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Can you tell me more about your qualifications?
I earned an M.A. (Master of Arts in Community Counseling) from the University of Akron in 1990. I became licensed as a Professional Clinical Counselor in the State of Ohio in 1992. Since 1990, I have worked in a community mental health center, private hospital, a community corrections program and private counseling practice. I am also a National Certified Counselor, National Certified Gerontological Counselor, Master Addiction Counselor, and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor. I am also a Mayo Clinic trained Tobacco Treatment Specialist. Currently, I work full-time as the Executive Director of the Medina County Drug Abuse Commission. My responsibility is to provide leadership for the Drug Abuse Commission, whose mission is to provide funding and monitoring for substance abuse programs in the areas of law enforcement, education, prevention and treatment. Therefore, my counseling hours are in the evening and on weekends.
Can you tell me about your counseling specialities?
I provide counseling to adults over age 18. I also work with couples on relationship issues. I have experience working with adults struggling with depression, loss and grief; stress and anxiety; anger issues, low self-esteem, as well as alcohol and drug abuse. I am currently offering Tobacco Cessation Counseling to adults who are ready to QUIT using tobacco and want to be free of addiction to nicotine. For an investment of $300 you will receive 3 (60 minute) individual sessions; unlimited ongoing telephone support for up to 3 months following your initial session and access to a weekly chat line hosted by me. I am truly committed to helping you stop smoking; if you can match my commitment, I can help you help yourself!
What is your counseling orientation?
I believe that both up-to-date research and the person's assessed problem determines the type of counseling which would be most beneficial. For example, research indicates that both depression and anxiety respond favorably to cognitive-behavioral therapy. I have also received training in solution-focused therapy, which assists couples struggling with relationship issues. Overall, I am a client-centered therapist. I possess the art and skill to create a warm, caring and therapeutic relationship where effective, lasting and positive change can occur. Research indicates that the counselor's ability to establish a warm and therapeutic relationship with a client results in positive change no matter what the counselor's therapeutic orientation.
What happens at the first appointment?
Three main forms are reviewed, completed and signed prior to the assessment session. I ask a person to complete an Intake Form, which consists of basic demographic and background information. I also review with the person a Statement of Understanding and Consent for Services. These forms are explained below. After the preliminary paperwork is reviewed and signed, the first session consists of an assessment. An assessment is an opportunity for the counselor to ask questions in an attempt to better know and understand the person's need for counseling. Areas that are explored include the following: presenting problem; medical issues; mental status exam; living situation; marital history; children; family of origin; alcohol/drug use; interests and activities; strengths and support system.
What is a Statement of Understanding?
A Statement of Understanding is an agreement between Counselor and Client. A Statement of Understanding explains appointments; telephone calls and voice messages; Fees and Health Insurance; Confidentiality and Client Files and working with Managed Care Companies.
When are you available for appointments?
Currently, I am available for appointments on Monday and Wednesday evening at 5:00 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. I am also available for appointments on Friday at 1:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:45 p.m. and 5:00 p.m and Saturday at 9:00 a.m.; 10:15 a.m.; 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Individual and couples sessions are 45 to 50 minutes in length. The frequency of sessions is determined by need and treatment goal(s). If you need to cancel an appointment, if possible cancel 24 hours before the scheduled session. I am also offering Sunday appointments for clients enrolled in the Tobacco Freedom Solutions Program.
How can you be reached by phone?
You can leave a confidential message any time of the day or night at (216) 749-5030. I check my voice mail frequently throughout the day. If you need to reach me directly, please call me at (216) 543-7126. I will answer my phone, unless I am with a client, at a meeting or driving my car.
What are your fees?
My fee for individual and couples sessions is $60 per 50 to 60 minute session. My goal is to offer affordable counseling services to adults and couples by keeping my overhead low, but my quality of service high. You can also enroll in the Tobacco Freedom Solutions Program for $300.
Do you accept health insurance?
I am a provider for many insurance and managed care companies, including Magellan, Aetna, United Behavioral Health Care, Medical Mutual, Value Options and others. I encourage you to call your provider and inquire about your mental health coverage. Most health insurance plans cover part of my fee. You may incur two kinds of non-insured costs: (1) a deductible, which is an amount you must pay before your insurance coverage begins to pay and (2) many plans also have a co-payment, which is a portion of the fee for each visit that you must pay yourself. Please pay any deductible after each visit.
