Frequently Asked Questions

Mental Health Services

Transitions Counseling and Consulting offers a range of mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults, including intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, group therapy, psychiatry, and medication management. Our goal is to match you to the service most likely to provide relief safely and effectively, and to continue supporting you and your family as your needs change.

An Intensive Outpatient Program is a specialty group therapy program that meets about 3 times a week for usually 3 hours per session. At Transitions Counseling and Consulting, our IOPs are broken down by age, with groups for preadolescents ages 10 to 12, adolescents 13 to 17, and adults 18 and up. The program runs about 12 weeks and is built around a customized curriculum using a form of therapy called Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), focused on teaching practical skills to help you process your thoughts, feelings, symptoms, and behaviors so you can start feeling better quickly. Those skills don’t disappear when treatment ends either. They’re tools you keep and use long after the program is over.

In terms of clinical time, completing an IOP is roughly equivalent to a full year of individual therapy. 

IOPs are available in person at all of our locations, and virtually for teenagers and adults. We treat a wide range of conditions including anxiety, depression, PTSD and trauma, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and more.

A partial hospitalization program is a group therapy program that meets 5 days a week for 4 to 5 hours per afternoon session. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with being hospitalized. At Transitions Counseling and Consulting, our PHP is designed specifically for teenagers and includes psychiatry and medication management as part of the program. Our PHP is in the afternoon so your teenager can still attend school and have time in the evening for homework, friends, and family.

Our PHP uses a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) based curriculum, typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks, and is available in person at select locations. It is the right fit for teenagers dealing with severe depression, anxiety, PTSD or trauma, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts, as well as teens who have been recently hospitalized, are experiencing significant issues at school or home, or who have not made enough progress in an IOP or other treatment.

Both are specialty group therapy programs, but they serve different levels of need.

Our IOP usually meets 3 days a week for 3 hours per session and is a good fit for people who aren’t improving with therapy by itself or therapy combined with psychiatry. We offer IOP groups for preadolescents ages 10 to 12, adolescents 13 to 17, and adults 18 and up. All of our IOPs are available in person, and we also offer virtual IOP for adolescents and adults.

PHP usually meets 5 days a week for 4 to 5 hours, and at Transitions Counseling it is designed specifically for teenagers. It includes psychiatry and medication management as part of the program rather than as a separate service. PHP is the right fit for someone dealing with severe symptoms, significant issues at school or home, a recent hospitalization, or someone who completed an IOP and needs a higher level of support to keep making progress.

Transitions Counseling and Consulting offers psychiatry and medication management via telehealth, making it easy to fit appointments into your schedule. Our psychiatry providers are in-network with most major insurance plans.

We offer this service because therapy and medication management treat the same conditions but in fundamentally different ways. Research shows that people who receive both are generally more likely to see sustained, long-term improvement compared to those who do just one or the other.

For clients who receive both services at Transitions Counseling and Consulting, your therapist and psychiatry provider can communicate directly about your care without you having to track down records, forward notes, or wonder if everyone is on the same page.

We offer one-on-one individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy including our IOP and PHP programs.

Our therapists use a range of evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), trauma-focused therapy, and solution-focused therapy.

The clinicians at Transitions Counseling treat a wide range of mental health conditions including but not limited to Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Persistent Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Borderline Personality Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Phobias, and Grief.

We also work with people navigating things including burnout, chronic stress, sleep problems, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, and major life transitions.  If you’re not sure whether what you’re dealing with is something we can help with, just call us.

We offer both telehealth and in-person visits.

Therapy and IOP are available at all of our locations, and couples and family counseling is available at most locations as well. PHP is available at select locations. Psychiatry is available via telehealth. We also offer virtual IOP groups for teenagers and adults. You can find your nearest Transitions Counseling clinic location here.

Why Choose Us

Quality and Safety

  • Our CEO and clinical supervisors are licensed clinicians, so the people setting standards for your care have delivered it themselves.
  • We use evidence-based treatment modalities, which are therapies that have been researched and shown to work.
  • We track your progress over time using standardized clinical assessments like the PHQ and GAD, so your care is guided by data, not guesswork.
  • We are accredited by The Joint Commission, an independent review of our clinical and operational standards that we maintain across our full scope of services.
  • We offer a full continuum of care including therapy, IOP, PHP, and psychiatry, so we can meet you at the right level of support and adjust it as your needs change.
  • We work closely with your other providers, including your primary care physician and any specialists involved in your care, so everyone supporting you is aligned.
  • We operate a large therapy internship training program, because we are invested in the future of mental health care.

Satisfaction

  • Our Net Promoter Score is 93, based on thousands of post-visit surveys from real clients, meaning most would recommend us to a friend or family member. The healthcare industry average is typically reported around 30 to 50.
  • We offer real online scheduling, meaning you can book your appointment directly rather than filling out a contact form and waiting for a callback. If you prefer that option, we have it too.
  • We offer appointments in person and via telehealth, so you have flexibility.
  • We are in network with major insurance plans to keep care accessible.
  • We have multiple clinic locations across Arizona and Texas, so you can find a provider close to home and build a real relationship with your clinician.

