Effective Counseling - Empowering Change And Growth

Counseling, Psychotherapy, Coaching– these services are not easily defined. The talking therapies seem to depend on the personality and training of the therapist, as well as the personality and expectations of the client and the particulars of the issues being addressed. The process of therapy requires active participation by the client. Clients are always asked to be honest and open. Generally laws protect the confidentiality of communication between clients and therapists. The therapist can only release information about our work with clients with their written consent.*

If ever a client's symptoms are so extreme or persistent that they interfere with the client's ability to eat or sleep normally, or if the symptoms impair the person's ability to function at work, interact with friends or family, or think in a rational manner, a referral to a physician whose specialty is mental health will be recommended. Often, clients are already taking prescribed medication, and the treatment of counseling usually compliments and psychologically enhances the ability of the person to solve problems effectively and feel successful. When a client is taking prescribed medication, the therapist and physician should be in communication to coordinate services, with the client's consent.

Therapy involves evaluating a client's thoughts and behaviors. It usually involves a client's own struggle to change some perceptions, beliefs and even their own behavior in a more productive and life-affirming way. The effectiveness of therapy depends on the client's active and thoughtful participation, not only while in the office, but when in normal life as well.

If you are using your insurance, you need to authorize that clinical information including diagnosis and other requirements for billing need to be given to the insurance company or their designated mental health Managed Care Company, (the company that manages your plan's mental health benefits). Remember that most insurance companies require a clinical diagnosis, treatment plan, dates of service and discharge summaries. Most managed care companies can receive your entire record if requested. Information sent to the Insurance Company or Case Manager will likely become part of that Company's records and may be computerized. Please know that all Insurance Companies claim to keep information confidential, but there is no way to confirm this.

For the reasons stated above, some people prefer the option of paying for services themselves.

*The Exceptions to Confidentiality are:

Circumstances in which maintaining confidentiality would result in danger to the client or danger to someone else.

Circumstances which involve direct disclosure of suspected presence of child abuse/neglect, or elder abuse/neglect/financial exploitation.