Frequently Asked Questions

Affirming therapy or LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy is a therapeutic approach that validates and advocates for the needs of sexual and gender minority individuals. Race, gender, sexuality, and relationship structures are viewed as vital parts of a person's life rather than problems to be fixed or symptoms to manage. Identity is a source of strength rather than a clinical issue.

Absolutely. This is a trans-affirming and queer-centered space. Whether you are in Houston or joining us virtually, you will work with a therapist who already understands your life and supports you through every stage of your journey. 

No. People choose Equity Counseling Services, PLLC to avoid the burden of educating their provider. We are already grounded in the realities of polyamory, gender identity, and the Black community so you can focus on actual growth from day one. 

Yes. Equity Counseling is a Black-owned and LGBTQ+-owned practice with Black therapists based in the Greater Houston area and available virtually throughout Texas and Florida.

This matters because there are things about the Black experience that don't need to be explained here. They're already understood. The weight of code-switching. The way systemic racism doesn't just show up in big moments but in the slow accumulation of small ones. The complexity of navigating predominantly white spaces while also carrying the expectations of your own community. The generational patterns that have been passed down not out of malice but out of survival. You don't have to translate any of that. We’ve been there before.

Yes. For those seeking therapy for open relationships, polyamory, or ethical non-monogamy (ENM), the practice provides support for individuals and all relationship structures, including throuples and polycules. We understand the unique dynamics and offer a judgment-free space to strengthen your connections.

Yes. We provide specialized support for all relationship structures. We understand the unique dynamics of ethical non-monogamy and provide a completely judgment-free space to support your partnerships.

You are entirely welcome here. Maybe you and a partner are just starting to explore what opening your relationship might look like, and you want support navigating that conversation before anything happens. Maybe you've recently entered a non-monogamous dynamic and you're finding that the reality of it is more emotionally complex than you anticipated. Maybe you're years into it and something that used to feel easy has started to feel heavy. All of that is valid, and all of it is something we can work with.

We help you build the communication skills, the emotional vocabulary, and the self-awareness that non-monogamy requires — without ever treating your relationship structure as the problem.

Many therapists were trained in frameworks that treat monogamy as the default and everything else as a deviation from it. Even therapists who consider themselves open-minded can carry unconscious assumptions that show up in the questions they ask or the goals they steer toward.

We don't do that. We start from the understanding that polyamory and ethical non-monogamy are valid, healthy, and — when approached with care and intention — deeply fulfilling ways to love. We never nudge you toward simplifying your relationship structure. We work with your relationship as it is, and we help you make it as strong as it can be.

Therapy is a resource for anyone looking to improve well-being. There is a common misconception that therapy is only for those who have reached a breaking point, but it is actually most effective as a proactive support system. It is a space customized to specific needs, helping people navigate difficult times so they do not have to deal with them alone. 

Counseling generally addresses current challenges and short term goals. Psychotherapy goes deeper into long term patterns and root causes. We provide the approach that best fits your path to healing and feeling grounded.

An MFT is specifically trained to work with individuals, couples, and families as a connected system. We explore how your individual concerns relate to the relationships you have with yourself and the people around you.

It is recommended to look for a therapist who understands and respects personal values. Time, effort, and money should be spent on someone who listens to specific needs. Therapy is an investment and finding a person to connect with is vital. Initial phone consultations are an opportunity to see if that connection exists before scheduling an appointment.

You want a provider who does not flinch. Look for someone who celebrates your sexuality, kink, or sex work as a healthy part of who you are, rather than treating your intimate life as a symptom to be fixed. You should never feel like you have to censor your intimate life just to keep your provider comfortable.  

We offer a specialized community through our #MENTOO group for men to process their history in a space where they are finally understood. You get the benefit of breaking the silence alongside others who share your journey.

By doing exactly what you're doing right now: seeking out information, learning, and showing your child that you are willing to grow for them.

The most powerful thing a parent can offer a queer or trans child is consistent, unconditional affirmation. Not just tolerance — not "I love you even though" — but genuine celebration of who they are. Research is clear that family support is one of the single greatest protective factors for LGBTQ+ youth mental health. A child who knows their home is safe is a child who can survive what the outside world throws at them.

We offer a parent support group specifically for this, a space where you can ask the questions you're not sure how to ask, process your own feelings without burdening your child, and learn practical ways to show up for them more fully.

Yes. While clients are seen in person at the Cypress area, we provide LGBTQ affirming therapy sessions in Houston and teletherapy sessions across the entire state of Texas and the state of Florida. This ensures access to a queer-affirming counselor regardless of whether a person lives in a major city or a smaller community.

We currently are in network with United Healthcare, Cigna, and Aetna insurance. This includes any plans that have mental health benefits through one of these insurance carriers. You can check out the list of plans covered at https://secure.helloalma.com/providers/rae-mcwilliams/

You may utilize your out of network benefits for other providers, if you choose. You will be responsible for the session fee and your provider can provide you with a superbill to send to your insurance provider. Superbills CANNOT be provided for services conducted by graduate students. 

*Please check with your insurance provider regarding coverage and reimbursement rates for out of network claims.

We accept all major credit cards, cash, flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts. ECS does not keep your credit card information. Your payment information will be stored with a HIPAA compliant credit card processor. 

If you are utilizing insurance, all payments are processed through Alma (helloalma.com).

Feel free to ask for more details during our free phone consultation.

Teletherapy sessions are available for all of Texas and Florida, and in-person sessions are held in our Cypress, Texas office. Our address is 17820 Mound Rd Suite H, Cypress, Texas 77433, United States.

You can access your secure portal at any time here: https://equitycounseling.patientsecure.me/