Fees · Insurance · Documentation
Therapy Fees, Insurance & Clinical Documentation in Houston, TX
Clear, transparent pricing for therapy, evaluations, letters, and professional services
At Key Points Counseling, we believe you should understand the cost of your care before services begin. We provide transparent pricing for therapy sessions, insurance-based services, clinical documentation, mental health letters, evaluations, attorney consultations, and other professional services.
We offer in-person therapy in Houston, Texas and online therapy for eligible clients throughout Texas and Illinois.
Whether you're looking for individual therapy, couples counseling, help understanding your insurance benefits, or clinical documentation such as FMLA paperwork or an accommodation letter, our team can help you find the right next step.
What Therapy Costs
Therapy rates vary depending on your clinician's licensure level, experience, specialty, and service. Your exact fee will be confirmed before your first appointment.
Individual Therapy
Support for adults and teens working on:
- Anxiety
- High-functioning anxiety
- ADHD and high-functioning ADHD
- Stress and burnout
- Depression and mood concerns
- Life transitions
- Quarter-life concerns
- Boundaries
- Relationship concerns
- Career and professional stress
- Personal growth
Our therapists work collaboratively with you to build practical tools, greater self-awareness, and sustainable change.
Couples & Family Therapy
Sessions may focus on:
- Communication
- Relationship conflict
- Emotional connection
- Premarital counseling
- Family dynamics
- Boundaries
- Life transitions
- Trust
- Conflict resolution
- Relationship patterns
Your therapist helps identify the patterns shaping the relationship while building healthier communication and problem-solving.
Free Consultation
Not sure which therapist or service is the best fit? A brief consultation is a chance to share what you're looking for, ask questions, and learn more about our services. We may talk through:
- Your primary concerns
- Preferred therapist
- Scheduling needs
- In-person or virtual therapy
- Insurance or self-pay
- Recommended next steps
A consultation is not a therapy session and does not establish a therapist-client relationship.
Using Your Insurance
Key Points Counseling works with select insurance plans for eligible psychotherapy services. Participation may vary by clinician, state, plan, and type of service. We currently work with select plans through:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna / Evernorth
- Aetna
- UnitedHealthcare / UBH
- Optum
- United Medical Resources (UMR)
Your plan determines your
- Copay
- Deductible
- Coinsurance
- Authorization requirements
- Coverage limitations
- Financial responsibility
Good to know
Insurance verification is an estimate of benefits and does not guarantee payment by your insurance company.
Administrative services such as letters and forms are usually not covered by insurance.
How Insurance Verification Works
Share Your Insurance
Provide your current insurance information when you request services.
We Review Your Benefits
When available, our administrative team verifies your basic outpatient behavioral-health benefits.
We Share Your Estimate
When possible, we let you know your estimated copay, deductible, or coinsurance before your first appointment.
Your Plan Processes the Claim
Your insurance company makes the final coverage decision. Any amount it does not pay may be your responsibility under your plan.
Using Out-of-Network Benefits
If Key Points Counseling is not in-network with your plan, you may still have out-of-network mental health benefits.
When appropriate, we can provide a superbill you can submit directly to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Reimbursement is determined entirely by your insurance company and is not guaranteed.
Questions to ask your insurance company
- Do I have out-of-network outpatient mental health benefits?
- What is my out-of-network deductible?
- How much of my deductible has been met?
- What percentage of psychotherapy is reimbursed after the deductible?
- Is there a limit on the number of sessions?
- Do I need prior authorization?
Letters, Forms & Documentation from a Therapist in Houston
Key Points Counseling provides select clinical letters, forms, and professional documentation when the request is clinically appropriate, supported by available information, and within the clinician's professional scope.
Documentation services are separate from routine therapy sessions and are generally not included in your regular session fee. Insurance may not cover administrative or documentation services.
Completion of a request is not guaranteed simply because a fee is paid. Your clinician must have enough clinical information to ethically support the requested documentation.
