Q: How do I choose a counselor ?
A: Most people find a counselor through the yellow pages or are referred by a friend and sometimes, by
their doctor. Sometimes this kind of selection process
for professional counseling is effective, sometimes it isn't. A good rule of thumb is to ask questions
such as the counslors level of education, if they are
licensed by the state, and if they have worked with your particular issue. Additionally, ask if they
would be willing to meet with you for a brief 5-10 minutes,
at no charge, so that you can meet the counselor personally and to become somewhat acquainted with the
office of where you will be seen. Check out their enviornment
for privacy and comfort. Ask a few questions about their treatment protocol.
Q: How long will my treatment/counseling last ?
A: That all depends on your diagnosis and treatment practice of the counselor. Because most people pay
through their insurance, counseling is generally limited,
from a few sessions to maybe 8 sessions. .
Q: I am concerned about confidentiality. How is my private counseling information protected?
A: Because of recent health care rules, HIPPA requires that personal records and counseling information
be kept confidential. This means that offices with
counseling files, remain locked during non-operational hours and that any information transmitted over a
computer or fax, be encrypted. There are no guarentees
on privacy but the most prudent and ethical practioner will work feverently to protect counseling
information. In clinical social work, there are very specific
State standards and practices of protecting client confidential information. My office acknowledges and
duly practices these standards. Finally, information cannot
be released to another individual, office, etc., without your acknowledgement and signature ( Release for
Information document)
Q: What happens to my file after counseling ends?
A: It is a state requirement that records be kept from 7-10 years. They will be kept in a locked file
cabinet and then shredded at the end of 7-10 years.