What should I expect on my first visit?
During your first visit, I will review my office policies and the process of therapy along with the possible benefits and costs. We will address any concerns you might have and determine if working together will be a good fit for each of us. I will gather information about your history (including family history, general medical, substance use and prior mental health services). We will discuss what brought you to therapy, what your goals for treatment are and collaborate to develop a plan to achieve those goals. If you are interested in family therapy or therapy for your child, it is important that everyone who will be participating in therapy attend on the first visit so all parties feel involved and invested in the process. At the conclusion of your visit we will establish ongoing, regular appointments to fit your needs.
Is therapy confidential?
Your therapy session is a safe and secure place that allows you to be vulnerable by sharing your thoughts, feelings, experiences, hopes and fears with the expectation that the information will be handled with great care. It is your legal right and my legal and ethical responsibility to make certain that our sessions are kept confidential. In most instances, I will need your written permission before I can disclose any information regarding our work together; however, there are exceptions to confidentiality:
- If I believe that a child, an elderly person or a dependent adult is being abused or neglected, I am legally required to take the necessary steps to protect others from harm and mandated to file a report with the appropriate state agency.
- If a client threatens to harm him/herself or is engaged in serious self-destructive activity, I may be required to seek hospitalization for the client, or to contact family members or others who can provide protection.
- If I believe that a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another, I am mandated to take protective actions, which may include notifying the potential victim, notifying the police or seeking appropriate hospitalization for the client to ensure safety.
- If compliance is required with a lawful court order to release information.
- Under the Patriot Act (section 215), if a request is made by an agent representing the federal government, certain records may be provided without your knowledge or permission.
How do I pay for therapy?
Payments are due at the time of service. Cash, check and credit card are all acceptable forms of payment. Rates for service can be discussed during your complimentary phone consultation and will be agreed upon before your first session.
If you plan to use insurance, I encourage you to check with your insurance carrier to determine what mental health benefits you have. I currently work as an “Out of Network” provider, which means I can provide you with a receipt for services rendered that you may submit to your insurance company for reimbursement consideration. Although many insurance companies reimburse for therapy with a receipt, I cannot guarantee reimbursement. Ultimately, you will be financially responsible for the services provided.