Documentation Fees
Select a service to see what it includes and how the process works.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic Treatment Verification Letter | $75 |
| Return-to-Work Letter | $75 |
| Workplace or Academic Accommodation Letter | $150 |
| Initial FMLA Mental Health Documentation | $175 |
| FMLA Update or Recertification | $100 |
| Disability Documentation | From $175 |
| Treatment SummaryExtensive summaries may be billed at $250/hour | $175 |
| Emotional Support Animal EvaluationStandard ESA letter included if clinically supported | $175 |
| Detailed Clinical Reports | $250/hour |
| Formal Forensic or Fitness-for-Duty Evaluations | After consultation |
| Rush RequestWhen available; not guaranteed | +$100 |
Basic Treatment Verification Letter
Basic confirmation that a person has participated in behavioral-health services.
What's included
May include
- Client name
- Confirmation of participation in treatment
- General dates and frequency of services
- Provider name and credentials
- Basic treatment-status information
Does not typically include
- Detailed clinical history
- Extensive diagnostic discussion
- Legal opinions
- Disability determinations
- Fitness-for-duty recommendations
- Detailed treatment summaries
How it works
- Submit your request. Tell your clinician or our administrative team who is requesting the letter and why.
- Sign the appropriate authorization. A Release of Information may be required if the letter goes directly to another person or organization.
- Clinician review. Your clinician reviews your record and determines what can appropriately be provided.
- Payment. The $75 fee is collected before the letter is prepared.
- Completion. The letter is securely provided to you or the authorized recipient.
Return-to-Work Letter
Basic documentation for established clients returning to work after a period of treatment or leave. This is not the same as a formal fitness-for-duty evaluation; if your employer needs a comprehensive psychological determination, additional evaluation services may be needed.
What's included
- Confirmation of participation in treatment
- Relevant dates
- General statement regarding return to work
- Clinically appropriate limitations or recommendations
- Provider credentials
How it works
- Send us your employer's requirements or form.
- Your clinician reviews the request and your clinical record.
- Additional assessment may be required.
- The $75 fee is paid before preparation.
- Documentation is completed when clinically supported.
Workplace or Academic Accommodation Letter
Documentation supporting eligible requests related to a mental health condition affecting work, school, testing, housing, or another setting. The employer, school, testing organization, or institution decides whether an accommodation is approved.
What's included
May include
- Confirmation of a clinically relevant condition
- Description of functional limitations when appropriate
- Recommended accommodations
- Clinical rationale
- Provider credentials
Possible accommodations
- Flexible scheduling
- Reduced-distraction settings
- Academic testing accommodations
- Attendance considerations
- Modified work environment
- Other clinically appropriate supports
How it works
- Provide the accommodation guidelines. If your school, employer, or organization has a specific form or standard, submit it before your clinician begins.
- Clinical review. Your clinician determines whether there is enough clinical information to support the request.
- Additional appointment if needed. Some requests require an additional session or assessment.
- Documentation fee. The $150 fee is collected before preparation.
- Letter completion. The document is completed and securely delivered.
Initial FMLA Mental Health Documentation
Completion of eligible Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) documentation when clinically appropriate and supported by your treatment history. Employer approval is not guaranteed.
What's included
The fee may include
- Review of the FMLA certification form
- Review of relevant clinical records
- Completion of one standard employer FMLA form
- Description of clinically supported functional limitations
- Provider signature and credentials
The fee does not include
- Multiple unrelated forms
- Extensive legal correspondence
- Disability evaluation
- Court testimony
- Additional employer forms submitted later
- Repeated revisions requested by third parties
How it works
- Submit your FMLA paperwork with the complete employer form and your deadline.
- Clinical review. Your clinician confirms there is enough information and treatment history to complete it.
- Additional appointment when necessary to evaluate current symptoms, functioning, and treatment needs.
- Payment. The $175 fee is collected before completion.
- Completion. Your clinician completes the appropriate sections.
- Delivery. The form is returned to you or sent to an authorized employer or third party with your consent.
FMLA Update or Recertification
When an existing FMLA certification needs an updated or renewed form, we may complete a recertification when clinically appropriate. Significant changes, new conditions, or extensive documentation may require additional assessment or a higher documentation rate.
