Frequently Asked Questions
You Ask - Green Couch Counseling Answers
What kinds of things do people seek counseling for?
People seek counseling for a variety of reasons including feeling unhappy, unfulfilled, worried, sad, or angry. People also seek out counseling to help change behaviors that are troubling them including addictive or disordered behaviors or behaviors that affect their relationships at home or at work. Some people seek counseling because they have a life goal that has been eluding them and they are ready to explore their barriers. Other people seek out counseling because they know they are going through a difficult time or facing a difficult decision and they desire a place to sort through their feelings and move forward in their life with intention and clear thinking.
What will my first session be like?
A typical first session begins by taking your full biological, psychological, and social history (biopsychosocial assessment) to ensure a good working knowledge of your personal profile. This information gathering session is one of the most important steps in your counseling journey, and will include the reasons why you have chosen to undergo counseling in the first place. In this first session, you are free to disclose any information that will assist us in understanding your history and your personal issues for the purpose of diagnosis, treatment plan, and goals for therapy. It is also in this first session when you are able to ask questions about goals and expectations, treatment objectives, and your counselor’s treatment modality.
Do you offer sliding scale rates?
Yes, Green Couch Counseling offers a sliding scale on a limited basis. Please inquire about the sliding fee schedule prior to your first appointment.
Will anyone know about what I say in counseling?
Counseling is Confidential. In accordance with state and federal law as well as professional and ethical guidelines for mental health providers, we maintain confidential records of all contacts with clients. This means that no identifying information – written or otherwise – about your contact with Green Couch Counseling will be disclosed to anyone outside of Green Couch Counseling without your written authorization. This exclusion includes family, friends, work and any other individuals or entities; no one gets to know what you talk about (or even that you are coming here) unless you want them to know.
There are some legal exceptions to this confidentiality; they rarely apply but we want you to know about them.
Counselors may need to disclose certain information in 4 general situations:
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when you state intent to harm yourself or someone else.
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when you report current abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult or child
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as a result of a court order
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when mental illness is used as a defense in a criminal or civil action.