Frequently Asked Questions

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I provide individual counseling for adults navigating major life transitions. I specialize in working with emerging adults, young professionals, and older adults (55+) who are experiencing career changes, identity shifts, grief and loss, or bigger existential questions about meaning and direction. My approach is relational and collaborative. I meet clients where they are and we work together to clarify what you need. Sessions include talk therapy, and I can also integrate mindfulness, breathwork, and other practices if they serve your goals.

I work best with thoughtful, introspective people who are ready to invest in understanding themselves better. You might be someone who:
- Is navigating a major life transition and wants support making sense of it
- Feels called to ask bigger questions about meaning, purpose, and direction
- Is curious about yourself and open to meaningful change
- Values a relational, warm therapeutic approach
- Is ready to commit to the work, even when it feels uncomfortable

You don't need to have it all figured out. In fact, many of my clients come in without clarity about their goals, and we explore them together. What matters is that you're willing to reflect and ready for change!

This is a question I hear often, and my honest answer is: there's rarely a "perfect" time to start therapy. There will always be something else going on and another reason to wait. But if you're feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or stuck, and if you're asking important questions about your life and direction, now is actually the "right" time.
 

Waiting often means carrying the weight of your questions and uncertainty for longer than necessary. And often times it can feel like you're doing it all alone. Therapy can help you move through this chapter more intentionally and with greater support. You don't need to be "in crisis" to benefit from counseling.

Great question! The therapeutic relationship matters, and fit is important. Some things to consider:
- Do you feel comfortable and understood when we talk?
- Do you sense that I'm genuinely interested in your experience?
- Does my approach (relational, reflective, practical) align with what you're looking for?
 

Your first session is a great opportunity to explore this. If after meeting you don't feel like we're a good fit, I'm happy to help you find another therapist who might be a better match. What matters is that you have the support you need!

I received my Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Texas State University in 2026. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC Associate) in Texas, supervised by Dr. Mee-Gaik Lim, LPC Supervisor (LPC-S). I am also a National Certified Counselor™ (NCC®).
 

In addition to my formal counseling training, I completed internships in career counseling and grief counseling. I also have training and background in holistic health and wellness coaching and mindfulness practices.
 

Before becoming a counselor, I worked as an environmental scientist and consultant for 15 years, which gives me direct lived-experience with career transitions, burnout, and the identity questions that come with major life changes.

An LPC Associate is a counselor who has completed their master's degree, hundreds of hours of clinical training with clients, and passed their licensing exam, but is still working toward full licensure. I work under the supervision of Dr. Mee-Gaik Lim, who is an LPC Supervisor with over 35 years of experience. 

Your first session will include:
- Review of intake paperwork (sent via email prior to your first session) — basic information about you, your history, and your current situation
- A conversation — we'll talk about what brings you in, what you're hoping to get from counseling, and what your goals might be
- Getting to know each other — this is a chance for us to see if we're a good fit and for you to ask any questions about how I work

Your first session is not treatment; it's just an introduction. It's completely okay to come in uncertain about what you need or what you want from counseling. We'll figure that out together! 

I offer 60-minute and 90-minute appointments. We can discuss which length works best for you and your goals. Some clients prefer shorter, more frequent sessions. Others benefit from longer sessions that give us more time to really explore. There's no one right answer. It really just depends on what works best for you.

- 60-minute session: $100
- 90-minute session: $150

Sliding scale: I offer limited sliding scale spots. If cost is a barrier, please reach out and we can discuss options.
 

I do not accept insurance, but I can provide you with a superbill and/or good faith estimate if you want to seek reimbursement through your insurance plan.

I do not accept insurance. I recognize this is a barrier for some people, and I want to be transparent about why I've made this choice.

Insurance companies typically require a mental health diagnosis and access to your records. Given the nature of the type of counseling I do, which is based on supporting people through life transitions, career changes, grief, and identity shifts, providing a diagnosis could mean pathologizing something that is a regular part of the human experience. I also don't want an insurance company dictating how many sessions you need or the trajectory of your care. That's a decision that you and I can make together; not a third party that expects an unrealistic resolution within 10 sessions.

If cost is a barrier, please reach out. I offer limited sliding scale spots, and I'm happy to provide referrals to counselors in the San Marcos area who do accept insurance.

Yes, absolutely. Under federal law (the "No Surprises Act"), I'm required to provide you with a Good Faith Estimate before your first appointment. I'll send that to you in writing as part of your intake paperwork, at least one business day before we start.

