Services Available

I earned a Ph.D. and M.Ed. Degree from the University of New Orleans. I am Licensed as a Professional Counselor #3850 with the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners, 11410 Lake Sherwood Avenue, Suite A, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816, 225-295-8444.

 

Counseling Relationship: Counseling is a client-driven process in which you and I collaborate as a team to explore and define your present problem situations, develop future goals, and work to achieve your goals.Areas of Focus: I focus on adult clients with adjustment, trauma, relationship, grief and behavioral issues. I do not work with clients under 16 years of age.

 

Fees and Office Procedures: The fee for standard counseling services is $150.00 per session and paid directly to me. Payment for services is due at the close of each session. Payment is not accepted from insurance companies. You will be charged a $75 fee for appointments that are broken or canceled without 24 hours notice. If I miss an appointment without notice, you will receive a $75 deduction for your next appointment. Texting about appointments is preferred once you are an established client. I use a HIPAA compliant texting service.I strive to be flexible in meeting your needs regarding appointment days and times. Hours of practice vary and must be mutually agreed upon. Missing more than 2 consecutive appointments without notice will result in forfeiture of your “standing appointment” day/time. Sessions are typically a full 60 to 75 minutes. Occasionally, we may work for 90 minutes, so allow for this extra time if possible.

 

Services Offered: I approach counseling from an integrative perspective in that relationship, thought, behavior, systematic, and unconscious patterns are explored in order to better understand your problems and help you achieve your goals. I typically work with clients individually.

 

Code of Conduct: As an LPC, I am required by law to adhere to the Code of Conduct for practice for LPCs 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 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, or older adult (65 or older), or dependent adult.4. A court order is received directing the disclosure of information.In the event of marriage counseling, material obtained from an adult client individually will be shared with the client’s spouse. Any material obtained from a minor client may be shared with the client’s parent or guardian.

 

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 disclosuresas conceivable.Emergency Situations: When I am unavailable to answer calls not related to appointments after normal office hours, I prefer that you text me. In non-emergency situations, I will contact you within 24 hours. In an emergency situation please seek help at a hospital, counseling crisis line, or all 911. If I am no longer able to provide counseling services due to emergency illness or death, I recommend that you call the Goodwood Counseling Center 225.227.2588.

 

Client Responsibilities: You, the client are a full partner in counseling. Your honesty and effort are essential to success. As we work together, if you have suggestions or concerns about your counseling I want you to share them with me so that I 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. If your children are receiving services from another mental health provider, I expect you to inform me of this and grant me permission to share information with this professional so that we may coordinate care for your family. I also expect to be informed if your spouse is receiving services from another mental health professional. I may or may not seek coordinated care depending on your unique situation and needs.

 

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 mood altering or mental health medications that you are currently taking.Potential Counseling Risk: You should be aware that counseling poses potential risks. In the course of working together, additional problems may surface of which you were not initially aware. Change, even positive, that you make may be met with resistance by those who are uncomfortable with change or perceive this change as not benefiting them. If this occurs, you should feel free to share these concerns with me.