Notice to Consumers
About
Cactus & Coast Counseling, PLLC
Lauren Gibson
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Texas #204136
Records Requests & Complaints (Effective September 1, 2025)
Under Texas Health & Safety Code §181.105, licensed behavioral health providers are required to post instructions for consumers on how to request health care records, contact the licensing authority, and file a consumer complaint.
In accordance with House Bill 4224 and Texas Health and Safety Code Section 181.105, Cactus & Coast Counseling PLLC provides the following information to assist clients and members of the public with:
• Requesting access to health care records
• Contacting the state licensing authority
• Filing a consumer complaint
How to Request Your Health Care Records
Current and former clients may request copies of their counseling and mental health records maintained by Cactus & Coast Counseling PLLC. Requests must be submitted using the Records Request Form available upon request or can be found in the link here.
Requests may be submitted using one of the following methods:
Email preferred
cactuscoastcounseling@gmail.com
Office phone
(512) 686-6275
To help prevent delays, please include the following information with your request:
• Client full legal name and date of birth
• Current phone number and or email address
• Description of records requested including specific dates if applicable
• Preferred method of delivery such as secure electronic delivery, mail, or in person pickup
• Client signature and date
If records are requested on behalf of another individual, documentation verifying legal authority is required. Examples include guardianship documentation or medical power of attorney.
Identity verification may be required to protect client privacy and confidentiality in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
Licensing Authority Information
Lauren Gibson, LMFT (Cactus & Coast Counseling PLLC) is regulated by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, the licensing authority in the State of Texas, and Board of Behavioral Sciences, the licensing authority in the State of California.
Questions regarding licensure or professional regulation may be submitted through the following websites:
Texas - Behavioral Health Executive Council (TBHEC): https://bhec.texas.gov/contact-us/
California - Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS): https://www.bbs.ca.gov/consumers/consumer_complaints.html
When submitting an inquiry, select Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) as the license type.
Filing a Consumer Complaint
Clients or members of the public who wish to file a consumer complaint may do so through…
Texas Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division - Complaints may be submitted online at: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint
Board of Behavioral Sciences - Complaints may be submitted online at: https://www.bbs.ca.gov/consumers/consumer_complaints.html
When submitting a complaint, include relevant dates, names, and any supporting documentation, if available.Complaint
Questions Regarding House Bill 4224
For questions related to House Bill 4224 or consumer access requirements under Texas law, Texas Health and Human Services may be contacted at: https://bhec.texas.gov/contact-us/
Good Faith Estimate (GFE) & Texas HB 1314
A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is a written estimate of expected charges for non-emergency health care services, required under the federal No Surprises Act. It helps clients understand anticipated costs before services are provided and outlines their right to dispute certain charges.
For more information, visit: www.cms.gov/nosurprises
Texas HB 1314 (effective September 1, 2025) strengthens price transparency and billing-dispute protections in Texas by requiring clearer written cost estimates and dispute information for applicable health care services. While HB 1314 primarily applies to health care facilities, its intent aligns with the GFE requirements followed by Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) in private practice. Cactus & Coast Counseling, PLLC provides Good Faith Estimates to support transparency, informed consent, and compliance with both federal and Texas pricing standards.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) explaining the expected cost of your counseling services. You may request a written Good Faith Estimate for non-emergency therapy services. The estimate will outline the total expected cost of services. If you receive a bill that is $400 or more above your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the charges. Please retain a copy of your Good Faith Estimate for your records. Good Faith Estimates are provided as part of all client’s intake and informed consent processing.
