Disclosure Statement

  • Contact Information

  • Disclosure Statement

  • Thank you for choosing to begin therapy with me. You have taken an important first step in deciding to seek professional help. So that you will be well informed about beginning your therapy process, I have prepared this document for you, as required by the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors.

    Qualifications
    I earned a Masters in Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC, (2001) and a graduate certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC (2007). In 2002 I was licensed as a Professional Counselor in North Carolina (#4137), now called Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I was certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors (#85021) in 2003. I have been practicing as a professional counselor since 2002.

    Counseling Background
    My underlying philosophy in therapy is derived from the traditional Judeo-Christian ethic. Because of this perspective, I accept you and respect you as a unique individual who is a bearer of God's image. I will not discriminate in any way because of your religion, gender, age, race, sexual orientation, disability, or personal beliefs. My theoretical approach to therapy is eclectic, but primarily Cognitive-Behavioral – exploring how thoughts influence feelings and behavior. I borrow from additional theoretical frameworks including Client-Centered, Existential, Family of Origin, Systems, Solution-Focused, and others when appropriate. I frequently incorporate expressive art modalities in the therapeutic process, as well as interventions derived from research in neuroscience, including mind/body practices. I work with adults and adolescents in individual and group sessions and treat a wide range of problems including mood disorders, anxiety, family of origin issues, grief, stress, career decisions and life choices, disordered eating and weight management, as well as issues related to chronic illness and physical health. My professional experience prior to my training as a Professional Counselor includes ten years as an educator and patient advocate in a medical clinic.

    Session Fees and Length of Service
    Therapy sessions are either 45 or 60 minutes, and may be scheduled weekly, biweekly, or monthly. The fee for the initial assessment is $130. Thereafter the fee for a 45-minute session is $90 and $120 for a 55-60 minute session. You may make payment by cash, check, or credit card. If you are using insurance benefits, I will file the claims for you and will bill you for any copays or deductibles.

    Use of Diagnosis
    Some health insurance companies will reimburse clients for counseling services and some will not. Be aware that most insurance companies require a diagnosis of a mental health condition and indicate that you have an “illness” before they will agree to reimburse you. Some conditions for which people seek counseling do not qualify for reimbursement. If a qualifying diagnosis is appropriate in your case, I will inform you of the diagnosis before we submit the diagnosis to the health insurance company. This diagnosis will become part of your permanent insurance record.

    Confidentiality
    All of our communication becomes part of the clinical record, which is accessible to you upon request. I will keep confidential anything you say as part of our counseling relationship, with the following exceptions: (a) you direct me in writing to disclose information to someone else; (b) it is determined you are a danger to yourself or others (including child or elder abuse); or (c) I am ordered by a court to disclose information. Because the protection of your privacy is important to me, should we encounter one another in a setting outside the counseling office, I will be hesitant to greet you with familiarity, without your expressed permission.

    Questions
    Clients are encouraged to discuss any concerns with me. However, you have the right to file a complaint against me with the organization below should you feel I am in violation of any of these codes of ethics. I abide by the ACA Code of Ethics (http://www.counseling.org/Resources/CodeOfEthics/TP/Home/CT2aspx).

    North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
    PO Box 77819
    Greensboro, NC 27417
    Phone: 844.622.3572 or 336.217.6007 Fax: 336.217.9450
    Email: Complaints@nullncblcmhc.org

    Acceptance of Terms
    We agree to these terms and will abide by these guidelines.