What's included
- Review of the previous certification
- Review of current treatment status
- Update of relevant clinical information
- Completion of one recertification form
Disability Documentation
Disability-related documentation often requires more detailed clinical review than a standard letter. Straightforward forms typically begin at $175; complex requests requiring significant records review or narrative reports may be billed at the professional documentation rate.
What's included
- Short-term disability
- Long-term disability
- Functional limitations
- Leave requests
- Behavioral-health treatment history
- Clinical symptoms affecting functioning
How it works
- Submit the complete disability documentation request.
- Your clinician reviews the form and requirements.
- We determine whether your clinician can appropriately complete it.
- You receive confirmation of the fee.
- Additional clinical assessment may be required.
- Documentation is prepared and released with appropriate authorization.
Treatment Summary
A more comprehensive clinical overview than a basic verification letter. Extensive summaries involving substantial records review may be billed at $250 per hour instead of the flat fee.
What's included
May include
- Dates of treatment
- Presenting concerns
- Diagnosis, when applicable
- General treatment goals
- Interventions
- Treatment progress
- Current status
- Recommendations
Often requested for
- Transfer to another provider
- Medical coordination
- Academic purposes
- Workplace matters
- Disability requests
- Other professional documentation
Emotional Support Animal Evaluation
A clinical assessment of whether an Emotional Support Animal recommendation may be appropriate. The fee is for the clinical evaluation, not the purchase of a letter. If an ESA recommendation is clinically supported, a standard ESA letter is included. Payment does not guarantee a letter.
What's included
- Clinical interview
- Review of mental health symptoms
- Review of functional impairment
- Discussion of the role of the animal
- Review of relevant treatment history
- Assessment of whether an ESA recommendation is clinically appropriate
How it works
- Request an ESA evaluation.
- Complete intake documentation.
- Participate in the clinical evaluation.
- Your clinician reviews the findings.
- A clinical determination is made, and documentation is prepared if an ESA recommendation is supported.
Detailed Clinical Reports
Some requests require substantially more professional time than a standard letter or form. These are billed at $250 per hour, generally in 15-minute increments. Whenever possible, you'll receive an estimate before substantial work begins.
What's included
- Extensive record review
- Multiple years of treatment history
- Review of outside medical records
- Narrative clinical analysis
- Functional assessment
- Professional consultation
- Coordination with third parties
Formal Forensic or Fitness-for-Duty Evaluations
Formal forensic, independent, and fitness-for-duty evaluations follow a substantially different process than routine therapy documentation. Pricing is determined after we review the referral question and the scope of work required.
What's included
- Clinical interview
- Psychological assessment
- Records review
- Collateral interviews
- Legal or employer consultation
- Standardized testing
- Written professional report
- Expert consultation
Professional Fees for Legal Involvement
Therapy is provided for clinical purposes. Psychotherapy services do not include litigation, depositions, attorney consultation, court testimony, subpoena response, legal record review, or other legal proceedings.
Legal involvement requires substantial clinician time and may require canceling or rescheduling clinical appointments. These services are billed separately from therapy and are typically not covered by health insurance.
| Legal Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Attorney or professional consultationCalls, virtual meetings, case conferences, and emails requiring substantive review | $300/hour |
| Clinical record review for legal purposesIncluding review of subpoenas, legal requests, and attorney correspondence | $300/hour |
| Legal report, letter, or documentation | $300/hour |
| Preparation for deposition or testimony | $350/hour |
| DepositionThree-hour minimum ($1,200) | $400/hour |
| Court testimony or court appearanceFour-hour minimum ($2,000) | $500/hour |
| Waiting or standby time | $400/hour |
| Travel timePlus IRS business mileage rate and reasonable expenses such as parking, tolls, and lodging | $250/hour |
| Short-notice legal requestFewer than 5 business days' notice; availability not guaranteed | +$250 |
| Legal-services retainerRequired in advance, based on anticipated scope | $2,000–$2,500 |
Fees may be adjusted when the nature or complexity of a request requires additional time, preparation, travel, or resources. Significant changes in anticipated fees will be communicated when reasonably possible.
