DETAILS

Confidentiality

I am responsible for answering my own phone calls, setting the fee and scheduling my own appointments. No one else will be involved with your therapy, although I sometimes make use of the services of consultants to help me think about treatment planning. All identifying patient information is kept confidential.

I will not send information or talk with an insurer without your knowledge. I will not talk with any other person beside yourself about your treatment unless we have discussed this in detail. I will not return phone calls about you from any third party until you and I have spoken.

Rates, Billing and Insurance

Rates

I generally see clients on a weekly basis. My basic fee is $110 per 50-minute session, $150 per 80-minute session. (Most people find the longer sessions allow them to go deeper, and reach more resolution, which is especially helpful for couples work or trauma work.) Sliding-scale fee slots are available on a limited basis.

Cancellation of Appointments

Clients typically are seen weekly, at the same time each week. The client is responsible for the fee for any missed session, unless I have been notified in advance. If an appointment must be cancelled, the client is expected to provide adequate notice or to be responsible for the session fee.

I will make every attempt to reschedule missed sessions for the same week, or set up a phone session. If you expect some unusual or special circumstances regarding cancellation of appointments please discuss this with me so that we can negotiate a means of dealing with this between us as the necessity arises.

Billing

I ask that you pay my fee directly to me at the beginning of each session. You are responsible for payment whether or not you choose to use insurance coverage

Insurance

Insurance coverage has advantages and disadvantages. Typically I am not covered by any managed care plan, health management organization or preferred provider plan. My license may be covered by some insurance companies as a non-participating provider. You must talk with your insurer to determine whether or not my services are covered.

At your request I will provide a statement with all necessary billing and payment information that you can submit to your insurance carrier. Your bill will most likely have to state a diagnosis. It is important to determine just how much coverage you have and whether the loss of confidentiality is worth the benefit. I have chosen to remain independent of these insurance plans because they intrude on your privacy in psychotherapy and limit your choices in treatment decisions. I encourage you to discuss any questions about this with me.

Scheduling an Appointment

Please call me for a brief initial discussion; if we decide it's appropriate, we can set up an appointment to meet in person for a trial session.

Location and Hours

My office is located at 833 SW 11th Ave., Suite 918, Portland, OR 97205.  [Map]

This is the building on SW 11th and Taylor, on the street that is behind the public library downtown. There is usually plenty of street parking in this area.

I see clients Monday through Thursday.

Licensure

As a licensee of the Oregon State Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists, I will abide by its Code of Ethics. My Oregon license number is T0370.

As a client of an Oregon licensee, you have the following rights

• To expect that a licensee has met the minimal qualifications of training and experience required by state law
• To examine public records maintained by the Board and to have the Board confirm credentials of a licensee
• To obtain a copy of the Code of Ethics
• To report complaints to the Board
• To be informed of the cost of professional services before receiving the services
• To be assured of privacy and confidentiality while receiving services as defined by rule and law, including the following exceptions: 1) Reporting suspected child abuse and elder abuse; 2) Reporting imminent danger to client or others; 3) Reporting information required in court proceedings or by client's insurance company, or other relevant agencies. If this should become necessary, I will do all I can to protect the client's confidentiality. 4) Providing information concerning licensee case consultation or supervision; and 5) Defending claims brought by client against licensee
• To be free from being the object of discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, or other unlawful category while receiving services

You may contact the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists, 3218 Pringle Rd SE #160, Salem, OR 97302-6132. Telephone (503) 378-5499.