive Environment
No pressure, judgment, or one-size-fits-all advice — just trustworthy information and supportive professionals ready to help you think clearly about your path forward.
Event Details
Date & Time: Saturday 8:30 am- 1 pm, The Woodlands Texas
March 21st, April 11th, May 16th and July 18th 2026.
Registration:
$25 — Includes lunch and access to all seminar materials and community partner resources.
Whether you’re:
Just starting to ask questions about divorce
Feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about what comes next
Looking for legal, financial, and emotional support in one place
Wanting to make empowered decisions with clarity and confidence
This seminar gives you the map, tools, and community to take your next step with strength — not stress.