Most new clients are seen within 48 hours.

If you don’t see availability at your preferred location when booking online, please call us directly at 602-363-0629. We often have openings that don’t appear on the online scheduler.

Transitions Counseling offers evening appointments across our locations because we know most people can’t take time off work every time they have a session.

Availability varies by location and clinician, so if you have a specific scheduling need, call us at 602-363-0629 and we’ll tell you exactly what’s open.

We have locations across Arizona and Texas to serve clients throughout the region.

In Arizona, we have offices in Mesa, Goodyear, Phoenix, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Glendale, and Tucson.

In Texas, we serve the greater Houston area with locations in Spring and Houston Montrose, with additional locations opening in the Houston Metro.

Not sure which location is closest to you? View all locations and addresses here. And if none of them are convenient, telehealth is available for most of our services and works just as well for the majority of what we offer.

Yes, and it’s something we take seriously. Transitions Counseling is a veteran-led organization and employs veterans as clinicians, so supporting the military community isn’t an afterthought for us.

We accept Tricare, VA Community Care, TriWest, and ChampVA, and we work closely with the VA to support veterans through that process, including navigating VA authorizations.

Insurance and Billing

Transitions Counseling accepts most commercial insurance plans in the states we offer services, including:

  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • Baylor Scott and White (Texas locations only)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
  • Champ VA
  • Cigna
  • Curative
  • GEHA
  • Golden Rule
  • Meritain
  • Optum
  • Tricare
  • VA Community Care
  • UMR
  • United Healthcare
  • and others

If you don’t see your insurance carrier listed, please contact us to see how we can help. You may still be in network through one of our plans.

Most major insurance plans cover both IOP and PHP. We have a lot of experience with prior authorizations and will handle that process if one is required. If you have questions about our in-network plans, view our accepted insurance plans here or contact us directly.

We offer self-pay rates for all of our services, and our rates are generally lower than what other providers charge out of pocket.

Contact us to discuss self-pay options and we’ll also check your insurance while we’re at it, even if your plan isn’t on our list.

The cost of your visits depends on the service you use and your specific insurance plan benefits.

Most of our clients only pay a copay.

If you have questions about your benefits, contact your insurance plan directly. You can also review our accepted insurance plans here. Please contact us if you have any other questions.

We want to make paying for care as simple as possible. We accept insurance, major credit and debit cards, checks, CareCredit, and payment plans. Please note that we do not accept cash.

Transitions Counseling offers multiple options to make mental health care more accessible, including:

  • Self-pay rates
  • Reduced rates with supervised graduate-level interns
  • Payment plan options
  • Accepting CareCredit

Getting Started

Getting started is simple. You can schedule online or call us at 602-363-0629. Either way, one of our team members will walk you through everything. We’ll set you up with your first appointment, collect some basic contact information, invite you to your patient portal, and gather your insurance and payment details.

Your first mental health appointment is all about learning more about you: what you’re struggling with, what’s worked before, and what kind of support might be most helpful now.

Your clinician will take time to understand your concerns and recommend the most appropriate care options. From there, you’ll decide what treatment is right for you, and together you’ll plan your next steps and schedule future appointments.

It’s normal for the first appointment to feel question-heavy, and that’s intentional. We structure it this way to make sure your treatment plan reflects your full history and current concerns. Our goal is to start your care on the right path from day one.

Your first appointment is designed to answer exactly that question.

Everyone’s situation is different, and we want to match your care to your specific needs rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach. Your clinician will do a thorough assessment, looking at what’s going on in your life, how your symptoms are affecting you day to day, and what level of care and structure would actually help.

That depends on your treatment goals, your symptoms, the type of care you’re receiving, and how you respond to treatment. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and our goal is to match you with the care most likely to improve your symptoms safely, not keep you in treatment longer than you need to be.

As a general guide:

  • IOP groups typically last 12 weeks
  • PHP groups are generally 4 to 6 weeks
  • Individual therapy, EMDR, and psychiatry each follow their own course depending on your goals and progress

Your clinical team will monitor your progress throughout treatment so that you can collaboratively adjust your care plan as needed.

For Parents and Families

We treat clients ages 6 and up.

Our group programs are designed around specific age ranges so your child is always with peers at a similar stage of life. We have IOP groups for adolescents ages 10 to 12, teens 13 to 17, and several IOP groups for adults at different life stages.

Our PHP program is for teenagers ages 13 to 17.

If you’re not sure whether your child needs support, call us at 602-363-0629. We’re happy to talk it through with you before you ever schedule an appointment.

Some common signs that a child or teen may benefit from mental health support include:

  • Seeming sad, hopeless, or unusually irritable most of the time
  • Worrying excessively or having frequent meltdowns or panic attacks
  • Acting out, shutting down, or behaving differently than usual
  • Struggling in school or refusing to go
  • Pulling away from friends, family, or things they used to enjoy
  • Having trouble sleeping, eating, or taking care of themselves
  • Saying negative things about themselves or feeling like a burden to others
  • Struggling to control anger or emotions in ways that are affecting relationships

It may be time to seek more immediate support if your child is:

  • Unable to function at school, at home, or with friends
  • Hurting themselves or talking about wanting to
  • Expressing thoughts of suicide or that things would be better without them
  • Recently discharged from a hospital or psychiatric facility

You play a critical role in your child’s treatment and we want you involved. As a parent, you bring important context that helps us understand what’s going on, what has helped in the past, and what hasn’t. That input shapes your child’s treatment plan from the start.

