FAQs
How do I book an appointment?
For Texas patients, I am currently using Headway for managing administrative tasks for my practice including appointment scheduling, insurance verification, and billing. Please go to my profile through the link below to inquire about an appointment.
For California patients, I am only able to accept California patients for direct pay or as an out-of-network provider. Please complete the form on the appointments page to inquire about scheduling. I am unable to prescribe controlled substances to California patients due to DEA restrictions.
Where does the practice name “Estela” come from?
"Estela" translates to "wake" in Spanish, which feels especially fitting for a practice rooted in Austin— a city known for its serene lakes and the wakes that ripple across them. The name bring to mind the idea of movement and reflection. Additionally, as there’s so much to be discovered about mental well-being through the lens of an artist’s expression, the name reminds me of a favorite poem. Antonio Machado's 1917 poem Caminante no hay camino provides a unique perspective on “wakes” or “estelas.”
“Caminante, son tus huellas
el camino y nada más;
Caminante, no hay camino,
se hace camino al andar.
Al andar se hace el camino,
y al volver la vista atrás
se ve la senda que nunca
se ha de volver a pisar.
Caminante, no hay camino
sino estelas en la mar.”
Traveler, your footprints
are the only path, nothing else.
Traveler, there is no path;
you make your own path as you walk.
As you walk, you make your own path,
and when you look back
you see the path
you will never travel again.
Traveler, there is no path;
only wakes in the ocean.
Do you take insurance?
Yes, I accept insurance only in Texas. Currently, this is processed through Headway which manages billing and insurance verification. I can only take California patients as direct pay or out of network.
Do you accept direct pay or out of network patients?
Yes, I accept direct pay patient in Texas or California. Texas patient can still use Headway to schedule and appointment. California patients must submit an inquiry form from the appointments page.
Do you prescribe controlled substances such as benzodiazepines and stimulants?
I am unable to prescribe controlled substance through telehealth at this time, but look forward to having an in-person office in the future.
Do you see patients in person?
I am only able to do telehealth visits at this time. However, I look forward to having an office in Austin, Texas in the future.
Do you complete disability assessments?
I am able to assess patient that are already established in the practice for short term disability when it is an appropriate part of their treatment. Disability assessment are not done at the intake appointment. Often, it is recommended if you require disability for mental health treatment that you receive treatment at a higher level of care, such as an intensive outpatient program or partial hospitalization program. I am able to recommend these programs if needed.