FAQ
Do you offer video or phone sessions?
Teletherapy with video is offered to adults who live in South Carolina, Minesota, North Dakota or Washington.
What are your office hours?
Office hours vary by day and you will have options available for you.
How do I make an appointment?
It’s simple! Call (803) 563-8656 or go to doreen.clientsecure.me
How long is a typical session?
Sessions are 50 minutes long.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not file claims with insurance companies, but I will send you a superbill that you can submit yourself. Each policy has different reimbursement rates, so contact your insurance company to inquire.
What do I do to get started?
Schedule a counseling session at (803) 563-8656 or go to doreen.clientsecure.me
Can I cancel an appointment? Do you have a cancellation policy?
It is important for you to come to your appointments as I have set that time aside for you. Please provide 24 hrs notice in advance if you must cancel or need to reschedule.
What can I expect in the first session?
You can expect us to spend some time learning about each other. This session is where I learn more about your needs and you learn more about therapy with me.
What are the risks and benefits of doing therapy?
Therapy will help you learn how to trust and heal through some painful memories. Therapy gives you tools so that life is lived with more ease and happiness.
Who is your perfect client?
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
Please read my About page and schedule a counseling session. By connecting in our first appointment, you will have a better sense to know if I am the right therapist for you.
What are your strengths as a therapist?
I see you. I hear you. I believe you.
With what age range do you work?
Adults age 18 and older.
How long will I be in therapy?
Am I allowed to ask personal questions?
Do I have to tell you everything?
No. You will share what you are comfortable with. It takes time to build trust. Open, honest conversations help lead you and your life toward more joy.
Do you take notes?
Is our work confidential?
Some insurance companies do ask for some documentation. If this is a concern, you may opt not to use insurance, In this case, I do not have to share our work with anyone. By law, however, I must share information if you endanger yourself or someone else.
What else can I try to help me help myself?
I recommend specific books, support groups, and other resources to learn how to build healthy relationships.
What is EMDR?
Are you licensed?
Yes, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina, license #LPC.9332.PC; Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in North Dakota, license #504-3-1-04-189; Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Minnesota, #cc00307, and Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington, license #LH 61287587.
How long have you been in practice?
What is your educational background?
I have a bachelor’s degree in human service counseling and a master’s degree in counseling psychology. I also have 12 college credits of post-graduate work and more than 20 years of continuing education. I also draw on 57 years of life experience.
Have you been in therapy yourself?
What do you enjoy about being a therapist?
What are your terms and conditions?
You are eligible to receive a range of services from me. The type and extent of services that you receive will be determined following an initial assessment and thorough discussion with you. The goal of the assessment process is to determine the best course of treatment for you. Typically, treatment is provided over the course of several weeks.
You have the right to ask questions throughout the course of treatment and may request an outside consultation. (I may provide you with additional information about specific treatment issues and treatment methods on an as-needed basis during the course of treatment. You have the right to consent to or refuse such treatment). You can expect a regular review of treatment to determine whether treatment goals are being met. You should be actively involved in the treatment and in the review process. No promises will be made as to the results of this treatment or of any procedures utilized within it. You may stop treatment anytime but agree to discuss this decision first with your provider.
When consent is provided for services, all information is kept confidential, except in the following circumstances:
- When there is a risk of imminent danger to yourself or to another person, your provider is ethically bound to take necessary steps to prevent such danger.
- When there is suspicion that a child or elder is being sexually or physically abused or is at risk of such abuse, your provider is legally required to take steps to protect the child and to inform the proper authorities.
- When a valid court order is issued for medical records, your provider is bound by law to comply with such requests.
While this summary is designed to provide an overview of confidentiality and its limits, it is important that you discuss with your provider any questions or concerns you may have. You may authorize your provider, in writing, to release information about your treatment but that confidentiality can be broken if you are a danger to yourself or others. Once information is released to insurance companies or any other third party, your provider cannot guarantee that it will remain confidential.
The law states you have a right to know how much services cost. This provider’s standard rate is $150/hour. However, if you are using insurance, your cost may be lower depending on your insurance coverage.
You should also be aware of the following provider policies:
- You must give at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel a session, or you will be charged $150.
- You will also pay $150 if you are more than 10 minutes late for a scheduled session, and that session will not occur.
- You should understand that insurance does not cover late or missed appointment fees.
- You should also be aware that you will be removed from this provider’s caseload if you miss three unexcused sessions.