Initial Consultation
It is common to feel both eager and uncertain about starting treatment. I offer a FREE initial consultation either by phone or in office. The free consultation will last 20-30 minutes and provides an opportunity for you to see my office and to ask questions about my experience and expertise so that you may determine if it is a “good fit” for you and your family.
For more information or to get started, contact me at (916) 501-6940.
My Office
My office is located within a suite that is shared by several other therapy offices. When you arrive, please have a seat in the waiting room and I will come out to meet you at our scheduled time. A restroom key is also available next to the entrance door for your convenience. Restrooms are located in the hallway of the building just outside the door of my office. It is usually best to have your child use the restroom prior to beginning the session, so that we can make the best use of our time together.
Fee
My standard session fee is $120.00 for a 50 minute session. Payment is due at the time of the appointment and cash or checks are accepted. For families experiencing financial hardships, I offer a sliding scale fee. I do not currently accept insurance; however I will provide payment documentation to assist you in obtaining reimbursement from your insurance company. Although I am happy to assist your efforts to seek insurance reimbursement, I am unable to guarantee whether your insurance will provide payment for the services provided.
Assessment
The first 1 to 3 sessions typically focus on assessment of your child’s functioning. The assessment process includes a clinical interview, completion of behavioral measures, and a behavioral observation of parent-child interactions. This information is used in the development of treatment goals and objectives.
Additionally, skill acquisition and behavioral progress are assessed weekly during each session. Nearing the completion of PCIT, behavioral measures are again administered to document treatment progress and to confirm that therapeutic goals have been achieved.
This emphasis on the use of empirically supported measurements assures that treatment will remain on course and provides immediate feedback regarding ongoing progress and challenges.
About the Therapy Process
It is my intention to provide services that will assist you and your family in reaching your goals. Based upon the information that you provide to me and the specifics of your situation, I will make recommendations regarding your treatment. It is my belief that therapists and clients are partners in the therapeutic process. You have the right to agree or disagree with my recommendations. I will also regularly provide feedback to you regarding treatment progress and will invite your participation in the discussion.
Due to the varying nature and severity of problems as well as the individuality of each client and family, I am unable to predict the length of your therapy or to guarantee a specific outcome or result. If it is determined that you are not benefiting from treatment, either you or I may initiate a discussion of your treatment alternatives. Treatment alternatives may include, among other possibilities, referral, changing your treatment plan, or terminating your therapy.
Participation in Treatment
Without full participation (consistent attendance at weekly sessions, application of therapeutic recommendations, and practice of the techniques outside of sessions), symptoms are not likely to improve. Additionally, anytime a person participates in mental health treatment, it is possible for symptoms to get worse before they get better. Treatment requires change on many levels and it is common for multiple family members to experience an adjustment period. During this time, symptoms may vary. It is expected that with consistent attendance and participation, symptoms will improve.
Availability
Telephone contact between office visits is welcome. However, I will attempt to keep those conversations brief due to my belief that important issues are better addressed within regularly scheduled sessions. You may leave a message for me at any time on my confidential voicemail. Non-urgent phone calls are returned during normal workdays (Monday through Friday) within 24 hours. In the event of a medical emergency or an emergency involving a threat to your safety or the safety of others, please call 911 to request emergency assistance. You should also be aware of the following resources that are available in the local community to assist individuals who are in crisis:
Crisis Hotlines (24 hours a day / 7 days a week):
Sacramento County Mental Health Crisis Intervention: (916) 732-3637
El Dorado County Department of Mental Health: (530) 622-3345
Placer County Child & Adult Crisis & Emergency Services: (530) 886-5401
Family Service Agency Parent Support Line: (888) 281-3000
Sacramento Crisis Nursery: (916) 394-2000
Suicide Prevention Crisis Line: (916) 368-3111 / National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-784-2433
WEAVE (Women Escaping a Violent Environment) Crisis Hotline: (916) 920-2952
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