If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, I am taking new clients and am often able to get
new clients into my schedule within a few days, if not sooner. All calls are confidential.
Appointments are available during the workdays, Monday through Thursday and some Fridays. Phone and Skype appointments are available as well.
Contact Information
Karla Austin, Ph.D.
1425 West Pioneer Suite 153 • Irving, Texas 75061
972-986-0150 phone • 972-313-2281 fax
Doc@KarlaAustin.com
Map
For detailed instructions please refer to our Location.
New Client Paperwork
After you have scheduled your first appointment, you may print out the following forms and either bring them with you or fax them to: 972-313-2281.
Click on link to view and print or “right click” to download file
• Adult Intake Form
• Consent to Treatment Form
• Agreement to Pay Form
• Adult Checklist of Concerns
• Adult HIPAA Agreement Form• Minor Intake Form
• Minor Consent to Treatment Form
• Minor Agreement to Pay Form
• Minor Checklist of Concerns
• Minor HIPAA Agreement Form
Consent to Release Confidential Information Form (if requested)
Insurance Questions
Will my insurance cover counseling?
If you have health insurance, and want to know if counseling is covered, you need to know if you have mental health benefits. If so, your counseling may or may not be covered, depending on who you see, and your diagnosis. Insurance more often covers counseling for those suffering with disorders dealing with depression, anxiety, sleep, sex, substance abuse, or other specific individual diagnoses. Whatever the insurance plan, a deductible is usually required. If you are unsure as to how your insurance works, you can call them to inquire, or I will assist you in determining your coverage.
Are you on my insurance?
I am a provider for several insurance companies including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, MHN, and Tricare. If you are required to pick doctors from a provider list, you can check to see if I (Karla Austin, Ph.D., licensed psychologist) am on the list. If I am not on the list, but you have out of network benefits, therapy with me would be covered under those guidelines.
For years, I did not accept insurance due to the high priority I place on confidentiality for my clients. I now try to help clients be informed of the risks of using their insurance, so they can make informed decisions.
What if I don’t have insurance?
If you have no insurance, you will benefit from my reasonable rates. Usually, clients pay at the time of services. I accept cash, checks, money orders, Mastercard, Visa, Discover and Debit. I will provide a receipt for payment. I do not allow clients to run up a large bill. I will work with those who have difficulty with payment on scheduling to meet their needs.
How do I know if I want to use my insurance?
Often, clients choose not to use health insurance for counseling due to a desire for greater confidentiality and more personal control of their mental treatment. Insurance companies typically require information including diagnosis. Often, they want a treatment plan. Sometimes, they dictate the number of sessions a client can obtain. If you work for a small company, you may know the individuals who would handle your health insurance. In this case, you may choose not to use insurance for your mental health. If your insurance is handled by a company off site, and is managed by persons unknown to you, using insurance for your mental health treatment may be appealing. (top)