Question 1

Can AI chatbots replace therapy, or should I still see a real therapist?

Accepted Answer

It makes sense that AI tools are appealing. They're available at 2am, they don't judge, and they can feel like a low-pressure way to express what you're feeling. If you've found yourself typing your worries into a chatbot between sessions (or instead of ever booking one), you're not alone, and there's nothing wrong with reaching for support wherever you can find it.That said, it's important to understand the difference between artificial support and authentic therapy. AI tools can reflect language back to you, offer generic coping suggestions, or help you organize your thoughts. What they cannot do is truly know you. They don't pick up on the tone in your voice, the story behind a passing comment, or the pattern that's been repeating in your life for 20 years. They aren't trained to recognize risk, hold you accountable, challenge your maladaptive thinking or beliefs, or adapt in real time to what you actually need in a given moment. There's also a real risk in relying on AI for emotional support. It can validate thinking that isn't accurate or healthy, it has no ability to intervene if you're in danger, and it can't build the kind of trusting, consistent relationship that real change is built on.People develop different ways of managing stress over a lifetime. Some are healthy and some are not. New challenges arise that overwhelm the resources we have, and old, ineffective coping patterns keep resurfacing until we gain clarity and turn away from them. That's the work of therapy with a trained professional -- developing real insight, building genuine skill, and having someone in your corner who is clinically trained to notice what you can't always see yourself.Every therapist also has their own approach, so it's worth asking a potential therapist about theirs. Some people do best with a supportive, non-directive style; others benefit from something more active and structured. My approach is to help you gain insight, consider different perspectives, increase your understanding, and leave you with tools that actually work for your life --not an AI script. AI can be a helpful supplement between sessions for things like journaling prompts or noticing patterns, but it's not a substitute for the relationship, clinical judgment, and accountability that comes from working with someone trained to truly help you get unstuck.

Question 2

I am not sure about getting started. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

No pressure. Explore and ask questions pressure-free.You’re invited to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. It is a opportunity to briefly share what you’re looking for and ask any questions that you may have. This conversation is designed to help you determine whether I’m the right fit for your needs, with no obligation to move forward unless it feels right for you.

Question 3

I live outside of Texas. Can I still work with you?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can still work with you even though you reside outside of Texas.  Dr. Funke has PSYPACT authorization, which allows her to offer telepsychology services in participating PSYPACT states. Although PSYPACT allows authorized psychologists to legally provide teletherapy to clients located in participating PSYPACT states, insurance companies have separate requirements for in-network coverage. Most insurers require that a provider not only be contracted with their plan but also hold a license in the state where the client is physically located at the time of service. Because Dr. Funke is licensed in Texas, sessions provided to clients in other PSYPACT states may be considered out-of-network, even if she is in-network with that insurance plan in Texas.We encourage you to contact your insurance company before scheduling to verify your out-of-network telehealth benefits and determine whether services provided under PSYPACT are eligible for reimbursement.

Question 4

I want to use my insurance. What do I do?

Accepted Answer

The answer depends on where you're located and whether your insurance is one Dr. Funke accepts in-network.You live in Texas AND have insurance that Dr. Funke accepts: Good news -- Dr. Funke is in-network with Aetna and Quest Behavioral Health for clients located in Texas. Once you become an established client, your insurance can be billed directly for covered visits. It's still a good idea to call the number on your insurance card ahead of time to confirm your specific plan's mental health benefits, copay, and any deductible that applies.You live in Texas but have a different insurance plan: Dr. Funke is currently out-of-network with all insurance companies other than Aetna and Quest Behavioral Health. That doesn't mean you can't use your benefits, though — many plans offer out-of-network reimbursement for mental health services. After each visit, you'll receive a "superbill" (an itemized receipt with the codes your insurer needs) that you submit yourself for reimbursement. Before your first appointment, call your insurance company and ask specifically about your out-of-network outpatient psychotherapy benefits — reimbursement typically runs 50–90% of the visit cost once any deductible is met.You live outside Texas AND have insurance that Dr. Funke accepts:Dr. Funke holds PSYPACT authorization, which lets her legally provide teletherapy to clients in other participating PSYPACT states. However, insurance in-network status is usually tied to the state where you are physically located during sessions — since Dr. Funke is licensed in Texas, your visits may be treated as out-of-network even with insurance that she accepts. Before scheduling, contact your insurer to ask two things: (1) whether they cover telehealth services provided under PSYPACT, and (2) what your out-of-network reimbursement benefits look like. You'll be given a superbill for any reimbursement you're eligible for.You live outside Texas and have a different insurance plan:Dr. Funke can still see you under PSYPACT (as long as your state participates), but she'll be out-of-network with your plan regardless of the insurer. Your best path is out-of-network reimbursement: contact your insurance company first to confirm they'll cover telehealth under PSYPACT and to ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits and reimbursement rate. You'll receive a superbill after each visit to submit for that reimbursement.In every case: payment (credit card, HSA, FSA, Zelle) is collected at the time of the visit, and any reimbursement happens afterward through your insurance company — Dr. Funke's office doesn't bill out-of-network claims directly. If you have questions about navigating this, you're encouraged to contact us or start with the free 15-minute consultation.

