Informed Consent/Confidentiality
Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements as it varies depending upon the personalities of the therapist and client, and the particular issues you bring forward. Unlike a medical doctor's visit, it requires active effort on your part in order for it to be successful. It can have both benefits and risks. Since therapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life, you may experience uncomfortable feelings. On the other hand, it has shown to have clear benefits for people who go through it. Therapy often leads to better relationships, to solutions of specific problems, and to significant reductions in feelings of distress.
Our 1st meeting will involve an evaluation of your needs and an assessment on my part of whether or not my training and experience qualifies me to assist you. By the end of the evaluation, if I believe it is appropriate and if you decide to continue with therapy, I will be able to offer you some first impressions of the work which will include a treatment plan. Therapy involves commitments of time, money and energy, so choosing a therapist with whom you can work with is of vital importance. It is my intention to provide services that will assist you in reaching your treatment goals. Periodically throughout the course of therapy, I will review your progress with you, provide recommendations, and collaborate with you on planning termination when goals are met or therapy is no longer benefitting the process.
Sessions are usually 50-minutes per session. Once an appointment is scheduled, you will be expected to attend and pay for the session. If you need to cancel or reschedule your session, you are expected to notify me 24 hours in advance of your appointment. If you do not provide a 24 hour notice, you are responsible for full payment for the missed session, regardless of utilizing your insurance or not (Insurance companies can not be charge for missed visits/late cancellation, so please see the fee section for the full session rates).
Confidentiality All communication between you and I will be held in strict confidence unless you provide written permission to release information about your treatment. If you participate in a marital/family counseling, I will not disclose confidential information about your treatment unless all person(s) who participate in treatment provide their written authorization. There are few exceptions to confidentiality:
1. There is reasonable suspicion that a minor (under 18), disabled person (18+) or elder (65+) is being abused
2. You are seriously threatening to harm another person or I am made aware that you are seriously threatening to harm another person
3. If you seriously threaten to harm yourself or I am made aware that you are seriously threatening self-harm
4. A judge may order my testimony if he/she determines that the issue demands it.