Therapy is a mutual relationship between the client and the therapist. It is entered into for the sake of treating specific issues as well as to engage the deeper issues of the client's life. In the counseling process, we will explore what is working now and what is not working. We will seek a greater awareness of events and how your mind - body - emotions are impacted by those events and then discover new ways of managing current life events to create a life that is meaningful and grounded in peace. My goal is to come alongside you in your process of pursuing change, wholeness, and greater freedom in life and relationships.

How long will my counseling appointment last?
Session length is 55 minutes. It is possible to schedule a longer or shorter time frame to meet. Please talk with me about this if interested. Because my schedule requires that I end sessions promptly, if you arrive late for a scheduled appointment, you may not be able to complete the entire 55 minute session. Please make every effort to be punctual so that we can make the most of our scheduled time together.

Participating in therapy can result in a number of benefits.
The trusting and authentic therapeutic relationship formed between me and my clients can be transformative. Often it can be healing simply to be heard and understood in your challenges with life and I can offer new perspectives and provide insight moving you towards your personal goals. Some benefits of therapy may include increasing mindfulness and self-awareness, enhancing your understanding of self, overcoming specific problem areas such as depression and anxiety, and finding resolutions to the concerns that led you into therapy. The benefits to therapy are increased when the client assumes an active role in the process and applies what is learned in therapy to real life situations.

There are certain risks associated with the counseling process that should be understood before work progresses.
For example, in counseling, there is a risk that clients will, for a time, experience uncomfortable levels of sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness, helplessness, or other difficult feelings. Clients may recall unpleasant memories. Relationships are often affected as a result of therapy. Significant relationships may experience varying degrees of tension. This is often most prevalent within family relationships, but may extend beyond into one's social and professional life. Sometimes, a client's problems may temporarily worsen after the beginning of treatment. Most of these risks are to be expected when people are making significant changes in their lives.

What insurances do you take?
HighMark Blue Shield, Capital Blue Cross, UPMC, Quest, WellSpan EAP
For other insurances, we will provide you with a receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for Reimbursement.

How much does a counseling session cost?
For accepted insurances - co-pay is due at time of appointment

Self-pay and other insurances fee: $125.00 per session

Are there any extraneous charges for other services?
Occasionally, it may be necessary for your counselor to return phone calls, make court appearances and/or write letters on your behalf. We are pleased to provide these services as they become necessary. There is a charge for each of these services.

How long does counseling take?
Usually, counseling sessions will be held on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, as we begin to uncover your goals and gain momentum in the counseling process. Once you begin to see the changes that you are hoping for, we may readjust our scheduled meetings as you begin to rely on the resources you will rediscover, in yourself.

Are Telephone or Secure Online Video Sessions available?
Telephone and secure online video sessions are available. For people who travel, live internationally, or have a very busy schedule, telephone or secure online sessions are a good alternative. Secure online video is only compatible with a laptop or desktop computer. Secure online video is not available on mobile devices. People have found telephone and secure online video sessions to be very effective. If you are in crisis, call 911, Mental health crisis hotline TAPLINE: (800) 222-9016; Suicide Prevention 1-800-273-TALK, or your local crisis center.

What if I miss an appointment?
We are pleased to accommodate your schedule changes provided we are given a minimum of 24 hour notice for cancellations. Missed appointments and cancellations occurring less than 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment will be charged at the full session rate.

How does the 24 hour notice to cancel an appointment work?
We determine 24 hours by the time of your appointment. For example, if your appointment is at 8 AM on Wednesday, then your appointment needs to be cancelled by 8 AM on Tuesday. Monday appointments need to be cancelled by noon on Friday. To cancel an appointment scheduled on the day after a holiday, it needs to be cancelled on the day prior to the holiday.

Why do you charge for late cancellations or missed appointments?
The counselor you are seeing allocates the appointment time that you choose solely for you. Other clients may desperately want an appointment and could utilize the time slot in the event you are unable to keep the appointment. Unfortunately, they will be prohibited from doing so if you do not show for the appointment or it was not cancelled with sufficient notice.

Our relationship is unique and will be reserved to the counseling room.
The relationship with your therapist is strictly a professional and therapeutic one and is the only type of relationship we may have. Any other type of personal or business relationship undermines the effectiveness of the therapeutic relationship. While I care deeply about helping you, I am not in a position to be your friend or have any social or personal relationship with you. Any gifts, bartering and/or trading for services is not considered appropriate and will not be engaged in. Please remember that these restrictions are to protect you and to make sure you get the best treatment possible, without any complications. If I should see you outside of our scheduled sessions, my primary concern is your privacy. I will not approach you, but please feel free to approach me and say hello.

Friending

I do not accept friend requests from current or former clients on any social media sites such as Facebook or LinkedIn. Friending clients as friends compromises counseling and treatment boundaries.

Following

I do not follow former or current clients on any social media sites such as Twitter or Pintrest. I am concerned with your privacy, there for follwing would compromise your confidentiality.

Confidentiality.
I will keep confidential anything you disclose to me, with the following exceptions as per Pennsylvania licensing boards: (a) you direct me to tell someone, (b) I have reason to believe you are a danger to yourself or others, (c) I am ordered by a court of law to disclose information, (d) You report abuse of a child or an elderly person. If you submit therapy sessions for reimbursement through an insurance company, they may require that diagnosis or treatment information be reported

What if I am in crisis?
Call 911, Mental health crisis hotline TAPLINE: (800) 222-9016; Suicide Prevention 1-800-273-TALK
What do I do if I have questions which were not addressed on these pages? Please feel free to contact the administrative staff and they will be pleased to assist you further.

If you have any questions that have not been addressed in this form, please don't hesitate to ask. I look forward to our work together! By Signing below I confirm that I have read and understand the above listed policies, and agree to enter into the counseling relationship