Frequently Asked Questions
Our patients come with questions and we’re sure you do as well. Here’s some commonly asked questions and the answers we hope will help!
General FAQ’s
A psychologist typically holds a doctoral degree and provides therapy and psychological testing. A counselor or therapist usually has a master’s degree and focuses on talk therapy and behavioral health. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who diagnoses mental health conditions and prescribes medication.
No referral is needed to begin therapy or psychological testing with us. You can contact our office directly to schedule an appointment.
Pricing depends on the type of service and provider. Our providers are “out-of-network” from insurance plans, and our office can provide you with a receipt (superbill) so that you can request reimbursement from your insurance. It’s best to give us a call and we can go over pricing and options available to you to best meet your needs.
Your first session involves discussing your background, current concerns, and goals for therapy. It’s also a time to get comfortable with your therapist and ask questions.
While many sessions involve one-on-one dialogue, we also use interactive techniques like cognitive-behavioral strategies, journaling, structured activities, and mindfulness—depending on your needs.
Yes, therapy can bring up difficult emotions. Feeling temporarily unsettled is common, especially early on. Your therapist will help you process these feelings safely.
Some clients attend for a few months, while others benefit from long-term support. Duration depends on your goals and how you respond to therapy.
Our therapists are licensed professionals (LPC, LMFT, LCSW, PhD, or PsyD) with clinical experience in their specialties. We ensure each clinician is highly trained and ethical.
The right fit involves trust, comfort, and feeling heard. If something isn’t working, we can adjust or recommend another therapist from our team.
Yes. Your privacy is protected under HIPAA. Information is only shared with your consent, or when legally required (e.g., safety concerns).
If the issue affects a relationship dynamic—like communication, trust, or parenting—couples or family therapy may be more effective than individual therapy alone.
If your child is struggling with focus, learning, emotions, or behavior—and you need clarity about diagnosis or support strategies—testing may be appropriate.
Common methods include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, EMDR, and solution-focused approaches.
We offer CBT, EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, trauma-informed care, and more. Your therapist will choose methods best suited to your needs.
Your therapist will guide you through treatment options based on your symptoms, goals, and history. We personalize care to each individual.
Show up consistently, be open and honest, reflect between sessions, and communicate your goals or concerns with your therapist.
Progress varies. Some clients feel better after a few sessions, while deeper changes take time. You’ll set goals and check in with your therapist regularly.
Psychological Testing & Evaluation Questions
A psychological evaluation may include clinical interviews, standardized testing, behavioral checklists, and cognitive assessments. Most evaluations take place over 1–2 sessions, with a follow-up to review the results and recommendations.
Yes. Testing is often essential to identify or rule out conditions like ADHD or autism. It provides a clearer picture of your child’s strengths, challenges, and specific support needs.
If your child has unexplained academic struggles, emotional outbursts, difficulty focusing, or social challenges, testing may clarify whether a diagnosis is contributing to those concerns and inform better treatment options.
We use nationally recognized, research-backed standardized testing tools (e.g., WISC, BASC, ADOS-2) to ensure accurate, evidence-based assessments.
Yes. Our evaluations are often accepted by school districts and can be used to support applications for IEPs, 504 plans, or academic accommodations.
Most evaluations occur over one to two visits, depending on the type and scope of testing needed. We’ll guide you through the scheduling process.
Coverage varies by plan. We are out-of-network but can provide a detailed superbill you may submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement.
Individual Therapy & Counseling Questions
If you’re looking for talk therapy, a psychologist or licensed counselor is a great place to start. If you may need medication, a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner is best. We can help guide you to the right clinician during intake.
We offer a range of evidence-based therapies, including CBT, EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, trauma-informed care, mindfulness-based approaches, and more.
Yes. We provide therapy for children (often incorporating play therapy techniques), teens, and adults of all ages. Each therapist has specific age groups and areas of focus.
Absolutely. We regularly help clients navigate grief, burnout, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and life transitions. Therapy offers tools for both symptom relief and long-term emotional wellness.
We prioritize emotional safety, attunement, and trust. Therapists are trained to recognize trauma responses and adapt therapy to support healing without re-traumatization.
Some clients come for brief therapy (8–12 sessions) while others benefit from ongoing care. Your goals and preferences help shape the therapy duration.
Yes. Many clients work with both a therapist and a psychiatrist or psychologist on our team. We collaborate internally to ensure cohesive, coordinated care.
Your therapist will ask about your history, current concerns, and goals. It’s also a time for you to ask questions and see if the therapist feels like a good fit.
If your initial therapist isn’t the right match, we’re happy to help you find someone else within our practice. Good therapy starts with a trusting connection.
Couples & Relationship Therapy Questions
If the issue involves the dynamics of your relationship—such as communication problems, conflict, or rebuilding trust—couples therapy is recommended. Individual therapy is ideal for personal growth or support.
The first session is about understanding each partner’s perspective, outlining shared goals, and starting to unpack communication patterns or challenges.
Our therapists are trained in methods such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method, and attachment-based approaches. Treatment is tailored to your relationship’s unique needs.
Yes. Individual therapy focused on relationship concerns can be very beneficial—even if your partner isn’t ready to participate.
We offer both in-person and teletherapy for couples. Many find virtual sessions convenient, especially with busy work or parenting schedules.
If you’re feeling disconnected, stuck in the same arguments, or unsure about your future together, therapy can provide clarity, tools, and a path forward.