Here's what that means in practice: Since I'm a self-pay provider (meaning I am not in-network with any insurance), I'll provide you with an estimate of what your care will likely cost based on our initial discussion about session length and frequency. However, mental health care is different from other medical services; the length of treatment is really hard to predict upfront. You also have the right to adjust your sessions whenever you need to. So with that in mind, your initial estimate might say "to be determined" for the total estimated cost, or it might include a general calculation based on what we've discussed, with the understanding that it may change as we go.

Here's my commitment to you: We'll communicate openly about session frequency, length, and cost throughout our work together. If your needs change, we will talk about it and adjust. You're always in control of what you're committing to. Transparency is important in our work together, so it is always at the forefront of my mind. 

For more information about your rights:

• Visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises
• Call 1-800-985-3059

I have a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours notice. Cancellations or no-shows without 24-hour notice will be charged the full session fee, which will be charged to the credit card on file.
 

Life happens, and I understand that sometimes emergencies come up. If you're having a genuine emergency, please reach out and we can talk about it. But as a general practice, the 24-hour notice allows me to offer that appointment slot to another client who's waiting.

I am currently only licensed to work in Texas. If you live outside of Texas, I'm not able to provide counseling services to you.
 

For virtual sessions: You must be physically located in Texas at the time of your appointment. Even if you're a Texas resident, I cannot provide virtual counseling to you if you're out of state during your session.

In-person sessions:
220 Opportunity Blvd

3rd Floor, Suite 3033
San Marcos, TX 78666
 

Virtual sessions: I also work from my office, so you'll be meeting with me from the same location, it will just be via video.

I'm in the office Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and Thursday mornings for both in-person and virtual appointments.
 

For more specific availability and to schedule, please reach out:
- Phone: (512) 612-9889
- Email: jessica@mellawell.com

This little corner of Texas is growing faster by the minute, so there's a real chance we might run into each other at the coffee shop, H-E-B, or around town. If that happens, I will protect your confidentiality. I will not greet you or acknowledge you in any way unless you decide to initiate a conversation. If you decide you want to say hello, that is entirely up to you. Just know, that we'll save any therapeutic discussion topics for our next session. This boundary protects your privacy and the integrity of our therapeutic relationship. 

Yes. There will always be snacks! I am a firm believer that challenges are easier to tackle when we're not feeling hungry. Come ready to work, and know that we'll be well-fed in the process. 

That's a really valid question, and honestly, fit matters. If after our first session (or even after a few sessions), you don't feel like we're a good match, I want to know. You deserve to work with a therapist you feel genuinely connected to and I am committed to helping you find them. If we're not a good fit, I can refer you to other therapists who might be a better match for what you need. Your well-being is what matters most.

Many of my clients are interested in exploring spirituality, meaning, and purpose as part of their work in counseling. To be honest, I spend a fair time pondering these questions myself. I'm open to conversations about faith, religiosity, spirituality, values, and what gives your life meaning. This is your space, and if these questions are important to you, we'll make room for them. Ultimately, I'm here to help you explore what's meaningful to you and how your faith, religion, values, and/or spirituality shape your experience of your life. 

My primary approach to counseling is grounded in Relational Cultural Therapy (RCT). This framework is based on a simple truth: we grow and heal through authentic relationships with others. 

With that in mind, I create a warm, collaborative space where you can explore what you're thinking, feeling, and experiencing, including how your social and cultural background shapes your perspective and the world around you. I'll be actively engaged in the counseling room with you, and we will use our relationship as part of the healing work. You'll practice boundaries, experience safe repair when conflicts arise, and we'll build trust together. Beyond that, I can also integrate:
 

- Mindfulness practices — if you're interested in developing present-moment awareness or managing anxiety
- Breathwork — to help regulate your nervous system and access deeper insight
- Experiential practices — including movement, creative expression, or nature-based work if it serves your goals
- Practical, action-oriented work — career exploration, values clarification, decision-making frameworks
 

I never impose these practices. I'll suggest them if I think they'd be helpful, but you're always in control of what we do in sessions.

That depends on you and your goals. Some clients work with me through a specific transition (3-6 months) and then take a break or move on. For others, we work together longer, continuing to explore growth and meaning-making over time.
 

Your first session is a good place to start thinking about this. We can set some initial goals and you'll get a sense of what a realistic timeline might look like. But counseling is flexible. We can always adjust as we go.