Depending on what’s most appropriate for your child, your involvement may include:

  • Sharing your observations about your child’s symptoms, progress, and daily functioning
  • Participating in family therapy or parent coaching sessions
  • Reviewing and supporting your child’s safety plan
  • Helping your child practice skills they learn in therapy at home
  • Working on mental health homework alongside your child
  • Seeking your own therapy as part of the family healing process

As we develop the right treatment plan together, we’ll find the level of involvement that works best for your child while also respecting their autonomy in treatment.

Right away. We work with many hospitals and are very experienced with post-discharge care coordination.

We recommend asking the hospital to contact us before your child is discharged. This allows us to request records, get an appointment scheduled, and have everything in place so there is no break in care when your child comes home.

Yes. Outcomes are better when everyone involved in your child’s care is on the same page. We have a lot of experience coordinating with primary care providers, pediatricians, hospitals, school counselors, and other behavioral health providers.

With your permission, we’ll coordinate with anyone involved in your child’s care. We have a standardized process for completing a release of information authorization so we can either share records with your child’s other providers or request records on your behalf.

We focus entirely on treatment during program hours. Our adolescent IOP runs after school and our PHP runs in the early afternoon, both wrapping up before dinner. That gives your child time to get homework done, have dinner, and still have time for family and friends.

For Current Clients

Treatment at Transitions Counseling is 100% voluntary. That being said, progress happens when you are present. Consistent attendance supports the best possible outcome for your treatment. If something comes up, contact your treatment team as soon as possible so we can work with your schedule.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or call or text 988. For non-urgent questions or concerns, please contact your treating clinician through your patient portal or call our team at 602-363-0629.

In most cases yes. Talk to your clinician about what you’re looking for and they’ll work with you on it. For example, our PHP program is in-person only and certain IOP groups are only available in person. Your clinician will be upfront about what’s flexible and what isn’t. You can also contact us at 602-363-0629 with any questions.

Your telehealth link is sent with your appointment reminders and is also available in your secure patient portal.

You can also find instructions at this link.

Life happens, and we understand that. We do recommend staying consistent with treatment since large breaks can slow your progress. If you need time away, let your treatment team know so we can update your schedule. If you’ve been away for an extended period, we may need to complete a new assessment when you return to make sure we can continue your care safely.

Let your clinician know right away and contact us at 602-363-0629. Insurance plans do not automatically notify providers when changes occur, so it’s important that you reach out as soon as possible. Our team will update your insurance information to help prevent any lapses in care.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact us more than 24 hours before your appointment. We want our clients engaged in their treatment plan and we understand that life happens. However, cancellations or no-shows within 24 hours of your appointment may result in a late cancellation or no-show fee.

Yes. We encourage open communication with your current clinician first, because open communication can help improve how we deliver our services to you and working through concerns can actually strengthen the therapeutic relationship.

We also use a therapeutic alliance measure to make sure your clinician is communicating in ways that are helpful for you. That said, we recognize that sometimes it’s just not the right fit. If that’s the case, give us a call at 602-363-0629 and we’ll discuss finding you a new clinician.

For Referring Providers

We offer multiple options and want you to choose whatever is most convenient for you:

  • Submit a referral online using our form here
  • Fax us at 480-247-4179
  • You or your patient can also call us directly at 602-363-0629 to get started
  • We can also create a custom referral process tailored to your practice. Contact us to discuss what would work best for you

Yes. You can fax referrals to 480-247-4179.

Most new clients are seen within 48 hours. For patients coming directly out of an inpatient stay, we can often move faster and can complete the intake via telehealth before discharge if needed.

Yes, and we encourage it. We are happy to collaborate with outside providers to make sure your patient is receiving coordinated, consistent care.

If you are referring a patient for a specific service such as IOP, we will facilitate discharging them back to you when their program is complete so there is no gap in their ongoing care with you.

Yes. We will coordinate a release of information with your patient and can provide treatment updates on whatever schedule works best for you. We think of referring providers as part of the care team.

No. All of our services are voluntary. If you have questions about whether we are the right fit for a specific patient, please contact us at 602-363-0629.

We have community outreach representatives in Arizona and Texas who work closely with providers to coordinate care for your patients. Call us at 602-363-0629 or email admissions@transitionscounselingandconsult.com and we will connect you with your local representative.

How We Can Help You

We tailor treatment to fit your unique needs. Our team offers the full continuum of outpatient therapy services for the whole family. This means you can work with the same team as your treatment needs change over time.

What We Treat

What We Treat

Anxiety
Depression
PTSD, Trauma, Abuse
School Issues, Bullying, Self-Esteem
Relationship Challenges
Self-Harm

Who We Treat

Who We Treat

Adolescents
Emerging Adults
Veterans

Treatment Approaches