Many insurance plans are managed care plans. Under managed care plans, the insurance company periodically requires the counselor to submit your diagnosis, progress and treatment plan to reviewers, who then determine if further treatment is medically necessary. Please know, if you have managed care insurance plan, this information will be released to the reviewers.
What is Informed Consent?
Informed Consent means that you as the consumer and client must be informed about the practice of counseling and informed of your rights. You are freely entering into the counseling relationship and you may terminate the relationship at any time. Remember that counseling is a cooperative effort between a client and counselor; therefore it is important for you to work with me to help resolve your difficulties. Outside of the sessions this may require completing homework assignments; reading pertinent articles and journalizing. Above all you have the right to confidentiality, except where a counselor is mandated by law to break confidentiality, i.e if you threaten to harm yourself or another or cases of child and elder abuse.
Is counseling really confidential?
A file is maintained on your case. Information about your case will only be released according to HIPPA regulations and only after you sign a written authorization to release information. Ohio law provides that all information about you is confidential except in any of the following circumstances: (1) if you are likely to hurt yourself; (2) if you plan to hurt someone else; (3) if you are suspected of abusing a child or an elderly person, Ohio law requires a counselor to report the suspected abuse.
What is HIPPA?
In 1996, Congress recognized the need for national patient record privacy standards; therefore Congress enacted the HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1996 (HIPPA). This act allowed Congress to establish a universal standard of privacy and security.
- Privacy - Provides standards for Covered Individuals and Entities in maintaining of individually identified data.
- Security - The government set security standards for how Covered Individuals and Entities must protect electronically maintained patient information.
What happens in counseling?
"Professional Counseling is a relationship between a counselor and an individual seeking help in gaining greater self-understanding and improved decision making and behavior change skills for problem resolution and/or developmental growth." In a safe and therapeutic environment one can learn and practice the tools and techniques that can assist one to change thoughts, feelings and behaviors which can improve one's quality of life.
Where are you located?
DIRECTIONS
5441 Broadview Rd., Parma, OH 44134
Traveling South on Broadview Road
After you cross Brookpark Rd., the first traffic light is Tuxedo Ave. (Marathon Service Station on the corner). Just before the second traffic light (Grovewood Ave.) make a left hand turn into the parking lot next to Elizabeth's Barber Shoppe. Please, park at the back of the lot. Enter through the private rear entrance.
Traveling North on Broadview Road
After you cross Rockside/Snow Road, the first traffic light is the entrance to the Giant Eagle Shopping Center. The second traffic light is the entrance to Midtown Towers. Just past the third traffic light (Grovewood Ave.) is Elizabeth's Barber Shoppe. Make a right hand turn into the parking lot next to Elizabeth's Barber Shoppe. Please, park at the back of the lot. Enter through the private rear entrance.
Traveling I-90 or I-71 South
Take I-90 to I-71 South. Take I-71 South to 176 and exit at Brookpark Road. Make a right hand turn at the traffic light. The next traffic light is Broadview Road. After you turn left onto Broadview Rd. the first traffic light is Tuxedo Ave. (Marathon Service Station on the corner). Just before the second traffic light (Grovewood Ave.) make a left hand turn into the parking lot next to Elizabeth's Barber Shoppe. Please, park at the back of the lot. Enter through the private rear entrance.
Traveling I-71 North or 480-East
Take I-71 North to 480 East. Take 480 East to State Rd. Exit. Make a right hand turn at the traffic light. The next traffic light is Brookpark Road. Make a left hand turn onto Brookpark Rd. Take Brookpark Road to the next traffic light (Broadview Rd.) After you make a right hand turn onto Broadview Rd. the first traffic light is Tuxedo Ave. (Marathon Service Station on the corner). Just before the next traffic light (Grovewood Ave.) make a left hand turn into the parking lot next to Elizabeth's Barber Shoppe. Please, park at the back of the lot. Enter through the private rear entrance.
Traveling I-77 North or South or 480 West
Traveling I-77 North or South to 480 West. Take 480-West to Brookpark Rd. Exit. Make a left hand turn onto Brookpark Rd. The first traffic light is Tuxedo Ave. The second traffic light is the entrance to 176. The third traffic light is Broadview Rd. Make a left hand turn onto Broadview Rd. After you turn left onto Broadview Rd., the first traffic light is Tuxedo Ave. (Marathon Service Station on the corner). Just before the next traffic light (Grovewood Ave.) make a left hand turn into the parking lot next to Elizabeth's Barber Shoppe. Please, park at the back of the lot. Enter through the private rear entrance.
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