Everything You’ve Been Wondering About Therapy—Answered

Whether you’re brand new to therapy or just new to working with me, this guide will help you know what to expect and how to get started.

If you still have questions after reading, I’m just a message away.

🌿 What to Expect in Therapy with Max Casero, LCSW-S

I’ve never done therapy before. What’s the process like?

Once you reach out through the Contact Page, I’ll follow up personally to schedule a free consultation. If we decide to move forward, I’ll send over intake paperwork and your client portal where you can upload basic info like ID, insurance, and payment method.

Your first session is a little different—it’s part orientation, part conversation. We’ll:

• Review your rights and what you can expect from me

• Talk through what’s bringing you in

• Start setting some goals for our work together

• Decide on session frequency and format moving forward

This is your space, your pace. You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin.

Do you offer virtual or in-person therapy?

Both. I offer in-person sessions one day per week in Austin, Texas.

The rest of my sessions are held via secure telehealth (video). I’m licensed to work with clients in Texas and Florida, and virtual sessions allow for more flexibility and accessibility.

How long are sessions?

You can choose between:

• 30 minutes – a focused check-in for specific goals or quick support

• 45 minutes - for when you’re squeezing therapy in between obligations and want some genuine processing with a cushion on either end

• 60 minutes – the most common session length for deeper processing and skill-building

• 90 minutes – helpful for intensive work, couples or family sessions, or when you need extra time

We’ll choose the length that fits your needs and goals.

What’s your therapy style?

I’m warm, interactive, and deeply trauma-informed. My work is rooted in nervous system regulation, self-compassion, and making real, sustainable change. That might include:

• Naming what’s going on beneath the surface

• Building skills that actually help in your daily life

• Processing past experiences (at your pace)

• Exploring patterns with curiosity, not shame

• Working with the body as well as the mind

You don’t have to show up polished or prepared. Just come as you are.

🧾 Frequently Asked Questions

What ages do you work with?

I currently work with clients ages 10 and up, including teens, adults, and families.

Do you take insurance?

Yes! I currently accept Aetna and Cigna am working on Optum, BCBS, Quest, and Carelon. I also accept Medicare and Medicaid, and am Tricare certified.

If insurance isn’t an option, I can provide income-based, sliding scale rates and payment plans.

You can learn more by messaging me through the Contact page.

Do you offer gender-affirming care?

Absolutely. As a queer, neurodivergent therapist, gender-affirming care is a cornerstone of my practice. Whether you’re exploring identity, navigating transition, or seeking support around dysphoria, you are welcome here.

I absolutely write letters for medical transition. My only requirement is that we have at least one to two sessions to get to know each other so I can learn your story and gather the details necessary to write a letter that will be approved the first time you submit it. And yes, I accept insurance for these sessions.

What’s the difference between therapy and talking to a friend?

Friends are vital, but therapy offers something different:

• A space with no expectations or judgment

• A trained perspective grounded in evidence and experience

• Confidentiality and consistency

• A focus that’s entirely on you

It’s a relationship built to help you grow, explore, and shift—not just vent.

What do I have to do in therapy?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. We’ll shape our sessions based on your goals and needs. Some days might be reflective and quiet; other days might be practical and action-oriented.

The one thing I ask is that you show up honestly—whatever that looks like in the moment.

How long will I need therapy?

That depends on a few factors:

• What you're hoping to work on

• How deep you want to go

• What’s happening in your life while we’re working together

Some folks come for a few sessions of focused support; others stay longer for deeper processing and growth. We’ll check in regularly to make sure therapy still feels right for you.

What helps therapy work best?

Therapy works best when we’re in it together. That means:

• Showing up consistently

• Bringing your questions, insights, or even your resistance

• Trying out tools or reflections between sessions

• Speaking up if something isn’t working

Your honesty and engagement shape the work—and I’ll meet you wherever you’re at.

💡 Have More Questions?

Don’t hesitate to reach out. If you’re wondering something, chances are it’s worth talking about.

📅 Schedule a Free Consultation

Let’s find out together whether therapy might be a helpful next step for you.

Would you like a shortened version of this for a handout or email follow-up after intake?