Counseling Information Packet
Welcome! This will familiarize you with my counseling practice. It tells you what you can expect of me and what I will expect from you. Please read this carefully and be sure to ask me to explain anything that you don't understand before signing the attached acknowledgement sheets of the copy of this I will be giving you. This copy of the Counseling Information Packet that I will be giving you is yours to keep for future references.
Treatment
Much of the time you spend in counseling will consist of talking about issues you bring up. The success of your therapy will rest largely on your openness, honesty, active participation, and commitment to change. It is important for you to be specific about your difficulties, goals, and the type of counseling you desire. This approach allows us to tailor treatment to your unique situation and personal interests. you can obtain my opinion and feedback at any point.
The Method of treatment will vary from person to person and from issue to issue. Specific methods may include insight counseling, problem solving, communication skill building, marital therapy, parent counseling, and/or relaxation training. Treatment may also involve other members of your family depending on the nature of the problem.
The length of counseling will depend on the nature of your problems, goals, and how quickly progress is made toward achieving your goals. Typically, counseling sessions are scheduled on a once-a-week basis until less frequent meetings are needed. This meeting frequency allows rapid development of the counseling relationship and subsequently, promotes more satisfying progress toward meeting goals. The time frame can be either short-term or long-term. Together, you and I will determine the session frequency that will best meet your needs.
Although assessment and counseling can bring about desired changes, this cannot be guaranteed and there are some risks involved. These may include an increased awareness of unpleasant physical symptoms, negative feelings & thoughts, and/or self-defeating behaviors. These are a normal part of the treatment process and are important for us to discuss.
When and how to end counseling are also important issues to discuss. Although you may end counseling at any time, I strongly encourage you to discuss this decision with me at least one week in advance. This will give us an opportunity to discuss the reasons for your decision and bring the counseling relationship to an end. Typically, counseling ends as goals are accomplished and meetings are scheduled less frequently. Even after counseling ends, "check-in" or "booster" sessions are available to address further concern, if and when they develop. Your therapist, like your family physician, is an ongoing resource for you to use as necessary.
Appointments
If you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment, please call as soon as possible and preferable 48 hours in advance. This will provide ample time for you to arrange for an alternate appointment time and will make your vacated time available to another client.
You will be charged for all appointments made but not canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Exceptions to this are circumstances which we would both define as an emergency. Most insurance carriers will not pay for missed appointments.
Fees
The average therapy visit is approximately fifty-five (55) minutes. The fee is based upon my area of expertise and qualifications. Some reduced fees are accepted; discuss this with me if finances are a problem. The same rate will be applied to telephone conversations, collateral contacts (e.g., physicians, attorneys, school counselors), and written correspondence. No fee will be charged for services shorter than ten (10) minutes.
Payment is expected at the time of services are rendered. This will allow us to keep our overhead low, and it will help you to not incur larger bills than you anticipated. Payment can be made by check, cash, or by credit card. Please write our your check ahead of your appointment so therapy time is not used for this purpose. If your payments fall delinquent, I will turn the outstanding bill over to a collection agency.
I will assist you with obtaining insurance reimbursement if you have insurance coverage, whether I am in network or out of network.
Telephone Availability
The telephone is connected to a voice messaging service that is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your call will be returned as soon as possible within working hours M-Th 9:00am - 4:30pm. If you have an emergency, the Crisis Clinic's line; 206-461-3222 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can help you with your emergency.
Professional Qualifications, Ethics, and Standards
As part of this website, there is a description of my educational background, professional experience, and specialty areas. I am licensed to practice as a mental health counselor in the State of Washington (LMHC).
I follow the code of ethics of the American Counseling Association (ACA) 800-347-6647 and the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (ASSECT) www.assect.org.
If you have any questions or concerns about the treatment you receive in this office, alert me about it. If you are not satisfied with my response or results, you may contact the Washington State Department of Health, Bureau of Processional Licensing in Olympia at 360-236-4700.
Client's Rights
As a client receiving counseling/psychological services, you have the right to:
---Choose your therapist
---Have full and complete knowledge of your therapist's qualifications and training
---Be fully informed regarding the terms under which services will be provided
---Discuss your treatment with anyone your choose, including another therapist
---Have a detailed explanation of any procedure or form of treatment prior to its implementation
---Have direct access to your treatment records with a minimum notice of three working days, ask to have a copy of and to correct those records, and to have pertinent information shared with another therapist, or any other party, provided that you sign a release of information
---Question the practices and competence of your therapist, and if you desire, to file a formal complaint with appropriate professional or legal bodies.
---Request a copy of the ethics code and other guidelines/procedures that govern your therapist's practice
---Request a change of therapist, request a referral to another therapist, or to terminate treatment at any time; or, in the case of court-ordered treatment, refuse to participate (Recognizing that you may face legal consequences as a result).
Confidentiality
All issues discussed in the course of therapy are strictly confidential. Any information released must be authorized by you through a signed written consent.
There are some legally mandated exceptions to the rule of confidentiality:
---If you inform me that you are going to harm yourself, try to end your life, or harm someone else
---If you inform me of or I suspect child or elder abuse, neglect, or molestation
---If in a court case, a judge orders the release of information from our files
These compulsory disclosures are made to appropriate law enforcement or public health authorities, or other persons necessary to avoid or minimize imminent danger to health or safety.
In specific situations the law automatically permits your therapist to exchange or disclose information with:
---Immediate family
---A close personal relationship
---Health care providers (Present or Past)
My policy is to discuss the need for release of information with you in advance and have you sign an authorization form whenever possible. In addition, you may specify in writing that I am not to release information to certain individuals.
If you will be using your health insurance to help pay for the cost of our services, your insurance company will require some degree of access to what is otherwise confidential information. At minimum, this will be a diagnosis and dates of service, but could extend to more detailed information. If your insurance carrier is involved in managing care/costs, additional information may be required in an effort to receive authorization for services on your behalf. Some carriers require written consent, while with others; your consent is implied if a claim is filed.
I think the issue of confidentiality is very important and if you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them with me.