Business Policies

This is the page where all the boring stuff about business policies are located. Please read through these items very carefully as the policies apply to you whether you read them or not. Its best to be informed right? I will not make acceptions on the basis that you "didn't know". If you do not understand a policy then ASK and I will explain the policy and why it is in place and you can make an informed choice as to whether or not you want to work with me.

Welcome! I appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. The following information answers some questions clients often ask about therapy practices. It is important to me that you know how we will work together. Having a clear understanding of the end game makes the work easier!

After you read this information, we will go over it and discuss how it applies to your own situation. Please read all of it and mark any parts that are not clear to you. Write down any questions you have and we will discuss them.

Section A

Philosophy of treatment

Theoretical Perspective

Approach to Treatment

Goals of therapy

Therapeutic Intervention

Length of time in therapy

Course of Treatment

Fees/Services

Section B

Confidentiality

Client Rights

Section C

Consumer Rights and Responsibility Statement

Contacting the Oregon Board

Section A

Philosophy of Treatment:

Therapy and change can be quite challenging. I work from the point of belief that mindful behavior and emotional understanding can transform the trajectory of a person’s life. Therapeutic relationships are voluntary. You are able to terminate sessions with me at any point. If I feel that you might benefit from the approach of another counselor, we will discuss a referral. If you are experiencing physical pain or discomfort, see a medical doctor immediately. Therapy is not a substitute for medical attention and treatment.

Theoretical Perspective:

My general theoretical belief is based in a combination of several approaches: cognitive behavioral, person-centered approach, and psychodynamic with a splash of motivational interviewing. The central ideas in my work are that thoughts are the beginning of behavior and with the belief that thinking patterns are heavily influenced by relationships in early life. I believe management/resolution of difficulties experienced in life begins in thoughts about ourselves and the world around us.

Approach to Treatment:

My approach to counseling is strength-based, educational and solution focused. A guiding principle in my practice is that with the right support and motivation, most people have the ability to reframe thoughts, change the relationship with their problems, learn effective coping skills, learn to effectively identify issues and learn necessary skills to engage in problem-solving behavior to work through difficulties systematically.

Goals of Therapy:

General goals of treatment consist of helping resolve, or at minimum, mitigate stress and anxiety and teach you new ways of thinking. Ultimately, what YOU want to accomplish is what we will focus on because therapy is about YOU! J In therapy, I draw on several modalities to help my clients accomplish their goals including:

Reality Therapy

This modality is client-centered cognitive behavioral therapy for solving “here and now” problems rather than working through the past.

Gottman Method

This modality teaches couples how to increase closeness and friendship behaviors by bringing awareness of the partner’s world. It assists the couple to learn to create conversation patterns that foster interest and effectively ends power struggles.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (aka ‘CBT’)

This modality strategizes therapy through the lens of belief that we can change our actions by changing our thoughts.

Dialectical behavioral therapy (aka ‘DBT’)

This modality is based in CBT, however incorporates Mindfulness, learning to be nonjudgmental, learning to accept and move on and the basics of self-soothing in times of stress, tools for making better choices and methods for managing emotions during crisis.

Therapeutic Interventions:

Therapeutic interventions with most clients include:

1) Clear identification of goals and barriers.

2) Developing strategies for solving issues and moving on to live a successful life.

3) Pinpoint thinking errors and learn to challenge and change them.

4) Focus strongly on Mindfulness, teaching how to accept, how to let go, how to manage emotions and communicate in a nonjudgmental manner. With couples I also focus on increasing closeness and friendship behaviors and help the couple create conversation patterns that foster interest and effectively end power struggles.

Length of Therapy:

You will be investing a good deal of time, money, and energy into therapy, so you should choose a therapist carefully. Therapy can be short, a few months perhaps, or it can be long, lasting a year to 18 months. Due to the level of intimate disclosure, and the length of time you might be attending therapy, I strongly believe you should feel comfortable with the therapist you choose, and the therapy you receive. Choose a therapist that you connect with not one based solely on fee cost, convenient location, degree, etc. If you are comfortable with your therapist therapy is more likely to be helpful.

Course of Treatment

Our first session will consist of us going over the intake forms, answering questions, meaning of informed consent and making sure everything is signed and you receive your copies of all your intake paperwork. The first session usually includes a discussion about what brings you to therapy. By the end of our first session, we will decide together in which direction to proceed, whether to continue therapy, seek a referral, etc. If we decide to continue therapy, I will spend approximately 2-5 sessions getting to know more about you and your psychiatric history, if any. After completing the history, we will talk more deeply about your therapy goals and collaborate an initial plan for attack for reaching your goals.

As a Licensee of the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists, I am bound by and I abide by the code of ethics. Between that code and HIPPA, I make every effort to keep your mental health information and personal details protected.

Fees/Services

At this time, I am not associated with insurance boards and therefore, I only accept self-pay clients. Payments can be made through this website when you book your appointment. We can discuss other methods if you prefer.

