Policies & Procedures
Qualifications
I earned a Masters of Education degree in Mental Health Counseling from University of New Orleans in 2002. I am licensed as a LPC #2966 and as a LMFT #1051 with the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners, 8631 Summa Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, 225-765-2515.
What to Expect from Therapy and What I Expect from Clients
I see counseling/therapclient, and I, the counselor/therapist having come to understand and trust one another, work as a team to explore and define present problem stations, develop future goals for an improved life and work in a systematic fashion toward realized those goals.
Areas of Focus
I have a general practice, but specialize in clients with marriage and family issues and gay and lesbian issues. I hold a national certification as a National Certified Counselor (79902).
Fees and Office Procedures
The fee for my service is $150.00 for the initial diagnostic interview and $120.00 for each 50-minute session thereafter. Payment is due at the time service is rendered. Clients are seen by appointment only. Appointments are typically set at the close of each session. Clients will be charged for appointments that are broken or canceled without 24-hour notice. Payment is accepted via cash or credit card.
Services Offered and Clients Served
I approach counseling/therapy from a cognitive-behavioral perspective in that patterns of thoughts and actions are explored in order to better understand the clients' problems and to develop solutions. I work with clients in a variety of formats, including individually, as couples and as families. I do not work individually with children under seventeen years of age.
Code of Conduct
As a LPC and LMFT, I a required by law to adhere to the Code of Conduct for practice as a LPC that has been adopted by my licensing board, the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners. A copy of the Code of Conduct is available to you upon request.
Confidentiality
Material revealed in counseling/therapy will remain strictly confidential except for material shared under the following circumstances, in accordance with State law:
1. The client signs a written release of information indicating informed consent of such release
2. The client expresses intent to harm him/herself or someone else.
3. There is reasonable suspicion of abuse/neglect against a minor child, elderly person (60 or older), or dependent adult.
4. A court order is received directing the disclosure of information.
In the event of marriage or family counseling, material obtained from an adult client individually may be shared with the client's spouse or other family members with the client's written permission.
Privileged communication
It is my policy to assert privileged communication on behalf of the client and the right to consult with the client if at all possible, except during an emergency, before mandated disclosure. I will endeavor to apprise clients of all mandated disclosures as conceivable.
Emergency situations
If an emergency situation should arise, you may seek help through your nearest hospital emergency room facilities or by calling 911.
client responsibilities
You, the client, are a full partner in counseling/therapy. Your honest and effort are essential to success. As we work together, if you have suggestions or concerns about your counseling/therapy, I expect you to share these with me so that we can make the necessary adjustments. If i determine that you would be better served by another mental health provider, I will help you with the referral process. If you are currently receiving services from another mental health professional, I expect you to inform me of this and grant me permission to share information with this professional so that we may coordinate our services to you.
physical health
Physical health can be an important factor in the emotional well-being of an individual. If you have not had a physical examination in the last year, it is recommended that you do so. Also, please provide me with a list of any medications that you are currently taking.
potential counseling/therapy risk
The client should be aware that counseling/therapy poses potential risks. In the course of working together, additional problems may surface of which you were not initially aware. If this occurs, you should feel free to share those concerns with me.