WELCOME TO PCC AND THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING TO USE OUR SERVICES. It is important for you to be informed about the nature of psychotherapy, the policies and procedures governing the help you will receive here, the fees charged for our services and your rights as a client.

PSYCHOTHERAPY: The goals of therapy range from the relief of symptoms to significant life changes as one gains a better understanding of personal, interpersonal, and social circumstances.

PCC staff is comprised of licensed professionals and includes therapists in training who are working to complete advanced degrees or to meet eligibility for licensure. All staff work within the standards and ethical guidelines of state licensing laws, professional associations and Pastoral Counseling Center of St. Mary's policies and procedures. Our therapists also respond to the spiritual needs of clients who want spirituality to be considered in the process of therapy.

The therapists at PCC function as a team, consulting frequently in formal and informal supervision. Therefore, if at any time during your work with your counselor, you have questions or concerns about what is happening and why, please ask your therapist. If, at any time during your counseling experience, you have concerns that you feel you cannot share with your therapist, please ask to speak with any of the other therapists.

THERAPY PROCESS: Collaboration begins with your initial call. Your therapist will work with you in determining the best course of treatment. Risks may include experiencing uncomfortable feelings such as sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness and helplessness. For those who choose to work through the process, the benefits of counseling are well documented. Counseling often leads to significant reduction in feelings of distress, better relationships and resolution of specific problems. Some research suggests that the greater the distress a person feels and the more the person invests in the counseling process, the greater the progress and improvement. Therapy may be varied in form and experience. As an informed consumer it is important for you to be active in your work in counseling by asking questions, frankly discussing issues of concern with your counselor and seeking clarification when you are confused by the process. There are no guarantees about your particular therapeutic experience.

You and your therapist will decide together when your therapy is complete, but you may choose to withdraw at any time. Typically, sessions are 50 - 60 minutes long and the average client attends from 8 - 20 sessions. Should you decide to withdraw, we encourage you to have a final appointment with your therapist. Periodically clients are requested to complete Client Satisfaction Surveys to assist PCC in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of our services.

CONFIDENTIALITY: Your information is confidential and will not be revealed to other persons or agencies unless you have SIGNED a consent form to release information. Therefore, to either release or obtain information from a specific individual or agency a Release of Information must be obtained. Exceptions to this guideline include instances when the client is a clear danger to (a) themselves; (b) others and instances when the client is a minor (under the age of 18) and reports that he or she has been a victim of physical or sexual abuse; or (c) if vulnerable adults report issues of abuse. Although it is the goal of the therapist and PCC to protect confidentiality of your records, there may be times when disclosure of your records or testimony will be compelled by law. In the event disclosure of your records or testimony is required by law, you will be responsible for and shall pay the costs involved in producing the records and the therapist's normal hourly rate for time involved in preparing for and giving testimony. For further information please see our Notice of Privacy Practices and General Consent for the Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information.

FEES AND PAYMENT: All payments are due at time of service. We accept cash and checks. There is a $20.00 service fee for returned checks. Our fees are based on sliding scale. Please refer to our posted Notice to Clients Regarding Fees.

INSURANCE: We do not accept insurance. If requested we will provide you with a receipt for payment so that you may request reimbursement from your insurance plan. PCC cannot guarantee that your insurance plan will agree to reimburse you.

CANCELLATION AND MISSED APPOINTMENTS: If an appointment is missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, a fee will be charged equal to one half (1/2) of your normal fee.