Office Policy Statement
Overview
I am a clinical psychologist, licensed by the State of Washington and a preferred provider for several insurance plans. My services are by appointment only. Individual therapy is generally scheduled for 53 to 60-minute sessions, known as "the clinical hour."
Psychotherapy Orientation
I take into consideration the unique social, cultural and biological development of the individuals I see, and listen carefully to determine the many ways circumstances may be influencing their concerns. This allows me to integrate multiple research based treatment strategies to assist them.
Education and Experience
I earned a Ph.D. in Psychology from Ball State University in Indiana after completing undergraduate and graduate degrees in Clinical Psychology at Eastern Washington University. For nearly 30 years while in private practice, I have also been teaching at the university level, which helps keep me up to date on current research. During the course of my training, I worked in community mental health centers, university counseling centers, rehabilitation agencies, and a hospital. I currently provide workshops, consultation and training to various organizations around the country. I am a member of several professional organizations, including The Association for Psychological Science (APS), The International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA), and the Washington State Psychological Association. (WSPA).
Confidentiality
Everything we talk about in sessions, even your name and the fact that you are seeing me, is unavailable to anyone without your consent, with the following very specific exceptions: 1) If you are a danger to yourself; 2) a danger to others; 3) report to me any child or elder abuse you are aware of; 4) or, if a mental illness prevents you from being able to meet your basic needs for survival, then I am required by state law to report to appropriate authorities. If you are sent by an agency for evaluation and/or treatment with a release of information (it is automatic with Labor & Industries claims, for example) I must send the agency a summary of treatment information. Your name and billing information will be used only for those appropriate purposes. I am very strict about privacy because your confidence is necessary if trust is to build in our sessions.
Messages and Emergencies
As we work together you will notice that I do not accept phone calls while we are in session. When I am unavailable, my calls are answered electronically. I check messages frequently throughout the day and return calls within 24 hours. You'll be given a contact number to reach me in an emergency, and we'll talk about other appropriate resources.
Fees
As a psychologist in private practice, I must operate as a small business. The fee for a 90-minute intake is $240. Subsequent sessions of 55-60 minutes are charged at $185. I will complete forms required by your insurance carrier. Certain insurance carriers require that I bill you for your portion of the fee (in that event, I will let you know). You will still be responsible for deductibles and co-pays at the time of the session. If I will not be billing insurance for you, payment must be made at the time of the session. For your convenience, I do accept major credit cards. If you will be paying by check, however, I request that your check be made out in advance so that our entire time can be devoted to your concerns.
Cancellations and Missed Appointments:
The time you reserve is exclusively yours. Please give at least 24-hours notice if you are unable to keep your appointment. If 24-hour cancellation notice is not given, there will be a charge of $125. Insurance does not cover this, and if it is not paid within 14 days, the full rate will apply.
Unpaid bills will be charged at 12% APR of the unpaid balance each month. Bills for which no payment has been made for 60 days will be turned over to collections. The fact of our doctor-patient relationship may be released to appropriate persons for the purpose of collection of overdue accounts.
Concerns or Complaints:
If for any reason you should have a concern or complaint about the services I deliver, please let me know. You also have the right to submit a complaint to the Washington State Department of Health, Health Professions Quality Assurance Dept., PO Box 47860, Tumwater, WA 98501-7860. Phone (360) 236-4700.