Frequently Asked Questions


”What insurance plans do you accept?”

I’m in-network with several major insurance providers, including:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield – Texas, Massachusetts, and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

  • United Healthcare (Optum)

  • Oxford (Optum)

  • Oscar (Optum)

  • Cigna

  • Aetna

  • Quest Behavioral Health

If you’re using insurance, you can schedule directly through my Headway portal. Headway verifies your benefits, handles all billing and paperwork, and keeps the process simple.

If you’re paying privately, my standard rate is $140 per session. I also offer a sliding scale option based on income for those who qualify.

“What do you specialize in?”

I help men and women navigate a wide range of challenges, but I specialize in:

  • Anxiety and stress management

  • Perfectionism and overthinking

  • People-pleasing and boundary-setting

  • Procrastination and avoidance

  • Spiritual confusion or disconnection

  • Major life transitions

  • Men’s Issues

  • Treatment-resistant depression and anxiety (with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy)

If you’re struggling to break patterns that no longer serve you or to find peace in a busy, overwhelming life, therapy can help you gain clarity and confidence.

“What’s your background?”

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Sam Houston State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Tyler.

Before starting my private practice, I spent eight years as a prison psychotherapist, working with individuals in high-stress, high-need environments. I also served more than a decade on the pastoral staff of a non-denominational Christian church.

This unique combination of experience allows me to integrate modern, evidence-based therapy with a holistic, spiritually-informed perspective that is always optional and tailored to your needs.

“What is your schedule?”

I see clients Monday through Thursday during daytime hours:

  • In-person sessions: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday

  • Virtual sessions: Monday through Thursday, with Wednesday reserved exclusively for online appointments

Hours are:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

No evening or weekend appointments are currently available.

“What is therapy like?”

Starting therapy can feel intimidating — especially for men who aren’t used to talking openly. Here’s what you can expect in our work together:

  • A safe, judgment-free space to talk honestly about your challenges.

  • A collaborative process where we identify your goals and track your progress over time.

  • Practical tools and strategies to help you manage anxiety, improve relationships, and build confidence between sessions.

  • Optional spiritual integration for clients who want to explore faith or spirituality as part of their growth.

Sessions are typically 50 minutes long, and the pace and structure of therapy are always adapted to your unique needs and goals.

What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) combines clinically supervised ketamine dosing with psychotherapy to help clients access deeper insights, break through emotional barriers, and find lasting relief from depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

A typical course of treatment includes:

  • Initial evaluation and preparation session

  • Eight dosing sessions spaced roughly two weeks apart

  • Integration sessions between dosing sessions to help process and apply what you’ve experienced

Each dosing session lasts about three hours. Insurance typically covers the first hour, while the remaining two hours are billed at my private pay rate of $140/hour.

A full KAP protocol usually spans 16 to 20 weeks, depending on your availability and progress.

For more info visit my KAP page.

“How do I get started?”

If you’re using insurance: Start by visiting my Headway profile. You can check your benefits, schedule your first session, and complete your onboarding paperwork — all in one place.

  • If you’re paying privately: Contact me directly at joel@joellooney.com or (281) 516-8529 to discuss availability and next steps.

If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for you, I also offer a free 15-minute consultation call to help you make an informed decision.

“Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?”

At this time, I offer daytime appointments only, Monday through Thursday. If you need evening or weekend availability, I can refer you to a trusted colleague in the area.

“Is therapy confidential?”

Yes. Everything you share in therapy stays between us, with only a few exceptions required by law, such as safety concerns. We’ll review confidentiality thoroughly during your intake session so you understand exactly how your information is protected.