FAQ - frequently Asked Questions

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker is a masters- or PhD-level licensed mental health professional who is qualified to perform a variety of services related to assessing, diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders as well as other disturbances to one’s well being.

Therapy is a journey of self-discovery that illuminates how your mind operates. It provides a guided exploration into understanding your inner world of thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns. With this heightened self-awareness, therapy equips you with tools to reshape your mindset and habits in more constructive ways.

It's hard to say for certain until meeting and hearing more about you. However, being fully upfront about whether the clinician’s expertise aligns with your needs is top priority. The most important factor is finding a therapist you feel completely comfortable working with on this journey. I'm happy to discuss my background so you can make that assessment.

Choosing the right therapist is a highly personal decision. Look for someone you feel comfortable opening up to who specializes in treating your specific needs or goals. Consider practical factors like location, scheduling, and your payment preferences. Most importantly, trust your instincts - the therapeutic relationship is foundational, so find a therapist whose communication style and approach resonates with you.

Gabriela is an OCD and anxiety specialist. She utilizes various modalities. She provides various treatment modalities that include Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) and she is also trained in Inference-based Cognitive Therapy (I-CBT) for the treatment of OCD. Exposure Response and Prevention (ERP) to help adolescents and adults who struggle with Anxiety disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder(OCD). ERP and I-CBT are science-based treatments in mental health that help clients overcome their fears.

Currently, I offer therapy services for 15 years old up to adults.

Fee is $150 per 60 minute session. Payment is due in full at the beginning of the session. OCD & Anxiety of The Woodlands accepts payments in cash, check, or credit card. We provide a portion of our services at a reduced fee for those in financial need. We are happy to discuss your particular situation and the availability of any reduced fee services.

The cost of therapy, when insurance helps pay, depends on what kind of health insurance plan you have. “Behavioral Health,” the service under which therapy falls in health insurance coverage, ranges from no coverage to full coverage, depending on your plan.

Whether it is ERP or I-CBT, therapy is based on modifying current cognitive and behavioral patterns in order to improve your life. During the first few sessions, we will focus on a thorough understanding of your presenting problems. Once we agree on our formulation of the problem, we will do psychoeducation on symptoms, the diagnosis, what are family accomodations, and what treatment looks like. From there, we will begin treatment - this will vary considering the symptoms and diagnosis. Once goals have been met, the final phase of treatment focuses on ensuring that your success will continue after therapy ends.

Most therapists recommend attending sessions at least once a week to achieve long-lasting benefits. The reason is straightforward: therapy is a practice that requires consistent immersion. Just like building any new skill, real and enduring change happens through regular repetition and reinforcement of the therapeutic work. Weekly sessions provide the minimum frequency to fully engage in the process of adopting new mindsets and behaviors over an extended period. Therapy's transformative effects arise from diligently practicing the approach, not sporadic participation.

Typically sessions run 60 minutes for a full therapy session.

Yes, however, the first 3 sessions are mandatory in person sessions, after that I offer virtual online sessions with telemedicine video conferencing.

No, a LCSW can not prescribe medication but, we are more than happy to communicate with your psychiatrist or other medical provider

You can contact us to schedule here.

If you do not show up for your scheduled therapy appointment, and you have not notified us at least 24 hours in advance, you will be required a $75 charge before rescheduling.

No, my assessment and treatment approach is highly personalized for each client's unique needs and circumstances. While grounded in evidence-based practices, I tailor the specific therapeutic methods and goals to your individual factors like presenting issues, age, background, and personal preferences. There is no one-size-fits-all plan, as effective therapy requires customized care. During our initial consultation, I'll work to fully understand your situation in order to recommend the most appropriate assessment and treatment options for you.