MY TRAINING AND APPROACH TO THERAPY
I have a Ph.D. in psychology, specializing in alternative treatment for psychological trauma. I have a master’s, bachelor’s degree and associatedegree in psychology. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Brain-Spotting. I work with clients who suffer with:
• Anxiety disorders (Panic Disorders, PTSD)• Mood disorders (Depression, Bipolar)• Interpersonal Violence/Abuse (Physical/Sexual Abuse Recovery)• Self-esteem• Relationship issues• Substance Abuse• Anger Management• I am licensed in the state of New Mexico and Texas. • I work with adolescents and adults ages 12 years through adulthood• I specialize in with working with female survivors of trauma
STATEMENT FOR PSYCHOTHERAPY AND COUNSELING
Therapy is a relationship that works in part because of clearly defined rights and responsibilities held by each person. As a client in psychotherapy, you have certain rights that are important for you to know about because this is your therapy, whose goal is your well-being. There are also certain limitations to those rights that you should be aware of. As a therapist, I have corresponding responsibilities to you too.
1. MY RESPONSIBILITIES TO YOU AS YOUR THERAPIST
CONFIDENTIALITY. With the exception of certain specific exceptions described below, you have the absolute right to the confidentiality of your therapy. I cannot and will not tell anyone else what you have told me, or even that you are in therapy with me without your prior written permission. Under the provisions of the Health Care Information Act of 1992, I may legally speak to another health care provider or a member of your family about you without your prior consent, but I will not do so unless the situation is an emergency. I will always act so as to protect your privacy even if you do release me in writing to share information about you. You may direct me to share information with whomever you chose, and you can change your mind and revoke that permission at any time. You may request anyone you wish to attend a therapy session with you. You are also protected under the provisions of the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
If you elect to communicate with me by email at some point in our work together, I am willing to respond briefly by return email, as my emails is HIPAA compliant-- but understand that I am unable to have ongoing extensive correspondence about therapy matters in email form without being required to charge you for the time.
If you choose to text therapy questions or issues, understand that I will not discuss these issues in detail by text. Please wait until our next session or if appropriate, schedule an emergency session.
The following are legal exceptions to your right to confidentiality. I would inform you of any time when I think I will have to put these into effect.
1. If I have good reason to believe that you will harm another person, I must attempt to inform that person and warn them of your intentions. I must also contact the police and ask them to protect your intended victim.2. If I have good reason to believe that you are abusing or neglecting a child or vulnerable adult, or if you give me information about someone else who is doing this, I must inform Child Protective Services within 48 hours and Adult Protective Services immediately.3. If I believe that you are in imminent danger of harming yourself, I may legally break confidentiality and call the police or the county crisis team. I am not obligated to do this and would explore all other options with you before I took this step. If at that point you were unwilling to take steps to guarantee your safety, I would call the crisis team.4. If you and your partner decide to have some individual sessions as part of the couple’stherapy, what you say in those individual sessions will be kept confidential but if wedetermine that the information is helpful, we can discuss it in our joint sessions.5. If you aged 13 years and over, I cannot discuss what say in your session with your parents or guardians or anyone else without your written or verbal (documented) permission. I will however, share information regarding any statements you make about harming yourself or others-or if you tell me that you are be hurt by someone else.
2.YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A THERAPY CLIENT
Be an active participant in therapy. You are responsible for coming to your session on time and at the time we have scheduled. Sessions last for 50-60 minutes. If you are late, we will end on time and not run over into the next person’s session.
Sometimes, you will receive therapy homework. Bring a journal or writing supplies with you to your appointment. Seeing your therapist 1-2 times a week alone is not always enough so you will be encouraged to do some processing on your own and we will follow-up in your next session.
3. OTHER RIGHTS
You have the right to ask questions about anything that happens in therapy. I’m always willing to discuss how and why I’ve decided to do what I’m doing, and to look at alternatives that might work better. You can feel free to ask me to try something that you think will be helpful. You can ask me about my training for working with your concern and can request that I refer you to someone else if you decide I’m not the right therapist for you. You are free to leave therapy at any time, although I recommend finding a way to give me advance notice so that I can help you end treatment well and consolidate gains (please see section below on Ending Therapy.)
