Frequently Asked Questions

The term "Christian" when it pertains to counseling can mean a variety of things. For some, it would mean that those who provide counseling claim themselves as Christian, and that they hold to a worldview that is Christian, but do not directly apply their beliefs to their practice of counseling. For others, it would mean that those who provide counseling claim themselves as Christian, and that they blend Christian principles with principles of psychology and philosophy and apply that blend to the counseling relationship. For others, it would mean that those who provide counseling claim themselves as Christian and provide counseling that flows from a biblical worldview. This last view of Christian counseling is oftentimes referred to as Biblical counseling. It is this view that is at the heart of the counseling provided at North Dallas Christian Counseling

There are two ways to make an appointment at North Dallas Christian Counseling.

1. Call our phone number and speak with the office manager.
2. Use the scheduling link provided in the right column.

All initial appointments will require speaking to our office manager, in order to get necessary information to set up the first visit. When making an appointment for the first time, necessary forms are available on our website under Forms. These will need to be printed, completed and signed, and brought to the first visit.

At North Dallas Christian Counseling we do not accept insurance or bill for third party payment. Therefore, payment is expected at time of service rendered. However, we will provide you with a receipt with the pertinent insurance codes in order that you can self-file with your insurance carrier. It is wise to discuss your out-of-network options with your insurance carrier so that you will know your out-of-pocket expenses ahead of time and to know the correct process for reimbursement. It is strongly suggested that when deciding on a counselor that insurance not be the deciding factor. While your insurance plan may provide a more financially beneficial option to you, when considering the importance of the counseling you hope to receive, insurance benefits should not be the primary consideration in making that decision.

At North Dallas Christian Counseling we are happy to receive the following methods of payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card.

The fees for James S. (Steve) Clay are $165 per 50 minute session for individuals and $180 for couples/relationships. Intake sessions are 75-minutes and cost $210 for individuals and $230 for couples/relationships.

The fees for Kailee Lockette is $130 per 50 minute session and $150 for 75 minute intake session.

The fee for Lindsey Smitham, Practicum Student is $50 per 50 minute session.

A licensed professional counselor (LPC) is a practicing counselor who has met all the state's requirements for both education (at least a Master's degree with all necessary and pertinent course work), clinical and administrative hours accumulated under appropriate supervision, and the completion of a state or national exam. He or she is bound to the state's requirement for adherence to the rules and ethics, as well as continuing education, prescribed and required by the state.

(As stated under the question concerning the accepting of insurance: North Dallas Christian Counseling does not accept insurance or bill for third party payment. However, in the event that you plan to self-file it is wise to discuss your out-of-network options with your insurance carrier.)

When seeking marriage counseling, it is important you ask the right questions to your insurance carrier.

Many healthcare providers will only pay for conditions that they consider to be “medically necessary,” so your health insurance may pay for your surgery but not your face lift (or your marriage counseling since it is not a medical issue). Understanding what is covered and what is not will help you make an informed decision when choosing a counselor.

To better understand your potential for reimbursement, we suggest that you do the following:

• Ask if you have out-of-network coverage. If the answer is “yes,” ask if there are requirements to obtain an out-of-network authorization for a provider.
• Become familiar with your policy’s exclusions, deductibles and co-pays.
• Do not ask if they will pay for marriage counseling.
• Do call your provider and ask: “Do you pay for the Diagnostic Code Z63.0?”   (Z63.0 is the legitimate code from the DSM-5 for Counseling for marital and partner problems, but is not a medical diagnosis.)
• Ask them to look up the specific V-code listed above.  Don’t settle for general answers like “We pay for all V-codes.” These types of answers can give you false expectations and unexpected expenses.
• If the answer is “yes,” then ask for the exact amount of sessions that they will pay for.

Keep in mind that those answering the phones are not insurance underwriters and the warning that : “A quote of benefits or authorization does not guarantee payment or verify eligibility. Payment of benefits is subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the member’s contract at time of service.”

A practicum student is a student working toward a graduate degree in counseling. As part of their degree program, he or she must engage in face-to-face counseling. The counseling they provide will be under the supervision of a licensed professional, from whom they will seek guidance as it regards your case.

Practicum Student fees are less since they have not achieved the status of a licensed professional counselor yet. $50 is the fee for a practicum student.