Most couples attend weekly or biweekly sessions for 8–20 sessions, depending on the issues and progress made.
Yes. Sessions are private, and we take steps to maintain neutrality and confidentiality. Your therapist will explain how communication works outside of joint sessions.
Absolutely. We regularly help couples and families navigate co-parenting challenges, stepfamily dynamics, and raising children with different parenting styles.
Yes. We offer premarital counseling to help engaged couples build strong communication, identify expectations, and prepare for the next chapter.
Online Therapy Questions
Online therapy, also called teletherapy, is a virtual counseling session conducted via secure video conferencing. You’ll meet with your therapist from a private location using your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
You’ll only need a reliable internet connection, a private space, and access to the HIPAA-compliant video platform we provide. Most clients use their browser or an app provided by their clinician.
Online therapy is available to anyone physically located in Texas. You do not need to live in Southlake or Flower Mound to meet virtually with our licensed clinicians.
Yes. We offer teletherapy for children and teens with active parental or guardian consent. Parents may be asked to participate in part of the session, depending on age and therapeutic goals.
Yes. All online sessions are conducted on secure, encrypted platforms that meet HIPAA privacy standards. Your information and communication are protected, just as they are in in-person sessions.
In cases of severe psychiatric distress, active suicidality, or lack of a safe private space, in-person care may be more appropriate. Your clinician will help assess what’s best for your safety and care.
For many clients, online therapy is just as effective as in-person care. Research supports its use for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and more. It also offers greater flexibility.
Session fees are the same as in-person sessions and are determined by provider type. We offer superbills for insurance reimbursement where applicable.
Most online therapy sessions last 50–60 minutes. Shorter or extended sessions may be available depending on your clinician and treatment plan.
EMDR Therapy (Trauma & PTSD) Questions
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps people process traumatic memories. It uses bilateral stimulation (like guided eye movements or tapping) to reduce the emotional intensity tied to painful events.
EMDR can be helpful for individuals who’ve experienced trauma, abuse, grief, anxiety, or disturbing life events. It’s particularly effective for PTSD but can also support healing from emotional distress and past experiences.
Before starting EMDR, your therapist will help build emotional regulation skills and create a safe, trusting environment. You’ll discuss goals, identify target memories, and ensure readiness to process them.
An EMDR treatment plan includes history-taking, preparation, memory reprocessing, and reinforcement of positive beliefs. Sessions are paced according to your comfort and therapeutic readiness.
You may experience some emotional discomfort, physical tension, or vivid memories as trauma is processed. This is normal, and your therapist will guide you through the process, ensuring emotional safety at every stage.
Therapists trained in EMDR use grounding techniques, stabilization practices, and stop protocols to ensure you’re never overwhelmed. Sessions are client-led and paced for emotional safety.
Yes. Many clients have success with EMDR via telehealth using adapted techniques. As long as you have a private, safe space and a strong internet connection, EMDR can be delivered remotely.
Psychiatric Services & Medication Management Questions
If you’re experiencing severe anxiety, depression, mood swings, or symptoms interfering with daily life, a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner can evaluate whether medication could be part of your treatment. A therapist focuses on talk therapy and coping skills.
We offer psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and long-term psychiatric care for children, teens, and adults. Some of the conditions we treat include anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and sleep disorders.
We often take a collaborative care approach. You may work with a therapist and our psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner simultaneously. Coordination between providers ensures continuity, safety, and support across your care plan.
Yes, with your consent. Our integrated care model allows for direct communication between our providers, ensuring your treatment is aligned and responsive to your needs.
Yes. Our psychiatrist and psychiatric nurse practitioner prescribes medications for a wide range of mental health concerns, such as anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and insomnia when clinically appropriate.
Follow-ups are usually scheduled every 4–8 weeks after starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Stable patients may be seen every 2–3 months depending on clinical need.
Absolutely. Your psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner will discuss side effects, expected benefits, and safety considerations. You’ll also receive guidance on what to monitor and when to contact your provider.
Our team works collaboratively across disciplines. Your therapist and psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner may consult regularly (with your permission) to ensure care is cohesive, responsive, and focused on your overall well-being.
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We don't just treat mental health issues; we understand them.
Our Counseling and Therapy Services Provide Education, Understanding, and Treatment
Mental Health Education
Providing our patients with the education and knowledge about the issues they face on a day-to-day basis, and how they are affecting your brain and the way you process information.
Understanding YOU
Sometimes, just explaining to someone how our thoughts are generally processed helps people have an understanding about their mental health that provides hope.
Mental Health Treatment
When it comes to various mental health issues, education and understanding these issues go a long way with individualized approaches for professional treatment.
Here's What Southlake and Flower Mound Residents Say About Our Counseling & Therapy Services
Our Locations For Counseling and Therapy Services
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 8 PM
Saturday: 8 AM – 2 PM
Sunday: Closed
Call or Text: 817-677-0449
Fax: 817-382-3749
Email: info@drmessina.com
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 8 PM
Saturday: 8 AM – 2 PM
Sunday: Closed
Call or Text: 817-677-0449
Fax: 817-382-3749
Email: info@drmessina.com
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 8 PM
Saturday: 8 AM – 2 PM
Sunday: Closed
Call or Text: 817-677-0449
Fax: 817-382-3749
Email: info@drmessina.com