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We offer Marriage and Family Therapy. 

 

How frequent are the clinical sessions?

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Our initial session is about 75-mins. Subsequent sessions are typically once a week for 50 minutes. Sometimes clients will choose to come more frequently, twice a week or have double sessions during times of crisis or to deepen or enhance the work.

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What is Telehealth (Teletherapy)?

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Telehealth is the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration. (tablet, phone, online)

 

How can I get Teletherapy?

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Understand all about this service here.

 

How long will therapy take?

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The length of therapy varies and is impossible to know from the beginning. The length of treatment depends on a number of factors such as the nature and severity of the presenting concerns, personal motivation, and any unanticipated events that occur during the course of therapy. It usually takes 2-4 sessions in order for us to connect and build trust while affectively assessing your situation. It is recommended that sessions be on a weekly basis. 

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What can I expect from our sessions together? 

This is your time and as such is customized based upon your desired outcome. Typically, the first several sessions are devoted to building rapport and gathering information. I understand that concerns and goals sometimes shift a bit and deepen over time as you feel safer and more comfortable with me. Much of the focus of the first sessions will be getting to know each other, sharing your presenting problem, assessing, and mutually exploring therapy/health goals. Many clients choose to bring paper or a notebook to sessions. This is optional but useful.

 

It is common to be apprehensive about the first session. However, I have been complimented by my professors, supervisors, colleagues and other clients; as having a calming and nurturing presence that helps calm those fears quickly. I will give you my undivided attention during each of your sessions. I’m committed to creating an "sanctuary" where you feel safe, empowered and heard. We process information, construct well-informed goals and work through any challenges to achieving them.  Our time together will be spent engaged in traditional "talk-therapy", but also aspects of media psychology, and in-session/take home activities. You will often be given something to think about or practice in between sessions.

 

Can I use my insurance?

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At this time, we are not accepting any insurance payments. We believe that private-pay clients enjoy the greatest amount of privacy over insurance clients related to informational disclosure and preauthorization. If you wish to still attempt to get reimbursed from your out-of-network insurance coverage, we are happy to provide you a monthly billing statement free of charge.  However, payments are still expected to be made to us at the start of each session, unless you have a prepaid account and the responsibility to submit the appropriate documentation to the health insurance company remains with the client(s).

 

We believe that there are reasons that you might find therapy less of a financial strain than you fear: People in therapy feel supported emotionally and therefore less deprived than they did before. For example, if you’re someone who tends to overspend in an attempt to comfort yourself, you’re less likely to do this after developing healthier coping strategies with your therapist. Therapy is not only a place to discuss emotional issues, it’s also a place to discuss practical issues like budgeting. The best investment you can make is in yourself. 

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Is what I discuss in therapy kept confidential?

Absolutely. Confidentiality and informational security is something that we as providers hold as our highest priority. We use encrypted software, EMR (electronic medical records). We will only divulge or release information upon your written authorization. However, you must know that there are some exceptions to confidentiality. These exceptions include: Danger to self or others; any reporting or disclosing of physical or sexual abuse against a child; or abuse against a dependent or helpless adult. Also, upon receipt of a Court Order, we are mandated to release records even without your written authorization.

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Do I still need to see my PCP, Physician or other specialist?

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Yes, you do. Our services are design to support, not preempt your current diagnosis and treatments. As a part of your wellness team we provide you with verification of your behavioral and medical status, provide education/training/support & provide some skilled nursing procedures. Our hope is for a collaborative relationship between our clients and their other clinical care professionals.

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How can I make an appointment?  

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Click or call our office at (253) 777-9782.  If we are in session or out of the office, you will be connected to our confidential voice mail.  We actively check messages throughout the day and will call you back as soon as possible. Please leave your name, your phone number, several best times to reach you, and whether it is okay for me to leave you a message if you don't answer. You can also email us at info@consultantsandcounselors.org, emails are checked often. Services are by appointment only. 

 

What if I need medication, can you prescribe this for me?

No. Our practice focuses on the use of holistic naturopathic medical approaches synergized with psychotherapeutic techniques & interventions that have been shown to be effective in treating many disorders effectively without the use of medication. However, there are times when therapy is not enough and medication would be in your benefit.

 

If this is the case, your PCP will discuss these options with you and make some recommendations. In many cases your primary care physician (PCP) can handle your need for psychotropic medications. Some medications require more specialized training and monitoring; thus, a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner would be recommended to you and we would offer a referral for you.

 

How do I reach you before or between sessions?

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Secure message via client portal. When you call our office you may reach our confidential voice mail. We generally return calls within 24 hours during the business week. We check voice messages frequently so you leave pertinent information, urgent calls, or late cancellations. If you leave me a voice mail or message, please let us know if it is all right to leave you a phone message or voice mail if we don't reach you. 

 

If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, we may not be able to call back soon enough - call the Pierce or King County Mental Health 24 hour Crisis Line numbers listed below, or go to your nearest hospital emergency room.   

 

Pierce County Crisis Line
Ph: 1 (800) 576-7764

 

King County Crisis Line
Ph: (206) 461-3222 or 1 (800) 244-5767

 

Connect now, we would be happy to answer any further questions. We look forward to hearing from you soon!