Are you feeling on edge or stressed out by life? Do you feel numb and unable to enjoy things anymore? Are you struggling keeping up with your relationships? Do you just want someone to talk to and unload what’s going on in a safe, non-judgmental environment? Life can be so difficult sometimes disconnecting us from those closest to us and even from ourselves.
You are not alone and support is just around the corner.
Calm & Cozy Counseling with Amanda offers you time and space to support your healing from past hurts and figure out what you need to reconnect with yourself and others. Reaching out and getting started in counseling can be the most difficult part and you’ve already come this far.
Let's sit back, talk and learn what will help you feel calm, cozy and truly enjoy your life.
Your Counselor
Amanda Rivas, MA, LPC (she/her)
Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas I’m happy to serve my fellow Texans and support your mental health. With almost 10 years under my belt, I’ve provided services in a variety of settings with people of all walks of life and all ages, LGBTQIA+ identities, various racial/ethnic backgrounds, unsheltered families, asylee/refugees and other marginalized populations. I’m particularly skilled working with those age 14 and older, experiencing life transitions, difficulties with stress, managing ADHD, identity struggles, mood concerns, relationship concerns, body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) like skin-picking/hair-pulling, and those with a history of family trauma or family relationship difficulties.
Feel free to check out my profiles on LinkedIn and Psychology Today for additional information.
At this time, I am offering virtual counseling services only.
My Counseling Approach
In meeting with you, whether alone, as a couple or with your teen, I will work to build a strong, genuine and nurturing relationship with each of you as a foundation in our work together. I want to get to know you, what brings you to counseling and how I can collaborate with you in support of your needs and goals. We may discuss how culture and identity variables affect your life and the counseling relationship. I value the relationship I form with those I work with and I am selective in using strategies and interventions from various types of therapies based on your personality and responsiveness. I am highly appreciative of feedback so I will frequently check in with you about how the counseling is working out for you. Engaging in the counseling process is an investment in your well-being and I want you to feel like time is utilized effectively and that you get the most out of our work together, whether the initial phone call, 1st session or 15th session.
I look forward to hearing from you to discuss how I might be able to support you.
Virtual Counseling Services
Individual Counseling for Adults
During individual counseling, I’ll get to know you and your history, assess safety, discuss goals and how we can get there. Counseling can help with dealing with painful experiences, gaining new skills in managing life stressors, identifying ways to reduce stress and improve your quality of life.
Individual Counseling for Teens
Individual counseling with teens may look very similar to counseling with adults, yet includes working as a team with caregivers to support your teen. This involves mostly individual sessions with your teen, some sessions with the caregiver only, and some sessions combined. I strive to gain your teen’s trust to be a safe person they can go to with sensitive information so we will also discuss boundaries regarding confidential information and legal concerns specific to working with your teen.
Couples Counseling
Seeking counseling for your relationship can improve communication, help prevent issues from escalating over time, help prepare for future plans, improve emotional and physical intimacy or even come to a decision about staying together or going your separate ways. I utilize strategies from various modalities, including emotionally-focused therapy, the Gottman Method, and family systems.
Transparent Pricing
I value openness and transparency around pricing for services. At the moment, I do not accept insurance payments for services, however I can provide a “superbill” for your insurance request for reimbursement of payment. Adjusted rates may be available for those experiencing financial hardship, uninsured/underinsured and in need of services. Read below to find out more on adjusted rates.
Session Rates
30-minute Consult/Check-In - $65 (May apply with counselor discretion)
50-minute Counseling Session - $130 (Typical for Individual Sessions; May apply with Couples Counseling upon discretion)
80-minute Counseling Session - $195 (Typical for Couples Counseling; May apply with Individual Counseling upon discretion)
Online Payments and AutoPay are powered by Stripe through the Sessions Health Client Portal
Insurance Reimbursement
At the moment, I do not accept insurance payments for services, however I can provide a “superbill” for your insurance request for reimbursement of payment. You can also utilize Mentaya, service that streamlines getting reimbursed up 80% for your therapy sessions through out-of-network benefits. Mentaya charges a 5% fee per claim (less than $10 with my rates), which includes handling any paperwork required, dealing with denials, and calling insurance companies. It's risk-free: They guarantee claims are successfully submitted, or a full refund of their fees. Mentaya may be a good fit for you if you have out-of-network benefits, feel overwhelmed by superbills and insurance, have submitted superbills but failed to get any reimbursement, and/or simply want to skip the hassle of paperwork. Please let me know if you’d like more information about using this service.
Adjusted Rates with Open Path
I partner with Open Path Psychotherapy Collective in effort to provide an affordable therapy option for a limited amount of clients at any given time. Open Path is a nonprofit platform that provides access to lower-cost services for clients who cannot afford market rates for therapy, are uninsured or underinsured, and have an annual household income below $100,000. For Open Path clients, the per-session fee will be in a range between $40 and $70 for individual counseling (and between $40 and $80 for couples and family counseling). Feel free to find out more about Open Path by clicking on the following link: https://openpathcollective.org.
Contact me to find out if I am accepting Open Path clients at this time.
No Surprises Act
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. • Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. • Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.