FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
ARE YOU A CRISIS COUNSELOR?
No, I am not a crisis counselor. Therefore, I may not be available if you have an emergency. In the event of an emergency or if you are experiencing a crisis call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or call the Pierce County Crisis Line at 1-800-576-7764.
WHAT ARE YOUR BUSINESS HOURS?
Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00- PM
WHAT THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES DO YOU USE?
Attachment; life-span; developmental; cognitive-behavioral; EMDR; DBT; creative expressive arts; play therapy
WHAT ARE COMMON REASONS YOUR CLIENTS HAVE SOUGHT THERAPY?
Behavioral and emotional challenges, attentional deficits, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and adjustment reactions to life and life changes.
WHAT IS PSYCHOTHERAPY?
Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements. It varies depending on the personalities of the therapist and the client, as well as the particular problems, which the client brings. There are a number of different approaches, which can be utilized to address the problems many people bring to therapy. Typically for the most successful outcome, the issues will need to be worked on at home as well as in the therapy sessions. In the case of children, parents often need to make changes in their own behavior in order to help their children to change.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY?
Psychotherapy has both benefits and risks. Risks sometimes include experiencing uncomfortable levels of feelings like sadness, anger, or anxiety. Therapy can often involve talking about unpleasant aspects of a person’s history and behavior. Psychotherapy has also been shown to have benefits for people who undertake it. It often leads to a significant reduction of feelings of distress, and better relationships and problem solving, but there are no guarantees.
DO CHILDREN/YOUTH NEED A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN'S CONSENT IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THERAPY?
If you are 13 or older, you can get mental health treatment without a parent or legal guardian’s consent. If you are age 13 to 17, your parent or legal guardian can consent for mental health treatment, even if you do not consent.
WILL THE THINGS THAT ARE SHARED IN OUR SESSIONS REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL?
In general, the confidentiality of all communications between a patient and a psychotherapist is protected by law, and I can only release information about our work to others with written permission. However, there are several exceptions: Minors: If you are under 18 years of age, please be aware that the law provides your parents with the right to examine your treatment records. It is my policy to request an agreement from your parents that they consent to give up access to your records. If they agree, I will provide them with only general information about how your treatment is proceeding, unless I feel there is a high risk that you will seriously harm yourself or others. In that case, I will notify them of my concern. Before giving information, I will discuss the matter with you and will do the best that I can to resolve any objections that you might have about the information I am about to discuss. Harm to Self and Others: I am legally required to take action to prevent others from harm, even though that requires revealing some information about a client’s treatment. If I suspect a child, elderly person, or physically vulnerable person is being abused, I must file with the appropriate agency. If I believe that a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another, I am required by law to take protective action, which may include notifying the potential victim, notifying the police, or seeking the appropriate hospital treatment. If a client threatens to harm him or herself I may be required to seek hospitalization for the client or contact family members or others who can provide protection. These situations rarely arise in my practice. Should they occur, I will make every effort to fully discuss it with you before taking action. Professional Consultation: Medical consultations may be requested as part of your treatment. In this situation, I may formally ask your permission to consult with your primary care physician or that of your child. You are strongly encouraged to inform your primary care physician, or child’s physician, that your child is in therapy with me.
CAN I GET AHOLD OF YOU BY PHONE?
I am in my office in Gig Harbor on Monday through Thursday. Most of the time I am with clients and unable to receive phone calls, however, phone messages can be left on my confidential voice mail 24 hours of the day (206.930.2238). I return calls during the business week will make every effort to return your call within 24 hours with the exception of weekends and holidays. If you have an emergency and feel that you cannot wait until my return call, please call the Crisis Line at 1-800-576-7764 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room and ask for the psychologist or psychiatrist on call.
IS YOUR OFFICE CLOSED ON HOLIDAYS?
My office is closed during all Peninsula School District holiday/vacation closures, not including summer. My office will also be closed due to inclement weather, as needed for safety.
DO YOU WORK WITH CHILDREN WHOSE PARENTS ARE GOING THROUGH A DIVORCE?
Parents who are going through a separation or divorce often seek therapy for their children to help their child deal with the stress/loss and adjust to the changes involved. It is my policy, with no exceptions, that both parents of the child must consent in writing to treatment for their child and to payment before the child is seen. Please be aware that I function as the child’s therapist only, and do not perform custody recommendations. In addition, it is essential for the child’s privacy to be respected and for their therapy not to be entangled in legal issues. Therefore, you will be asked to sign an agreement to protect your child’s confidentiality in court matters. If you do not feel comfortable with this policy, I will be happy to refer you to another therapist.
WHAT DO I DO IF I AM RUNNING LATE OR NEED TO RESCHEDULE MY APPOINTMENT?
Your appointment begins at the stated time, not when you arrive. If you are more than 10 minutes late we will need to reschedule or you may pay out of pocket. I cannot submit a claim to your insurance company for more time than was actually spent on your session. Once an appointment has been scheduled you will be expected to pay for it unless you provide 24 hours’ notice of cancellation (or unless we both agree the appointment was unable to be kept due to circumstances beyond your control).
WHICH INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE YOU IN NETWORK WITH?
Aetna, Apple Coordinated Care/Provider One, First Choice Health, Premera, Regence BlueCross BlueShield, United Healthcare