Attorney or Professional Consultation
Applies when a clinician communicates with an attorney, legal representative, physician, school professional, employer, or other authorized professional beyond routine care coordination. Appropriate written authorization is generally required before confidential information can be discussed.
What's included
- Phone or video consultation
- Case discussion
- Clinical clarification
- Review of questions from legal counsel
Legal Records Review
When a legal matter requires a clinician to review clinical files, court documents, attorney correspondence, medical records, or other materials, review time is billed separately, generally in 15-minute increments.
Subpoena Review & Preparation
A subpoena may require professional and legal review before records or testimony can be provided. Receiving a subpoena does not automatically authorize release of confidential psychotherapy records. We respond in accordance with applicable federal, Texas, and Illinois law.
Fees may apply to
- Reviewing the subpoena
- Reviewing the clinical record
- Consultation regarding the request
- Preparing responsive clinical materials
- Communication with attorneys
- Preparing for testimony ($350/hour)
Deposition
Depositions require reserved professional time. A three-hour minimum ($1,200) applies regardless of how long the deposition lasts. Preparation is billed separately at $350 per hour, and an advance retainer is required before time is reserved.
What's included
- Sworn testimony
- Waiting time ($400/hour)
- Follow-up documentation when necessary
Court Testimony or Court Appearance
Court involvement can require a clinician to block a significant portion of a clinical day. A four-hour minimum ($2,000) applies, and a legal-services retainer of $2,000–$2,500 is required to reserve court-related time. Fees apply once time has been reserved or expended, whether or not testimony is ultimately given.
Court-related time may include
- Preparation ($350/hour)
- Review of clinical records
- Attorney consultation
- Travel ($250/hour plus mileage)
- Waiting time ($400/hour)
- Court testimony and hearing participation
Travel & Waiting Time
Travel for depositions, hearings, trials, or meetings is billed at $250 per hour plus the IRS business mileage rate and reasonable expenses. Waiting or standby time is billed at $400 per hour. Matters outside the Houston area, or outside greater Chicago for Illinois matters, may require an advance agreement on fees and expenses.
Cancellations & Continuances
Legal proceedings often change dates. Because a reserved appearance prevents your clinician from scheduling other work, these fees apply:
| Notice Given | Fee |
|---|---|
| More than 7 business days | No cancellation fee; unused retainer remains available or may be refunded as appropriate |
| 3–7 business days | 50% of the minimum appearance fee may be retained |
| Less than 3 business days | 100% of the minimum appearance fee may be charged |
| Same day, or requesting party fails to appear | 100% of the minimum appearance fee, plus reasonable expenses already incurred |
Preparation and other services already provided remain billable if a proceeding is postponed. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the party requesting the clinician's involvement is responsible for all applicable fees.
Treating Therapist, Not Expert Witness
As a treating therapist, testimony is generally limited to services provided, records, and clinical observations. We do not routinely provide custody, forensic, or litigation-specific expert evaluations.
Payment Does Not Influence Testimony
Fees compensate professional time only. They never purchase, guarantee, or influence the content of testimony, opinions, or documentation.
No Advocacy for Either Party
Participation in a legal matter does not make the therapist an advocate for the client, an attorney, or any other party.
Participation Is Not Guaranteed
When legally permitted, a therapist may decline voluntary involvement that falls outside their scope, creates a conflict, or could interfere with treatment.
Records Are Protected
A subpoena or attorney request does not automatically release a full clinical record. Disclosure follows Texas law (including Health & Safety Code Ch. 611) and Illinois law (including 740 ILCS 110).
Let Us Know Early
Please notify us as soon as you learn of a lawsuit, subpoena, deposition, hearing, or records request involving your treatment, and send copies of any legal documents.
How the Documentation Request Process Works
Submit Your Request
Tell us:
- The type of document needed
- Who is requesting it
- The deadline
- Where it must be submitted
- Any required forms or instructions
Clinician Review
Your clinician confirms the request is within their scope, that there is enough clinical information, that it can be ethically supported, and whether another appointment is needed. A request may be declined if it cannot be clinically supported.
