Getting Started
After our free 30-minute consultation, if we both agree it’s a good fit, we’ll schedule our first intake session to complete intake forms, discuss your goals, and walk through the client portal. You’ll leave that meeting with clarity and confidence about next steps.
I can help with clients navigating ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Trauma, and Relationship Issues. Therapy works best when you feel safe, understood, and supported. During the consult, we’ll talk about your goals, what therapy might look like, and how my approach aligns with what you need. There’s no pressure — it’s about finding the right match for you.
Your first session focuses on understanding your story and what brought you to therapy. We’ll explore your goals, current stressors, and any past experiences that may influence the present. Together, we’ll start shaping a plan for healing and growth at a pace that feels right for you.
Therapy Focus & Specialties
As a South Asian therapist, I understand the complex layers of family expectations, cultural guilt, and intergenerational pressure that can shape emotions and decision-making. Therapy offers a space to unpack these experiences without judgment — whether you’re navigating identity, societal and family expectations, or the quiet pressure to “have it all together.”
We’ll explore how cultural values intersect with your personal needs so you can move toward balance, self-trust, and peace — without losing connection to your roots.
Yes. Many of my clients come to therapy because they feel stuck in recurring patterns — feeling unseen, misunderstood, or disconnected from their partner, friends, or family. We’ll explore how communication styles, attachment patterns, and cultural or family expectations may be influencing your relationships. You’ll learn skills to express yourself more clearly, manage conflict, and rebuild emotional closeness.
Absolutely. I specialize in supporting adults who are smart and capable but feel scattered, overwhelmed, or frustrated with themselves. Together, we’ll make sense of how ADHD (diagnosed or suspected) impacts your focus, motivation, and relationships. Using CBT, ACT, and DBT strategies, we’ll create practical systems, strengthen emotional regulation, and build confidence — helping you feel more in control of your time and energy.
Yes. Many of my clients have experienced trauma — whether from childhood, relationships, identity-based discrimination, or high-stress life events.
I use EMDR, CBT, and somatic grounding to help clients safely process painful experiences while rebuilding trust in themselves and the world around them.
Therapy with me focuses on healing at your pace, creating safety first before exploring deeper emotions or memories. Together, we work to reduce triggers, rebuild self-worth, and strengthen your ability to feel calm and grounded in daily life.
My practice is intentionally inclusive and affirming. I recognize how systemic barriers, immigration stress, and cultural stigma can affect mental health and belonging. Therapy is a space where you can be your full self — without fear of being misunderstood.
We’ll honor both your cultural background and personal identity while addressing the challenges that come with living between worlds. Whether you’re exploring sexuality, navigating coming out, or managing family or community pressure, I’ll meet you where you are with empathy, respect, and understanding.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The length of therapy depends on your goals, needs, and pace. We’ll collaborate to define what meaningful progress looks like for you and adjust along the way.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) often requires more time than traditional talk therapy to move through preparation, processing, and stabilization phases. Sessions may last 60–75 minutes depending on your needs. We’ll discuss this in advance so you know what to expect.
Training, Background & Approach
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Texas, with advanced training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) and TEAM-CBT (Level 3 Advanced Certification).
My work integrates CBT, ACT, DBT, Schema Therapy, and Family Systems through a culturally responsive and trauma-informed lens.
Beyond private practice, I’ve led programs at the intersection of behavioral health, homelessness, and the criminal legal system, deepening my understanding of how complex life experiences and systemic barriers affect emotional wellbeing.
My style is collaborative, direct, and compassionate — helping clients feel understood while building real-life tools for change.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Texas, with advanced training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) and TEAM-CBT (Level 3 Advanced Certification).
My work integrates CBT, ACT, DBT, Schema Therapy, and Family Systems through a culturally responsive and trauma-informed lens.
Beyond private practice, I’ve led programs at the intersection of behavioral health, homelessness, and the criminal legal system, deepening my understanding of how complex life experiences and systemic barriers affect emotional wellbeing.
My style is collaborative, direct, and compassionate — helping clients feel understood while building real-life tools for change.
Insurance & Payment
Yes — we are currently in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Cigna, Optum/United Healthcare, and some others. Please reach out to verify about your specific insurance plan and coverage.
For all other plans, we can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement.
Call the number on your insurance card and ask:
- “Is GK Preserve Group, LLC / Gilan Merwanji, LCSW in-network?”
- “Are CPT codes 90791, 90834, 90837 covered?”
- “What is my deductible, co-pay, or co-insurance for mental-health services?”
Tip: Note the representative’s name and reference number for your records.
We are happy to check your coverage for you!
Yes — a limited number of reduced-fee sessions are available based on financial need. Please let me know during consultation so we can explore rates and availability.
Private-pay clients receive a Good Faith Estimate under the No Surprises Act, outlining expected costs before beginning services.
Learn More | Good Faith Estimate – CMS
- Individual Therapy per 50-minute session – $150
- EMDR Therapy per 50-minute session – $150
Confidentiality & Privacy
Yes — everything shared in session is strictly confidential and protected by law. Your privacy is taken very seriously.
There are only a few legal exceptions where I’m required to break confidentiality, such as:
- If you express intent to harm yourself or someone else
- If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult
- If records are subpoenaed by a court of law
Outside of those rare exceptions, your information will never be shared without your written consent. Sessions are conducted through a HIPAA-compliant virtual platform to ensure your information remains private and secure.
Logistics
Yes — all sessions are held virtually on a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. You can attend from anywhere in Texas (you must be physically located in Texas during the session).
Evening and weekend appointments are available to accommodate your schedule. You’ll be able to choose your time slot once you’re an established client.
Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling to avoid being charged the full session fee.
We’re here to answer any question. Fill out our short intake form, or email us at admin@gkpreservetherapy.com — we’ll get back to you within one business day.