Knowing what to expect makes the first step feel possible.
We've gathered the most common questions about getting started, cost, and what to expect, so you can focus on what actually matters.
Serving Humble, Atascocita, Kingwood, and the Lake Houston area. In person and via secure telehealth.
Schedule Your Free Consultation →Common Questions
Answers to help you feel informed and ready to take the next step.
Getting Started
No referral needed. You can reach out directly whenever you're ready. Many of our clients come to us on their own because they've decided it's time for something to change.
Therapy is right for you if you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected and you're open to exploring what's underneath. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit. Many of our clients are high-functioning people who recognize that something needs to shift and they're ready to take that step.
The free 15-minute consultation is a no-pressure conversation. You'll share a little about what's bringing you in, and we'll talk about how we might be able to help. There's no commitment. It's just a chance to get a feel for whether The Shift is the right place for you.
Your first appointment is a 90-minute intake session. It's not rushed. It's time to slow down and talk through what's been weighing on you so we can understand where you're coming from and what kind of support makes the most sense for you.
Cost and Insurance
We're a private-pay practice, which means we don't bill insurance directly. This choice is intentional: it protects your privacy, gives us more flexibility in your care, and allows us to focus entirely on what matters to you rather than what an insurance company decides is covered.
Private pay means no insurance limitations on your care, no required diagnosis codes in your medical record, and complete control over your therapeutic journey. It also means speed. Because we're not waiting on insurance authorizations, we can usually get new clients in for a same-day consultation or appointment. Many clients find real value in knowing their sessions are entirely confidential and designed around their needs, not an insurance company's requirements.
Your free 15-minute consultation is the place to start. Individual sessions are $200 per session, and couples and family sessions are $250 per session. Children's and teen sessions are billed at the individual rate. Your first appointment is a 90-minute intake. Bundle pricing is available for clients committing to a consistent run of sessions, so ask us about current bundle and group options when you reach out.
Learn about our rates →Yes. New clients who book a 3-session bundle are covered by our refund promise: if it's not the right fit, we'll refund it in full. Individual bundles are $450 ($150 per session). Couples and family bundles are $600 ($200 per session). Because we are private pay, we can usually get you in same-day. One offer, one promise, easy to keep.
To keep things simple, bundles renew automatically so you're never stuck rebooking one session at a time. We'll always check with you before a new bundle renews. And if you decide to stop, any sessions you haven't used yet are refunded, no questions asked.
Consistency is where the real work happens. Starting with a bundle gives you the space to settle in, build trust with your counselor, and actually work through what brought you here, without the question of whether to book another session hanging over every appointment. Instead of stopping just as things start to shift, you have a foundation in place. Most clients find they get more out of therapy when they are not second-guessing the commitment week by week.
Sessions are prepaid when you book. This keeps your appointment reserved and allows both you and your counselor to stay focused on the work. We accept major credit and debit cards. If you have questions about payment before your first appointment, just bring it up when you reach out.
Yes. We accept FSA and HSA cards. We can also provide a superbill after each session so you can submit for potential out-of-network reimbursement through your insurance plan.
That's a deeply personal question, but here's what we've seen: therapy isn't just about feeling better in the moment. It's about building skills, insights, and patterns that serve you for the rest of your life.
Think about how often you've heard someone talk about what they built in therapy, a relationship they repaired, a moment things really shifted. Now think about how often you've heard someone say they regretted starting.
Many of our clients tell us the work they've done here has changed their relationships, their careers, and their relationship with themselves.
The Process
There's no set timeline. Therapy is as individual as you are. Some people find what they need in a few months; others choose to stay longer to deepen the work. You're in the driver's seat, and we'll check in regularly about what's working and what you need next.
Most clients start with weekly sessions to build momentum and establish a strong foundation. As you progress, many people shift to bi-weekly or monthly appointments. Consistency matters, but the schedule is something we discuss and adjust together.
Your first appointment is a 90-minute intake session. That time gives us space to understand where you are coming from without feeling rushed. Ongoing sessions run 45 to 60 minutes. Your counselor will let you know what to expect based on the type of work you are doing together.
The fit between you and your therapist matters, a lot. If you don't feel like it's the right match, we want to know. We'll talk about what's not working and connect you with someone who might be a better fit. The goal is for you to feel understood, supported, and genuinely engaged in the process. Even if the right counselor for you isn't one of ours, we'll help you find them. It's that important.
No. We're a counseling practice, not a psychiatric or medical office. We don't diagnose conditions or prescribe medication. We do collaborate with your healthcare team when medication is part of your care plan, and if medication or a diagnosis would help, we can refer you to other mental health professionals, like a psychiatrist or psychologist, who offer those services.
Logistics
Yes. We offer both in-person and virtual sessions via a HIPAA-compliant platform. Online therapy is available to anyone in Texas. Note: children's play therapy is in-person only. Parent consultations can be done online.
Our office is at 7702 FM 1960 E, Suite 125, Humble, TX 77346. We're easily accessible from Atascocita, Kingwood, Lake Houston, and surrounding areas.
Get directions on Google Maps →We're open Monday through Friday, 8am to 8pm, and Saturday 8am to 1pm. We're closed on Sundays. Specific availability varies by therapist. When you reach out, we'll work with you to find a time that fits your schedule.
You can book through our website or reach us at (713) 396-0257. We use Jane App for scheduling, which is HIPAA-compliant. You can also start with a free 15-minute consultation to make sure it feels like a good fit before booking a full session.
Yes. Chess Scott is a U.S. Air Force veteran who brings lived experience to working with veterans, first responders, and high-stakes professionals. Our practice is trauma-informed and experienced in supporting people who face unique occupational pressures.
No problem. If you are booking for a child, a teen, or a loved one, just let us know when you reach out. We will send the appropriate intake forms and walk you through what to expect before the first appointment. The most important thing is that the person coming in feels ready and supported from the start.
Still have questions? We're happy to talk.
When you're ready to reach out, we're here to help you take the next step.