Receive the Fee
You'll be told the applicable documentation or professional-services fee. Fees are generally collected before work begins.
Complete Any Assessment
Some requests need an additional session, evaluation, or interview, especially FMLA, disability, ESA, accommodation, return-to-work, and formal evaluation requests.
Document Preparation
Your clinician prepares the document based on the available clinical information.
Secure Release
With authorization, the document may go to you, an employer, school, attorney, healthcare professional, or another authorized organization.
Documentation Turnaround Times
Routine documentation is generally completed after:
- All required forms are received
- Any necessary assessment is completed
- Payment is received
- Appropriate release forms are signed
More complex documents may take longer, so please submit requests as early as possible.
Rush Requests
Expedited documentation may be available depending on clinician capacity. Rush service is not guaranteed.
How Payment Works
We accept major credit and debit cards and eligible HSA/FSA payment methods. A valid payment method may be required on file.
Payment for therapy is generally due according to your financial agreement.
Payment for letters, documentation, evaluations, legal services, and court-related professional services is generally due before professional work begins.
Your Right to Receive a Good Faith Estimate
If you are uninsured or choosing not to use insurance, you may have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of the expected cost of scheduled healthcare services under applicable federal law.
You may request an estimate before beginning eligible treatment or evaluation services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy Fees & Documentation
How much does therapy cost in Houston?
At Key Points Counseling, individual therapy generally ranges from $100 to $185 per session, and couples and family therapy typically ranges from $150 to $225 per session. Your exact rate depends on your clinician and service.
View Therapy Services →Does Key Points Counseling accept insurance?
Yes. We work with select plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna/Evernorth, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare/UBH, Optum, and UMR. Participation varies by clinician, state, service, and individual plan.
Verify Your Insurance →Does insurance pay for FMLA paperwork or therapist letters?
Usually not. Administrative documentation is separate from psychotherapy and may not be covered by insurance. Key Points Counseling charges separate fees for letters, forms, evaluations, and professional documentation.
How much does an FMLA mental health form cost?
Initial FMLA documentation is $175. FMLA updates or recertifications are generally $100.
How much does an ESA evaluation cost?
An Emotional Support Animal clinical evaluation is $175. If your clinician determines an ESA recommendation is clinically appropriate, a standard ESA letter is included. An evaluation does not guarantee that a letter will be issued.
How much does an accommodation letter cost?
Workplace or academic accommodation letters are generally $150. Additional evaluation or documentation may be required depending on the request.
Can my therapist complete disability paperwork?
Possibly. Disability documentation begins at $175 and depends on your clinician having enough clinical information to appropriately support the request.
Can my therapist talk to my attorney?
Yes, when clinically appropriate and with proper written authorization. Attorney and professional consultations are billed at $300 per hour.
How much does a therapist charge for a deposition?
Key Points Counseling charges $400 per hour with a three-hour minimum ($1,200) for deposition time. Preparation is billed separately at $350 per hour, and an advance legal-services retainer is required.
How much does court testimony cost?
Court testimony and appearance time is billed at $500 per hour with a four-hour minimum ($2,000). A legal-services retainer of $2,000–$2,500 is required in advance.
Not Sure Which Service You Need?
You don't need to figure it out on your own. Tell us what was requested, and our team will help you identify the right service.
- A basic treatment letter
- FMLA documentation
- An accommodation letter
- Disability paperwork
- An ESA evaluation
- A treatment summary
- A detailed clinical report
- An attorney consultation
- Legal or court-related services
Ready to Get Started?
Looking for Therapy?
Start with an appointment request or a free consultation.
Need a Letter or Form?
Submit your request along with any forms from your employer, school, attorney, physician, or organization.
Need an ESA or Other Evaluation?
Our team can help determine whether the requested evaluation falls within our services.
Attorney or Professional?
Contact us about consultation, records review, depositions, subpoenas, or court testimony.
701 North Post Oak Road, Suite B-1, Houston, TX 77024
(832) 900-2594 · admin@keypointscounseling.com
In-person counseling in Houston and online therapy for eligible clients throughout Texas and Illinois.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This website and its contact forms are not monitored for emergencies.