Knowledge.
Confidentiality.
Your Personal Plan of Action.
Typically, a new client is emailed necessary paperwork which includes documents such as one’s history and present concerns, consent forms, what therapy can and cannot do, a notice of the cancellation policy, confidentiality policies, HIPAA forms, et cetera. The new client is asked to print the forms on his/her end and bring along to the "Intake" session. If an email address and/or printer is unavailable, the new client will be given the option of arriving to the office 30 minutes early to complete the forms.
A plan of action will be done and agreed upon in the first couple of visits. This gives you and your therapist a clear sense of what is to be gained from the counseling sessions. Goals give the therapy direction and are also helpful in ascertaining whether the counseling strategies are working.
Sessions are usually conducted one time per week. However, twice a week options are available as well as every other week sessions, depending on need.
If the client is a minor under the age of 18 and named in a final decree of divorce, Ms. Thorsten will need to ascertain whether both biological parents need to consent to services provided. A copy of the appropriate page in the decree regarding parent rights is to be supplied prior to sessions commencing.
Rest assured, you are not alone in your concerns about confidentiality. It is your right to have your sessions and the resulting notes kept private. In all but a few rare situations, your confidential information is protected by state law, the rules of Ms. Thorsten’s profession, and her personal integrity. Texas state law requires Licensed Professional Counselors to inform you that in certain cases your confidentiality is not protected, and your information may be disclosed to the appropriate authorities/agencies. These cases include:
a. If your therapist has reason to believe you are in imminent danger of harming yourself or others,
b. If your therapist has reason to believe you are involved in or are the recipient of the abuse or neglect of a child; or the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a person who is elderly or has a disability, or
c. If your therapist is ordered to disclose by state or federal courts.
Should a client wish to have information shared with a designated third party, a release form must be signed in advance and placed in your file.
832-563-4279
Your best possible day . . . every day.
Please keep in mind that if you are currently receiving counseling services from another licensed professional, Ms. Thorsten will ask that you let him/her know your intentions for care. Laura is obligated to inform the other mental health provider if you are attempting to engage in dual treatment without the other practitioner’s knowledge.
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Laura Thorsten