Please ask any questions you have about these policies at any time. Do you have any openings now? When are your appointment times?
those in highest demand. Please feel free to call my office, 503-287-1526, to ask about openings. Do you see people who have similar problems to what I am experiencing?
emotional and psychological issues and difficulties. Often problems don't seem to have a name, so I encourage individuals who are feeling stuck, isolated, worried, or having distress to call about their issues. If I cannot be of help, I usually know professionals in the counseling community who can be of help. See Counseling Services for a list of services provided by my practice. You are invited to call to ask questions. This varies for each person. Frequently it depends upon the commitment a person is willing to make to their therapy process and the severity of problems and issues we are addressing. We can discuss this. Does coming to counseling mean I can't handle my own problems?
events in order to heal them is a significant decision. Counseling and therapy call on one's inner resources and invite exploration. I try to make counseling as unintimidating as possible. In fact, studies show that people who seek out counseling or therapy are actually MORE psychologically healthy than the general population! This may be because it takes great strength to make the decision to heal and to get help. Psychotherapy and counseling are becoming more and more well-received in our culture. Many people have sought psychotherapy or counseling at one time or another. Writers, doctors, nurses, business people, artists, athletes, academics, and admired public figures have obtained and benefited from counseling support at different times in their lives, so you are definitely not alone! In addition, most counselors, therapists, and psychologists have gone through their own psychotherapy in the course of their training. Note: I do not see clients who have not achieved a consistent and abiding year of sobriety from alcohol or drugs. After a clear and defined year of sobriety, I can provide support. How long are sessions?
Do you take insurance?
Savings Plans (HSA's). Please check with your provider or administrator. It is, however, expected that you will be responsible for your fee at the time of service. Can I afford this? Counseling and therapy is an investment in yourself, your own healing and growth toward wholeness. You are working on your own goals and yourself, work that is vital. How much do you charge?
the average fee for counseling services. Telephone contact under 10 minutes will not be billed. Longer telephone sessions are billed on a pro-rated fee based on my in-person rate, and fifty-minute telephone sessions are billed at the same rate as in-person sessions. Court appearances are billed at my per diem rate. Missed appointments or cancellations are billed unless cancelled at least 24 hours in advance of the appointment time. This policy allows use of the time by another client. I have some appointments available on a sliding fee scale. We can discuss your particular needs, and I will ask for proof of income. Fees are raised or reviewed annually. Confidentiality
Professional Counselors and Therapists specifies how confidentiality is treated in our relationship. I will not release clinical information about you, including whether or not you are in counseling, to anyone unless given written permission to do so by you (called informed consent), or if one of the conditions applies in the next paragraph. In any situation, I will discuss these things with you. There are a few situations which allow or require the release of confidential information:
the patient's hands. This generally means that the counselor may involve others when necessary to protect the patient if she or he is suicidal, intends to harm another person, or is unable to provide self- care at a level necessary for basic survival. State law also requires the report of abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult when there is reasonable belief that it has occurred or is likely to occur in the future. 2) In response to a court order, a counselor must testify or release records. A counselor does not release records or testify in response to a subpoena unless the patient or patient's guardian has given written authorization to do so. 3) As professionals, we do consult with one another from time to time to improve our quality of service to you. Case material is sometimes used in training, supervision, and writing. This is always without identifying information and with great care and respect for your privacy. How long will counseling last and how frequent will our sessions be?
work. During our first sessions, we will talk about how long counseling tends to last for people experiencing your particular difficulty and level of severity. Attending professional counseling once per week is beneficial for most people. Sometimes, more frequent meetings may be necessary for a short time during initial meetings or during crisis periods until you feeling stabilized. I tend to see people for longer rather than shorter periods of time. What happens when I come in for the first time?
located at the Hollywood Library, corner of NE 43rd and NE Tillamook. Another is Fleur de Lis, at NE Hancock and NE 42nd. At your appointment time, you arrive for your first session, knock on my door, and I will greet you. We will go into my office, where you will read my policy, consent, and personal disclosure statement forms as required by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists. I will ask you what brought you to see me. During our first sessions, we'll discuss confidentiality. I will respond to questions you have, and I will be taking a history of your problem to learn more about it and you. I'll be determining whether or not my training and experience are a likely match your needs, and whether or not I feel I can be of help to you, or if I need to refer you to a licensed professional counselor, family therapist, social worker or psychologist who is more appropriate for you. You will also be deciding whether or not you feel you want to work with me. If not, I will refer you to another licensed professional. Within the first few sessions, I will let you know how long your therapy is likely to last, its risks and benefits, and what we will be doing during the sessions. I will encourage you to ask questions about any concerns you have at any time during our work together. Ending Therapy
by phone or letter. This allows us time to review and summarize your work in therapy, and for closure between us. Sometimes clients wish to return later on or to check in from time to time and that is welcomed and possible, depending upon my schedule. Emergencies and Contacting Me
your call. Call 911 or any of these Oregon County Mental Health Emergency Lines. Trained, empathetic professionals staff these lines and are available to speak with you.
Washington County: (503) 291-9111 Clackamas County: (503) 655-8401
people to think through their situation and whether in an emergency they want to wait for contact from me or if it is wiser for them to speak to someone right away. Diversity
questions, please contact me at 503-287-1526.
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| Counseling Services of NE Portland Counseling for Psychological and Educational Well Being Hollywood District, Portland, Oregon 503-287-1526 |