Question 5

What should I ask my insurance company before starting therapy?

Accepted Answer

Before your first appointment, call the member services number on the back of your insurance card. Below are the right questions to ask depending on your situation. Scenario 1: You live in Texas and have insurance that Dr. Funke acceptsDr. Funke is in-network with these two plans for Texas residents, but coverage still varies by plan.Ask your insurer:Do I have mental health / behavioral health outpatient benefits?Is teletherapy (telehealth) covered the same as in-person therapy?What is my copay or coinsurance for an in-network outpatient psychotherapy visit?Do I have a deductible, and if so, how much of it have I met this year?Is prior authorization required before starting therapy?Is there a session limit per year under my plan?Can you confirm Dr. Olufunke Awosogba is currently in-network under my specific plan? (Networks can vary even within an insurance carrier.)Scenario 2: You live in Texas but have a different insurance planDr. Funke is out-of-network for your plan, so you'll be paying at the time of service and seeking reimbursement afterward using a superbill.Ask your insurer:Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health/psychotherapy services?What percentage of the visit cost is reimbursed once my out-of-network deductible is met?What is my out-of-network deductible, and how much have I met so far this year?Is there a limit on how many out-of-network mental health sessions are reimbursed per year?What documentation do you require for reimbursement? (Ask specifically about a "superbill.")How do I submit a claim — online portal, mail, fax? Is there a claim form I need?How long does reimbursement typically take once a claim is submitted?Is telehealth covered under my out-of-network benefits, or only in-person visits?Scenario 3: You live outside Texas and have insurance that Dr. Funke acceptsEven though these are the plans Dr. Funke is in-network with, coverage may be treated as out-of-network for you since she is licensed in Texas and you'd be receiving care under PSYPACT.Ask your insurer:Is Dr. Olufunke Awosogba in-network under my specific plan, given that I live in [your state] and she is licensed in Texas?If she's considered out-of-network for my location, what out-of-network benefits do I have for outpatient psychotherapy?Do you cover telehealth services provided under PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact)?Does the fact that the provider is out-of-state affect my coverage or reimbursement rate?What percentage of the session cost would be reimbursed, and what's my out-of-network deductible status?What paperwork (superbill, claim form) do you need from me to process reimbursement?Is my state a participating PSYPACT state? (You can also check this yourself at psypact.gov/page/psypactmap.)Scenario 4: You live outside Texas and have a different insurance planYou'll likely be paying out-of-pocket and filing for out-of-network reimbursement, and you'll want to confirm your plan supports care from an out-of-state, PSYPACT-authorized provider.Ask your insurer:Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health/psychotherapy services?Do you cover telehealth from a provider licensed in another state under PSYPACT?What is my out-of-network deductible, and how much have I met so far?What percentage of the visit cost is reimbursed after my deductible is met?Is there an annual limit on reimbursable mental health sessions?What do you require for reimbursement — a superbill, itemized receipt, specific claim form?How and where do I submit claims, and what's the typical turnaround time?A Few Tips for the CallWrite down the date, time, and name of the representative you spoke with, along with a reference/call number if given — this can help if there's ever a dispute about what you were told.Get everything in writing when possible (a portal message or email summary), since verbal quotes on coverage aren't guaranteed.Ask about telehealth specifically — some plans cover in-person therapy differently than virtual sessions.Coverage information from insurance reps is an estimate, not a guarantee of payment — actual reimbursement can vary once a claim is processed.If you have questions about anything above or need help understanding your insurance response, contact us — we're happy to help you navigate the process.

Question 6

Do you offer therapy in-person?

Accepted Answer

Only teletherapy is offered at this time.  Teletherapy (Telehealth) involves receiving therapy using audio and visual technology such as videoconferencing. Dr. Funke uses a HIPAA compliant and secure online platform. The telehealth platform ensures that you receive the same high-quality care from the comfort and convenience of your own space. Once an initial visit (an assessment) is scheduled, you will be invited to access a secure patient portal. This is the portal that you will use to electronically check-in for your visits.

Question 7

Is what I share discussed with anyone?

Accepted Answer

Your privacy and confidentiality are paramount. What you share during your therapy sessions is strictly confidential. Information disclosure will only happen with your explicit consent or under legal and ethical obligations. In certain circumstances, Dr. Funke is legally and ethically obligated to break confidentiality: If there is a threat of harm to yourself or othersIf you disclose current abuse of a minor, older adult (65 years or older), or disabled adultIf subpoenaed by a court order to disclose records or session contentIf any of these situations arise, Dr. Funke will make every effort to discuss them with you before disclosing any information.

Question 8

Do you work with minors?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Funke is clinically trained to work with, and limits her services, to adults (ages 18 and up). Although she does not work with children and adolescents, we may be able to refer you to a mental health provider who does.

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