Carol Mason-Straughan MSW in Oklahoma City: Individual and Family Counseling
Carol Mason-Straughan, MSW, is a licensed clinical social worker offering individual psychotherapy, couples counseling, and family therapy in Oklahoma City, specializing in depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and life transitions. Her practice operates on a private-pay basis without insurance billing, placing her among independent practitioners who prioritize session structure and client control over treatment pacing rather than insurance-driven appointment cycles.
What Carol Mason-Straughan MSW actually is
A Master of Social Work credential qualifies Mason-Straughan for clinical licensure and psychotherapy; MSW holders complete graduate training in mental health assessment, treatment planning, and evidence-based interventions. She works independently rather than as part of a larger clinic or hospital system, meaning she maintains her own client load, schedules, and clinical decisions without institutional oversight or electronic medical record systems shared with other providers. This structure allows longer initial consultations and flexible scheduling but means referrals to psychiatry, psychiatric medication management, or inpatient psychiatric care require external coordination.
Services and session fees
Mason-Straughan offers individual psychotherapy, couples and family counseling, and targeted work around specific life challenges: divorce recovery, parenting concerns, grief, anxiety management, and workplace stress. Session fees are private-pay only; typical rates for individual therapy in Oklahoma City range from $90 to $150 per 50-minute session depending on the therapist's credentials and experience level. Confirm her specific fee with a direct call, as rates can shift annually. Many clients schedule weekly sessions, though spacing varies based on treatment goals and personal finances. She does not file insurance claims, meaning clients pay out-of-pocket and manage their own reimbursement if their plan covers out-of-network mental health services.
How it compares to other Oklahoma City counseling options
Oklahoma City has two broad counseling models. Larger practices and community mental health centers like the Community Health Centers, Inc., offer sliding-scale fees ($0 to $80 per session based on income) and often accept insurance, making them primary routes for uninsured or underinsured residents and those seeking affordable care. These agencies employ multiple clinicians and typically schedule initial appointments 2 to 4 weeks out. Independent practitioners like Mason-Straughan charge higher per-session fees but often provide longer initial consultations, more flexibility in scheduling, and direct continuity of care without staff transitions. Choose community mental health if cost and insurance acceptance are primary constraints; choose an independent MSW or therapist if you prioritize clinician continuity, longer or more frequent sessions, and can afford out-of-pocket payment.
Who this practice suits and does not suit
This option suits adults with established incomes who prefer a single, consistent therapist and do not require insurance coordination. It works well for couples navigating relationship issues and families managing conflict or transitions, where the therapist's stability and focus matter. It does not suit those without discretionary income, those whose insurance plan requires in-network providers, or those needing psychiatric medication management; psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners, not clinical social workers, prescribe medication. Individuals in acute crisis or experiencing active suicidal ideation should contact the Oklahoma County Crisis Intervention Team (405-848-4357) or go to the nearest emergency department rather than schedule a private counseling appointment.
What the first visit involves
Initial sessions with independent practitioners typically run 50 to 60 minutes and cover personal history, current concerns, treatment goals, confidentiality limits, and fee and scheduling expectations. Expect to discuss your reasons for seeking counseling, any previous mental health treatment, and any substance use or trauma history relevant to your care. Mason-Straughan will outline what she can offer, what she cannot (medication management, for example), and next steps, typically proposing a weekly appointment schedule for ongoing work. Bring a form of payment; most private practitioners collect fees at session or require a standing payment method.
Hours, location, and logistics
Confirm specific hours and office location by calling directly, as solo practitioners adjust schedules based on client needs and occasionally take leave. Most independent therapists in Oklahoma City offer some evening and weekend slots to accommodate working clients. Parking is typically straightforward at private offices unless located in shared commercial space; ask about parking when you call. There is no walk-in availability; all appointments are scheduled in advance by phone or email.
Why this matters
Carol Mason-Straughan offers the continuity and focused attention that independent practice provides, a meaningful choice for Oklahoma City residents who can pay out-of-pocket and want stable, long-term therapeutic relationships rather than the high-volume model of agency-based counseling.
