Working with Us
Starting the Process
The most important factor for a successful outcome in counseling is choosing a counselor with whom you feel comfortable. You can start by giving us a call and becoming familiar with us through a telephone conversation. We will be happy to discuss your situation, our treatment approaches and any other questions. Then we can schedule an initial 50-minute appointment where we will discuss your needs, goals, and our recommendations.
Therapeutic Relationship
A therapeutic relationship of trust and understanding is the most important aspect of counseling. In the first session we will determine whether I can assist you, whether you are comfortable with me, and the plan for treatment. There are different methods that I may use in this process and this won't be a passive process, it calls for an active effort from you.
Due to the nature of the therapeutic process (often involving full disclosure of confidential information), you agree that neither you, your attorney, nor anyone else acting on your behalf will call on me to testify in court or at any other legal proceeding. This includes, but is not limited to, divorce and custody disputes, injuries, and lawsuits. You also agree to not request a disclosure of the psychotherapy records.
Confidentiality
Everything you say will be kept confidential with the following exceptions: You are a danger to yourself; A danger to others; A court order.
In couple and family therapy, or when different family members are seen individually, confidentiality does not apply between the couple or among family members. I will use my clinical judgment when revealing such information.
As you may know, I work with a group of independent mental health professionals, under the name White Oak Counseling Center. This group shares certain expenses and administrative functions. While the members share a name and office space, I am completely independent in providing you with clinical services and I alone am fully responsible for those services. My professional records are separately maintained and no member of the group can have access to them without your specific, written permission.
I may occasionally find it helpful to consult other professionals about a case. During a consultation, I make every effort to avoid revealing the identity of my client. The consultant is also legally bound to keep the information confidential.
Scheduled Meetings
The fee for a 50-minute session is $135 and payment is expected at the time of service. In the event that you will not keep an appointment, you will be expected to notify me 24 hours in advance or full payment will be due unless we both agree that you were unable to attend due to circumstances beyond your control. Special reports will be billed at the standard hourly rate. Outstanding fees 90 days past due will be submitted to a collection agency.
Use of Insurance
If you have a health insurance policy that covers mental health treatment, it is important that you find out exactly what services it covers because not all treatment is reimbursed.
Insurance benefits have become more complex and "Managed Health Care" plans often require authorization before they provide reimbursement for mental health services. These plans are often limited to short-term treatment and it may be necessary to seek approval for more therapy after a certain number of sessions. While a lot can be accomplished in short-term therapy, some clients feel that they need more services after insurance benefits end. We can discuss what you can expect to accomplish with the benefits that are available and what will happen if they run out before you feel ready to end our sessions.
Be aware that most insurance companies require a diagnosis for treatment. Sometimes I have to provide additional clinical information such as treatment plans or summaries, or copies of the entire record (in rare cases). This information will become part of the insurance company files. Though all insurance companies claim to keep such information confidential, I have no control over what they do with it once it is in their hands. In many cases, they share the information with a national medical information databank and this information may show up when you apply for life and health insurance. People have been denied insurance because of a diagnosis.
I can help you receive the benefits to which you are entitled; however, you (not your insurance company) are responsible for full payment of my fees. Many people choose to pay for my services themselves to avoid the problems described above.
Contacting Me
If I do not answer the phone when you call, please leave me a message in my voice mail system and I will attempt to return your call within 24 business hours. In the event of an emergency, you may contact me by calling the office (215-536-0308) and using the emergency number provided. You may also utilize your family doctor, the local Crisis Intervention service (numbers listed in the blue pages of telephone book), the police, or the hospital emergency room.
Minors
If you are under eighteen years of age, please be aware that the law may provide your parents the right to examine your treatment records. It is my policy that parents agree to give up access to your records. If they agree, I will provide them only general information about our work together, unless I feel there is a high risk that you will seriously harm yourself or someone else.
Termination
It is recommended that any decision you make regarding termination of counseling be discussed in person. This ends treatment in a more satisfactory manner.