MURAD COUNSELING, PLLC

Practice Policies

Transparent policies built on respect, ethics, and your rights as a client. Please read this page before your first session.
——
SECTION 01

General Practice Policies

Session Structure & Fees

Individual therapy sessions are 50–55 minutes in length. Extended sessions of 80–90 minutes are available upon clinical agreement. All services are provided on a private-pay basis. Fees are disclosed prior to your first session and outlined in your intake paperwork.

Cancellation & No-Show Policy

A minimum of 24 hours advance notice is required to cancel or reschedule a session. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice — or missed without notice — are charged the full session fee. Exceptions may be considered for genuine emergencies at the clinician’s discretion.

Telehealth Services

All services are delivered via HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms. Felix Murad is licensed to provide services in Texas, Washington, New Hampshire, and Florida. Clients must be physically located within a state where Felix holds licensure at the time of each session.

Communication Between Sessions

This practice is not a crisis service. For urgent mental health needs, please contact 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), 911, or proceed to your nearest emergency room. Brief administrative communication (scheduling, billing) may occur via secure messaging. Clinical concerns are addressed within sessions.

Confidentiality

All information shared in therapy is confidential and protected under state and federal law (HIPAA). Exceptions include: imminent risk of harm to self or others, abuse or neglect of a minor or vulnerable adult, valid court order, or other disclosures required by law. These limits are reviewed in your informed consent.

Scope of Practice

This practice does not provide psychological testing, psychiatric medication management, or court-ordered evaluations. Felix Murad holds licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) and operates within the scope defined by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.
SECTION 02

Non-Discrimination & Inclusion Policy

This practice affirms the dignity and worth of every person.
Murad Counseling, PLLC provides services without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, socioeconomic status, immigration status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or state law.
This practice is affirming and competent in working with LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families. Hate speech, harassment, or behavior that demeans another person — including content shared within sessions — will not be tolerated and may result in termination of the therapeutic relationship.
If you have concerns about discriminatory treatment by this practice, you have the right to file a complaint with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) under applicable federal civil rights law (45 CFR Part 80, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act).
SECTION 03

Your Right to Access Medical Records

Under HIPAA (45 CFR §164.524) and Texas Health & Safety Code §241.154, you have the right to access and obtain copies of your protected health information (PHI), including clinical records held by this practice. Texas law and HIPAA provide parallel protections for mental health records, with some specific provisions under the Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 611 (Mental Health Records).
STEP 1

Submit a Written Request

Send a signed written request to Felix Murad, LPC-S at the practice email or mailing address. Your request should specify the records requested and the time period covered.
STEP 2

Identity Verification

You will be asked to verify your identity. If requesting records on behalf of another individual, you must provide legal authorization (e.g., power of attorney, guardianship documentation).
STEP 3

Fulfillment Timeline

Under Texas law, records must be provided within 15 business days of a valid request. HIPAA requires a response within 30 days (with a possible 30-day extension). A reasonable fee may apply for copying costs per Texas Health & Safety Code §611.0045.
Note: Under Texas Health & Safety Code §611.0045(e), a mental health professional may withhold records if disclosure would be harmful to the patient’s health or safety, or to another person. If records are withheld, you have the right to be informed of the reason and to seek review of the decision.
SECTION 04

Your Right to File a Complaint

You have the right to file a complaint against a licensed mental health professional with the relevant state licensing board. Filing a complaint will not affect the services you receive if treatment is ongoing, and you will not face retaliation for exercising this right. Below are the licensing boards with jurisdiction over Felix Murad’s licensure in each state.
TEXAS

Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council

Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors (a division of BHEC)
  • Online: complaints.bhec.texas.gov
  • Phone: (512) 305-7700
  • 333 Guadalupe, Tower 2, Suite 450, Austin, TX 78701
  • Governed by 22 TAC §681.41, §681.49, §882.31
WASHINGTON

Washington State Department of Health

Mental Health Counselors Program, Health Systems Quality Assurance Division
  • Online: fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch
  • Phone: (360) 236-4700
  • PO Box 47865, Olympia, WA 98504-7865
  • License type: LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)
NEW HAMPSHIRE

NH Board of Mental Health Practice

New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC)
  • Online: oplc.nh.gov/mental-health
  • Phone: (603) 271-2152
  • 121 S Fruit St, Concord, NH 03301
  • License type: LCMHC (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor)
FLORIDA

Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling

Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance
  • Online: flhealthsource.gov (file complaint portal)
  • Phone: (850) 488-0595
  • 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee, FL 32399
  • License type: LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)
SECTION 05

Texas BHEC Complaint Process

Per 22 TAC §881 and Texas Occupations Code §507, the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) handles complaints against licensed professional counselors in Texas. The following outlines the general complaint process as required by BHEC administrative rules.

1. How to Submit a Complaint

Complaints may be filed online at complaints.bhec.texas.gov or by mail to the BHEC address. The complaint form must include: your name and contact information, the name and license number of the licensee, a detailed description of the conduct, and any supporting documentation.

2. Investigation Process

Upon receipt, BHEC staff will review the complaint for jurisdiction. If the complaint falls within BHEC’s authority, an investigation is opened. The licensee will be notified and given an opportunity to respond. BHEC staff may request records, interview witnesses, or conduct other fact-finding.

3. Possible Outcomes

Complaint resolution may include: dismissal (if unfounded or outside jurisdiction), informal settlement, formal reprimand, remedial education, probation, suspension, or revocation of licensure. Outcomes are determined by a panel of the relevant Board within BHEC and are governed by the BHEC disciplinary matrix.

4. Complainant Rights

As the complainant, you have the right to be kept informed of the status of your complaint. Under Texas Gov’t Code §2001.003, if a formal hearing occurs, you may participate in the process. BHEC is required to keep your identity confidential to the extent permitted by law.
BHEC CONTACT
  • complaints.bhec.texas.gov
  • (512) 305-7700
  • 333 Guadalupe Tower 2, Suite 450, Austin, TX 78701
  • Mon–Fri 8am–5pm CT
“You should never feel that speaking up will result in worse care. Your rights exist precisely to ensure this practice remains accountable.”
— Felix Murad, LPC-S
SECTION 06

Good Faith Estimate

No Surprises Act — 45 CFR Part 149
Under the federal No Surprises Act (effective January 2022), you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of the expected cost of non-emergency healthcare services, including mental health therapy.
This practice is private-pay only. Before beginning services, you will receive a written Good Faith Estimate that includes the expected cost per session, the anticipated frequency and duration of services, and the total estimated cost of a course of treatment. This estimate is provided as a planning tool and does not guarantee a specific number of sessions.
If you receive a bill that exceeds your Good Faith Estimate by $400 or more, you have the right to dispute the bill. For more information, visit cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.
——

Questions About These Policies?

If you have questions about any of these policies before scheduling, please reach out. Transparency is part of how this practice is run.
Felix Murad, M.Ed., LPC-S, LMHC, CMHC, NCC | Licensed by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council / Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors | Licensed in Texas, Washington, New Hampshire & Florida