Because I have a limited practice, I do not have 24-hour emergency or “on call” coverage. What this means is that I may not respond to texts sent after my business hours — and understand if you do text during business hours, there is a good chance that I am in session. If you believe you will need a therapist with 24-hour coverage I will be happy to make a referral. If you experience a psychiatric emergency, you should call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room rather than waiting for me to call you back. Please provide the emergency personnel with my contact information.
When I am out of town for an extended period of time, I will give you the name of a colleague you can contact in case of an urgent need.
I am away from the office several times in the year for extended vacations or to attend professional meetings. If I am not taking and responding to phone messages during those times, I will have someone cover my practice. I will tell you well in advance of any anticipated lengthy absences.
4.RISKS AND BENEFITS OF THERAPY
Therapy can be beneficial to many people. However, just like any other types of treatment, there are no guarantees. Some people get better, while others get worse. The treatment plan and therapy approaches will be selected based on your presenting issues. “One size does not fit all.” If you feel a treatment approach is not working for you, let’s discuss and change it as needed. If there are other issues or complaints, let’s discuss and resolve it in a timely manner so that we may continue treatment efficiently.
5.TREATMENT PLANNING
At the beginning of treatment, decisions will be determined regarding the frequency of therapy visits (weekly, twice weekly, twice a month, once a month, as needed). As therapy needs change, frequency of visits may change, as agreed upon by you and I. The types of treatment approach as well as goals will also be discussed. Modifications can be made as needed.
6. DIAGNOSIS
If a third party such as an insurance company is paying for part of your bill, I am normally required to give a diagnosis to that third party in order to be paid. Diagnoses are technical terms that describe the nature of your problems and whether they are short-term or long-term problems. If diagnosis is required, I will discuss it with you.
7. OTHER SERVICES
I am available to assist with court letters and appearances, school IEP meetings, letters for schools, reports for social security and other things. I charge $160 per hour for these servicesand they may require a separate contractual agreement.
8. RECORD-KEEPING
I keep brief records of each session noting the dates we meet, the topics we cover, progress reports from the client’s perspective, interventions and impressions and next steps.
9. HOME-BASE THERAPY, TELEHEALTH, SCHOOL BASED APPOINTMENTS OFFICE-BASED THERAPY
Home-based therapy takes place in the client’s home rather than in the therapist’s office. This type of therapy is offered as an alternative to those who prefer their own personal setting and to those who would otherwise have a difficult time accessing therapy due to medical or psychological disability. Or sometimes, for many clients, it isjust more convenient and serves a therapeutic purpose that promotes a quicker recovery.
Home-based therapy fees may be slightly higher than what your insurance pays. We can discuss this at your appointment.
Telehealth involves the use of telecommunications and virtual technology to deliver healthcare outside of traditional therapy offices or health-care facilities. Telehealth, which requires access only to telecommunicationsinclude Telephonic (audio only calls) or Face to Face using Google Duo or FaceTime. All Telehealth appointments from my end will be conducted while I am in my therapy office. Be aware of your own environment to ensure that your therapy sessions are confidential. This may involve being in a safe location in which you feel safe and can talk freely without interruption or being overheard.
• Mental health emergencies will be handled the same way they are handled in face to face sessions
School-Based Meetings for School-age Children. I can attend IEP (Individual Education Meetings) or mental health school-based meetings to help support client’s mental health needs in the school setting.
These meeting may be covered by your insurance if the purpose of the meeting falls within the goals in the client’s treatment plan
Office-Based Appointments are 35-120 minutes.
10.EMERGENCY SESSIONS
If you require an emergency session, you will be charged at the regular rate (if during the weekdays). On weekends, emergency sessions will include an extra $25, in addition to your regular session fee. Emergency sessions cannot be substitution for a regular weekly session. If you cancel your weekly session after an emergency session, payment for the weekly session is still required.
11.COPAYMENTS
All copayments are due at the time of service. If you will be using a credit or debit card, a 6% processing fee is required. Payments by Check or cash don’t require a fee.
12. SLIDING SCALE & PRIVATE PAY
Sliding scale fees are negotiable depending on a client’s financial situation e.g., full-time high school or college student who is independent from parents.
Clients under 18 are considered low income regardless of her yearly gross (if they are on their own). Other financial challenges will be considered.