Q: How long will I be in therapy?

Length of therapy varies, depending on your goals and the type of treatment we pursue. Most problems can be well-addressed with 10-24 sessions. I will also work with you to accommodate your needs and resources—for example, if you know you can only come for a set number of sessions I will work with you to define goals that are attainable in that time-frame. During our initial appointment we will talk about your problems and goals and develop a treatment plan together. We will continue to monitor your progress and satisfaction with therapy as we go, making adjustments as needed.

For couple’s therapy, I start with 4 sessions—one joint session to discuss your difficulties, goals, and relationship history, an individual session with each of you to hear about your unique history and goals, and a joint feedback session, to discuss my impressions and treatment plan. We will then proceed in 4-session increments, evaluating your progress, satisfaction with therapy, and continuing treatment needs and goals at each 4^th session. On average, couples are in therapy 8-12 sessions after the evaluation sessions.

Q: How often will we meet?

Typically, I recommend weekly appointments, but there are many issues/problems that can be adequately addressed by meeting less frequently. We will determine the frequency of sessions collaboratively.

Q: What if I’m not satisfied with therapy?

It’s essential that you are satisfied with your care. I encourage you to bring up any questions or concerns early and I will do my best to address these. Of course, you are free to stop therapy at any time and I am always happy to provide referrals to other providers.

Q: Can you prescribe medication?

No, but I can provide referrals to psychiatrists or mental health nurse practitioners if you would like to pursue this.

Q: Do you accept Health Savings Account (HSAs) or Flexible Spending benefits (FSA) cards?

Yes! If you have another type of health savings account that does not come with a debit card, I can offer an invoice for you to pursue reimbursement.

Q: What if I can’t make a scheduled appointment?

I ask that let me know as soon as possible if you cannot make your scheduled appointment, so that I can offer the time to someone else. I have a 24-hour cancellation policy—if you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment or don’t show for a scheduled appointment I reserve the right to charge you for that appointment. Frequent cancellations may be a basis for referral to another provider, in order for me to maintain a viable business.

Q: What if I have a mental health emergency?

I am not immediately available for mental health emergencies. If you are feeling suicidal, having violent urges, or needing urgent help, go to your nearest hospital emergency room or call a crisis line.

Emergency Rooms in Clark County (Vancouver, WA area):

• PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center: 400 NE Mother Joseph Pl, Vancouver, 98664; 360-514-2000
• Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center: 2211 NE 139^th St., Vancouver, 98686; 360-487-1000

Emergency Rooms in Portland, OR:

• Legacy Emanuel Medical Center: 2801 N Gantenbein Ave, Portland, 97227; 503-413-2200
• Providence Medical Center: 4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, 97213; 503-215-6000
• Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center: 1015 NW 22^nd Ave, Portland, 97210; 503-413-7711
• Portland VA Medical Center: 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, 97239; 503-220-8262

Crisis Lines:

• Clark County (Vancouver, WA area) Crisis Services: 800-626-8137
• National Suicide Prevention Crisis Line: 800-273-8255
• Portland Multnomah County Mental Health Call Center: 503-988-4888
• Portland Washington County Mental Health Crisis Line: 503-291-9111

Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Help Lines:

• Vancouver YWCA SafeChoice Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline: 360-695-0501; 800-695-0167
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673