FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I get started with Mindful Point?

    Getting started is simple and low-pressure. You can book a free 15-minute consultation directly on our website or submit a contact form and we’ll reach out to you. From there, we’ll have a relaxed, no-obligation conversation to get a sense of what’s bringing you in and whether Mindful Point feels like the right fit. If it does, we’ll get your intake appointment scheduled from there.

     

    What can I expect during the initial intake appointment?

    The intake appointment is really about getting to know you. We’ll spend time exploring your background, what’s been on your mind, and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. It’s more of a conversation than a clinical interrogation — think of it as laying the groundwork so that every session after this one can be as focused and effective as possible.

     

    How do I know if Mindful Point is the right fit for me?

    That’s exactly what the free consultation is for. There’s no pressure and no commitment involved — it’s simply a chance for both of us to ask a few questions and get a feel for whether working together makes sense. Fit matters in therapy, and we take that seriously.

     

    What happens if we decide we’re not a good fit?

    That’s okay — it happens, and it’s never a reflection on you. If Mindful Point isn’t the right match, you won’t be left without direction. We’ll make sure you leave with a thoughtful, informed referral to someone who is better suited to what you’re looking for.

  • Do you offer in-person sessions?

    Mindful Point is a telehealth-only practice. All sessions are conducted virtually, which means you can access care from the comfort of your own home — no commute, no waiting room, no extra stress added to your day.

     

    What do I need for a telehealth appointment?

    Just a few basics: a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a private space where you feel comfortable talking freely. That’s it.

     

    What platform do you use for video sessions?

    We use SimplePractice, a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform built specifically for healthcare providers. You’ll receive a link before your appointment — no downloads or accounts required on your end.

     

    Can I do sessions from my phone or tablet?

    Absolutely. As long as you have a stable connection and a private space, your phone or tablet works just fine.

     

    What if I have technical difficulties during a session?

    It happens and it’s nothing to stress about. If we get disconnected or run into a technical issue, we’ll reconnect as quickly as possible. You’ll always have a backup contact method on file so we can reach each other and pick up right where we left off.

  • How is the first appointment different from ongoing sessions?

    The intake appointment is the starting point — it’s longer, more exploratory, and focused on understanding your history, your goals, and what’s brought you to therapy. After that, sessions look quite a bit different. Ongoing appointments are more targeted and active, built around the approaches that make the most sense for you specifically. Think of the intake as building the map, and everything after as the actual journey.

     

    How often will we meet?

    That depends on you and what you’re working through. Most clients start with weekly sessions, though the frequency can adjust over time based on your progress, your schedule, and what feels right. We’ll figure that out together.

     

    How long does therapy typically last?

    There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Some people reach their goals in a focused, shorter-term course of treatment. Others benefit from longer-term support. What matters is that we’re regularly checking in on your progress and making sure the work we’re doing is actually moving the needle for you.

     

    What does a typical session look like after the intake?

    Sessions after the intake are much more active and individualized. Depending on what we’re working on together, we may use structured, evidence-based approaches tailored to your specific goals. Every session is purposeful — we’re not just talking in circles.

     

    Do you assign homework or exercises between sessions?

    Sometimes, yes. Depending on the approach we’re using, there may be practices, reflections, or exercises to work on between sessions. These aren’t busywork — they’re designed to help you make progress beyond the hour we spend together and build skills that stay with you long after therapy ends.

  • What types of concerns do you work with?

    Mindful Point specializes in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, and sleep disturbances. A significant focus of the practice is supporting veterans and first responders, though adults from all walks of life are welcome. If you’re unsure whether your concerns are a good fit, the free consultation is the best place to start that conversation.

     

    Do you work with veterans or first responders specifically?

    Yes — this is a core part of what Mindful Point is built around. As a veteran and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Joshua brings both personal and professional understanding to working with military and first responder communities. Mindful Point is also an approved VA Community Care provider, meaning eligible veterans may be able to access care through their VA benefits.

     

    What therapy approaches do you use?

    Mindful Point draws on several evidence-based approaches depending on what fits best for each individual. These include EMDR, Written Exposure Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Image Rehearsal Therapy for trauma-related nightmares. You don’t need to know what any of these mean coming in — part of the intake process is figuring out together what approach makes the most sense for you.

     

    Do you treat trauma?

    Yes. Trauma-informed, evidence-based care is at the heart of this practice. Whether you’re dealing with a single traumatic event or a longer history of complex trauma, there are effective, research-backed treatments available — and that’s exactly what Mindful Point specializes in.

  • What insurance plans do you accept?

    Mindful Point accepts several insurance plans, including Medicaid managed care plans through Turquoise Care, Medicare, and VA Community Care through TriWest for eligible veterans. We are also in the process of credentialing with additional commercial insurance plans. If you’re unsure whether your plan is accepted, just ask during your free consultation or reach out through the contact form and we’ll get you a straight answer.

     

    What if I don’t have insurance or my insurance isn’t accepted?

    Self-pay options are available. If you’re paying out of pocket, we’ll provide you with a Good Faith Estimate before your first appointment so you know exactly what to expect cost-wise — no surprises. If cost is a barrier, we encourage you to bring that up during the consultation so we can figure out what options make sense for your situation.

     

    How do I know what my insurance covers before my first appointment?

    The best first step is to call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask specifically about outpatient mental health benefits, your deductible, and whether telehealth is covered. We’re happy to help guide you through what questions to ask if that feels overwhelming.

     

    What is your cancellation policy?

    We ask for at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Late cancellations made within 24 hours of your session incur a $75 fee, and no-shows are subject to a $100 fee. We understand that life happens — if something comes up, just reach out as soon as you can and we’ll do our best to work with you.

  • Is telehealth therapy confidential?

    Yes. Everything shared in session is confidential and protected under federal and New Mexico state law. Mindful Point uses HIPAA-compliant technology for all sessions and communication, so your privacy is protected end to end. Like all licensed therapists, there are a small number of legally mandated exceptions to confidentiality — those will be explained clearly during your intake appointment so you’re never in the dark about how your information is handled.

     

    Are you licensed in New Mexico?

    Yes. Joshua Roybal is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in the state of New Mexico. As a telehealth-only practice, Mindful Point serves adults across the state — wherever you are in New Mexico, you’re eligible to be seen.

     

    How do I schedule an appointment?

    The first step is always the free consultation. You can book directly through the website or submit a contact form and we’ll reach out to you. Once we’ve connected and confirmed it’s a good fit, we’ll get your intake appointment on the calendar from there.

     

    Do you offer a consultation before committing to an intake?

    Yes — and we encourage it. The free 15-minute consultation exists specifically so you can ask questions, get a feel for the practice, and make an informed decision before committing to anything. There’s no pressure and no obligation. If it feels right, great. If not, we’ll point you in a better direction.

  • Does poor sleep cause depression, or does depression cause poor sleep?

    The relationship between sleep and mood is more intertwined than most people realize — and the direction isn't always what you'd expect. In my clinical experience, treating sleep directly often produces dramatic improvements in mood. I've seen PHQ-9 scores — our primary screening measure for depression — drop significantly once sleep is addressed. What looks like a depression diagnosis on the surface is sometimes a body and mind that simply haven't been able to rest. Before assuming you have a mood disorder, it's worth asking: how's your sleep?