Full payment is due prior to the beginning of each session. Payment for groups is done as part of the sign-up process and can be completed at any point before the beginning of group. The fee structure is set up in this manner:

Counseling Fees

Initial “Get to know you” 1/2 hour phone call or video: FREE

Intake (2-5 appointments): $ 70 for Individuals; $75 for couples

Individual Therapy:

1 single sessions: $60

Package of Individual Therapy single sessions:

4 Sessions - $250 (10% off regular price)

6 Sessions - $305 (15% off)

8 sessions - $385 (20%off)

Couples Therapy:

1 session: $80

Package of Couples Therapy sessions:

4 Sessions - $290 (10% off)

6 Sessions - $410 (15% off)

8 Sessions - $515 (20% off)

Couples who prefer to incorporate both single sessions AND couples' sessions will be billed as follows:

First 3 single sessions: $60

4 sessions for 1 partner: $225

6 sessions for 1 partner: $335

8 sessions for 1 partner: $450

In the case of couples who both want to attend individual sessions are as follows:

First 2 per person: $70 per session, per person - Package of these 4 sessions: $140

4 sessions of single sessions for each partner: $400

6 " ": $600

8 " ": $875

I do not have groups going at this time. When I do have groups going, they will be priced as follows:

Groups for Individuals

Weekly Process Group Online (Zoom call) - $60 per session, drop-in, PRN

Specific Subject Online - 4 week (1 month) video training: $120 flat fee (with workbook); $100 w/o workbook

Specific Subject Online - 4 week (1 month) of presentation via Zoom: $150 flat fee (w/workbook); $120 w/o workbook

Groups for Couples

TBD

Phone call/text check-in (30 min. max): $50

Phone call/text session (full hour): $75

All prices are subject to change at my discretion. For the time being, I want therapy sessions to be affordable for out-of-pocket renumeration. At such time that I am accepting insurance I will go to charging a rate congruent with what insurance companies pay.

TEMPORARY reductions in fee can be offered on a case-by-case basis for a LIMITED period of time!

Established clients* are allowed some latitude with fees. If you run into hardship, let’s discuss it. I would rather offer a limited time reduction in cost rather than have a client stop coming to therapy simply due to a reduction in income. I am not opposed to discussing a barter of equal value.

(*Established clients* is a term I will define on a case-by-case basis and after the intake process is complete. Intake process includes: ‘get to know you’ ½ hr. call/video; completion of all forms including signatures; return of all forms and any other initial business outlined in the ‘Course of Treatment’ ).

Section B

Confidentiality and Privacy

I am bound by my professional ethics to protect client’s rights to confidential communication in regards to their involvement in counseling, groups and workshops. If you need or want your information to be shared with another medical office, your school, your family, etc. (anyone other than me), I require a signed of a ‘Release of Information’ form for each separate entity or person. There are limits and caveats to confidentiality!! PLEASE read this carefully!!

In the event of a medical emergency, emergency responders or services may be given necessary information.
In the event of a threat of harm to oneself, emergency responders may be called and necessary information may be given.
If a serious threat of harm against or to someone else, the person must and will be notified.
If ordered by a judge or judicial officers, information regarding client treatment must be disclosed.
If the client submits a complaint against this therapist with the State of Oregon, information will be released.
If records are subpoenaed by an attorney in the State of Oregon, they will be released unless the client filed an Order of Protection within 14 days of the subpoena.
In the event of the client’s death or disability, the information may be released if the client’s personal representative or the beneficiary of an insurance policy on the client’s life signs a release authorizing disclosure.
In the event of the client revealing the contemplation or commission of a crime or harmful act, the therapist may release that information to the appropriate authorities.
For purposes of audit either by third party payers, outside funders or the State Department of Mental Health for the state licensing review, information will be released.

I keep my client records on encrypted flash drives and store them under lock and key. For more information, carefully read the HIPPA disclosure.

Consumer Rights

As a client of a licensee of the State of Oregon you have the following rights:

To expect that a licensee has:

met the qualifications of training and experience required by state law

To examine public records maintained by the Board and to have the Board confirm credentials of a licensee

To obtain a copy of the Code of Ethics (Oregon Administrative Rules 833-100)

To report complaints to the Board

To be informed of the cost of professional services before receiving the services

To be assured of privacy and confidentiality while receiving services as defined by rule or law, with the following exceptions: 1) Reporting suspected child abuse 2) Reporting imminent danger to you or others 3) Reporting information required in court proceedings or by your insurance company, or other relevant agencies 4) Providing information concerning licensee case consultation or supervision 5) Defending claims brought by you against me

To be free from discrimination because of age, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, national origin, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or socioeconomic status.

Section C

Client Responsibilities

Provide complete information about the reasons bringing you to therapy and psychological history to enable proper evaluation and treatment.
Ask questions to ensure an understanding of the condition or problem.
Show respect to your therapist.
Reschedule/cancel an appointment so another person may see the therapist.
Pay bill previous to session.
Inform the therapist if one’s condition worsens.

Contacting the Board:

I am a licensed practicing counselor (LPC) with the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists. Therapists practicing therapy for a fee must be registered or licensed with the State of Oregon for protection of the public health and safety. Clients of licensed or registered counselors in the State of Oregon may file a complaint with the State of Oregon Board of Licensed Counselors and Therapists at any time they believe a therapist has demonstrated unprofessional conduct. Registration of an individual with the Board does not include recognition of any practice standards, or necessarily imply the effectiveness of any treatment. You can find more information about licensees, get questions answered and file complaints by contacting the Board at:

Oregon Board of Licensed Practicing Counselors and Therapists

3218 Pringle Rd SE, #120, Salem, OR 97302-6312

Telephone: (503) 378-5499

Email: lpct.board@oregon.gov

Website: www.oregon.gov/OBLPCT

I reserve the right to change (improve and add to) my business policies at my discretion. All clients are granted access to any new business policies by simply looking at this page.