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Northwest Counseling & Wellness Center
12335 Hymeadow Drive, Suite 300,
Our Team of Professionals
NCWC programs and services are staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, vetted and trained to deliver holistic healing services consistent with evidence based best practices. The integrative culture of NCWC has earned substantial conformance with the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) standards since 2010.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get involved?
Call us and help us understand the nature of your concern. Once we get some initial information and you are ready to move forward, we can schedule an initial assessment session. This helps us begin to establish a plan to help you (treatment plan) and to inform you about our programs and services. Our New Client Information Form (available at our office) contains some basic information we would like for you to know prior to assessment. On the day of your assessment, please bring the New Client Information Form, a photo ID, and your insurance card. Plan on spending an hour or so with us.
Do you work with my insurance?
We are providers for many major plans including BCBS, Aetna, United Healthcare, Optum, Humans, Cigna, and others. The terms of your specific policy may be very generous or may limit authorization due to ‘medical necessity’. We verify your benefits prior to program involvement and work hard to help your insurance work for you. Call us with questions you may have about working with your insurance.
What are your credentials?
NCWC has been licensed as an outpatient mental healthcare facility by the Texas Department of State Health Service since 1997. Our facility is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and has earned the highest level of conformance to CARF standards since 2012.
What is holistic care?
Holistic healthcare is a whole-body approach to mental health and well-being. It embraces more than the biological nature of suffering. Conventional, Western medicine emphasizes a physical deficit addressed frequently with medications to resolve ‘chemical imbalance’. Holistic care also addresses invisible aspects of humanity including spirit, mind, emotional, subjective, and relational aspect of health. NCWC integrates all of these facets of humanity and healing in our integrative approach.
What is IOP?
IOP is an acronym meaning Intensive Outpatient Programming. It is an insurance industry standard of care that usually means programming 3 days a week, 3 hours each day. Our IOP is 20 days in length and provides lecture, group process, ‘non-talk therapy’, treatment planning, homework, family programming, and self-help involvement, and drug screening. The structure of IOP supports abstinence through accountability, skills, drug testing, and supportive relationships.
Do you provide individual counseling with IOP?
We meet with individuals to create treatment plans, review homework, and create post treatment strategies. The best time to engage in individual therapy is after a period of sobriety, stability, and self discovery that comes with a successful IOP experience.
What is aftercare?
Aftercare (AC) is a therapist led, ongoing support service offered upon successful completion of primary programming. AC groups occur 5 times a week, mornings evenings, and weekends. Involvement in AC promotes community, accountability, and an improved prognosis for sobriety and well-being.
What are your success rates?
Our outcomes are very good. Our programs are comprehensive, evidence-based, and integrative. Programs can not ‘make’ participants change or recover, but if you are motivated to change, NCWC has the expertise, resources, and community to support change.
What about detox?
NCWC is not a medical facility, but has a number of resources to help with a safe, medically supervised detox off campus if needed. Many clients experience some sort of withdrawal discomfort as their bodies adjust to sobriety. We can help with mild and post acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). However, please contact us if you are concerned about or have questions regarding detox and withdrawal. Please do not abruptly stop using prescription medications without consulting your physician.
How much?
If you are using insurance for IOP, your out of pocket expenses depend on how much your plan pays and if deductibles are met. We will verify benefits and provide you with an estimate of costs prior to your program involvement. Your plan may be very generous or very restrictive. If you are not using insurance our rates are below industry standards. Our out of pocket price for IOP is $300 per diem. Call for more information about fees, special rates, payment plans, and specials.
Can I take time off during my IOP treatment?
The best use of IOP comes with a commitment to attend all programming on time and without absence. We encourage you to clear your schedule and commit to consistent involvement – this is the secret to change and transformation. Your insurance plan will not likely authorize ‘medically necessary’ treatment if you inconsistently attend IOP. That said we attempt to work around your work and family obligation as best we can.
Can I switch between day and evening programs?
No. We encourage you to choose between day or evening programming. This allows you to develop relationships with your treatment peers and foster a sense of trust, accountability, and friendship, vital to long term sobriety and well-being.
If I am 17 years old, can I attend your program?
We are licensed to treat adults; age 18 and older. However, if you are 17 and ‘close to’ 18, treatment at NCWC may be a good fit for you. Contact us and we’ll help you to find the best treatment option for you.
Where are you located?
NCWC is located in Hymeadow Square Office Park, 12335 Hymeadow Drive, Suite 300 Austin, Texas 78750 (near Westwood High School). We have ready access to the communities of Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and Austin.
What is your advice for getting sober?
Successful quitters, never quit quitting. Substance dependency is a complex disorder with many devastating consequences if left untreated. Avoidance and isolation are the enemies of change and well-being, but you are not alone. Find a group or program, and connect with like-minded others who can support new ways to think and behave. The good news is that research is clear about principles of effective treatment (link to https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction). Call with any questions, we are here to help.
How do I manage my anxiety and depression?
You are not as ‘crazy’ as you think you are. Understanding how your invisible mind works is key to managing mental suffering. Mindful approaches help you to detach (create space) from critical thoughts – you do not have to believe all that you think. Call us for help. We have lots of ideas and resources for you.
“Staff promotes self-esteem, self-compassion and hopefulness in clients. They offer important insights in all levels of programming”
Useful Links & Resources
Alcoholics Anonymous, Austin
Sober Austin
Smart Recovery
CARF Accreditation
Refuge Recovery
National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Department of State Health Services
https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/default.shtm
NADA Auricular Acupuncture
“I really can’t say enough good things about this program and the staff. My life will be forever changed”
Did you Know Dr. Harvey has promoted integrative approaches to mental health programming for over 20 years and is a trainer of the NADA acupuncture protocol? If you are a healthcare professional interested in becoming an Acu-detox specialist in the state of Texas, contact us for additional information. We can train you!
Did you Know Dr. Harvey has promoted integrative approaches to mental health programming for over 20 years and is a trainer of the NADA acupuncture protocol? If you are a healthcare professional interested in becoming an Acu-detox specialist in the state of Texas, contact us for additional information. We can train you!
Are you a masters level healthcare professional? NCWC has worked with aspiring healers for over 15 years. We promote integrative approaches, mindfulness methodology, and Eastern, ‘spiritual’ practices not taught in conventional CACREP accredited programs. Mindfulness strategies are the fastest growing area of clinical practice in mainstream psychotherapy.
Mindfulness tactics helps both client and therapist in the therapeutic process.
Are you a masters level healthcare professional? NCWC has worked with aspiring healers for over 15 years. We promote integrative approaches, mindfulness methodology, and Eastern, ‘spiritual’ practices not taught in conventional CACREP accredited programs. Mindfulness strategies are the fastest growing area of clinical practice in mainstream psychotherapy.
Mindfulness tactics helps both client and therapist in the therapeutic process.