Counseling Policies and Expectations
The following is what can be expected from your counseling experience at Judah Christian Counseling & Recovery (JCCR):
Types of Services
Counselors work from a Christian world view, but respect the religious beliefs of all persons. The theoretical base which Judah Christian Counseling & Recovery counselors provide counseling services ranges from short term counseling and brief therapy models to more long term approaches. The nature of the issue presented by the client has a great deal to do with this. Individual, couple, family, and group counseling services are available at Judah Christian Counseling & Recovery.
If you are in need of services not offered by JCCR, we will refer you to the appropriate services/agencies.
Counseling Relationship and Expectation of the Client
Counselors at Judah Christian Counseling & Recovery see counseling as a process in which you and your counselor come to understand and trust one another, work as a team to explore and define present problem situations, develop goals for an improved life, and work in a systemic fashion toward realizing those goals. Treatment goals and objectives will be developed collaboratively between you and the counselor. These goals and objectives generally tell what you would like to achieve during counseling. All tasks assigned to do outside of counseling will also be developed collaboratively and you are expected to work on goals outside of therapy.
Clients must make their own decisions regarding things such as deciding to marry, separate, divorce, reconcile, and how to set up custody and visitation. The counselor can assist the client in thinking through the possibilities and consequences of decisions, but the Code of Ethics for all mental health providers does not allow counselors to make any specific decisions for a client.
During the time that we work together we will meet at a mutually agreed upon frequency a 50 minute session. Although your session takes place in a church setting, and you may go to the same church as your counselor, it is important to remember that your relationship with your counselor is professional and not social. Your contact with your counselor will be limited to counseling sessions that you arrange through JCCR.
Client Rights and Responsibilities
Some clients only need a few counseling sessions to achieve their goals while others may require months or even years of counseling. As a client, you are in complete control and may end our counseling relationship at any time. However, we do ask that you participate in a termination session with your counselor. You also have the right to refuse or discuss modification of any of your counselor's techniques or suggestions that you believe might be harmful. You also agree to come to counseling free from the influences of drugs, including alcohol.
Potential Risks and Effects of Counseling
At any time, you may initiate a discussion of possible positive or negative effects of entering, not entering, continuing, or discontinuing counseling. While benefits are expected from counseling, specific results are not guaranteed. Counseling is a personal exploration and may lead to major changes in your life perspectives and decisions. These changes may affect significant relationships, your job, and/or your understanding of yourself. Some of these changes could be temporarily distressing, but the exact nature of these changes cannot be predicted. You and your counselor will work together to achieve the best possible results for you.
Clients should be aware that counseling may carry certain risks:
You may become aware that additional problems may surface of which you were not initially aware.
Studies suggest that marital counseling involving only one party may lead to the dissolution of the marriage.
Changes in relationship patterns that may result from your counseling may produce unpredictable and/or possibly adverse responses from other people in your social system.
Referrals
Should you or your counselor believe that a referral is needed, your counselor will provide alternatives including programs and/or people who may be available to assist you. A verbal exploration of alternatives to counseling will also be made available upon request. You will be responsible for contacting and evaluating those referrals and/or alternatives.
Fees
Appointment fees are to be paid at the time of service and can be made in cash, check (payable to Judah Christian Counseling & Recovery), or through credit/debit online.
Fees for written treatment summaries, copies of records, court appearances, consultations, or special services will be outlined upon request. Please allow ten business days for processing when records are requested. Phone calls to the counselor lasting over ten minutes will also be charged, based on time spent according to the client's current fee.
Health Insurance may cover the cost of counseling. An invoice for services rendered will be provided in cases where the client desires to file an insurance claim. It is the responsibility of the client to check for insurance coverage for outpatient psychotherapy.
A $35.00 fee will be added for NSF bank charges. After two NSF checks, it will be necessary for the client to pay with cash or credit/debit for future appointments.
Please notify your counselor or JCCR staff at (346) 302-8089 as soon as possible if you discover that you will not be able to keep an appointment. No fee will be charged if you cancel your appointment at least 24 hours in advance. Appointments will be charged the set fee for any appointment canceled with less than 24 hour notice, as the time and space have been reserved for the client. Exceptions will be given for emergencies. You will not be charged for appointments during the counselor's absence.
Professional Code of Ethics
All mental health professionals are required by state law to adhere to the code of ethics adopted by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Copies of these codes are available in the office and clients are free to examine them at any time.
Confidentiality
We hold confidentiality between our clients and the counselors of the utmost importance. Your clinical records, verbal and electronic communication, and any contact you have with any of our staff are strictly confidential.
We are legally obligated to break confidentiality for the following circumstances:
If you report to us your knowledge of past or continuing physical or sexual abuse of a minor child or an elder person by an adult, the counselor is required to inform the appropriate child welfare or law enforcement agency. As mandated reporters, Texas State Law obligates us to report this information to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The elderly and dependent adults are covered under this type of disclosure as well.
Your safety always takes precedence over confidentiality. In the event that you become unable to care for yourself or there is reason to suspect suicidal behavior, we are able to waive the right of confidentiality in order to help ensure your safety.
You must sign a release to have specific information shared with another individual or organization, such as information shared with your insurance company to process your claims.
LPC-Interns work under the license of their supervisor. As such, they meet with their assigned supervisor weekly to discuss their case work. Identifying information will be revealed with supervisors for the purpose of treatment planning. All information shared will be held in the strictest confidence and will be used only for the purpose of supervision and consultation.
Counseling records may be released if subpoenaed by a court of law.
Because we are professional counselors, we have to abide by certain ethical codes regarding dual relationships. Please talk to your counselor about special considerations if you attend church together.
Waiting Room
Out of respect for others, please help us to keep voices down while waiting in this area and please take cell phone calls outside. Children are not to be left unattended.
Physical Health of Clients
Physical health can be an important factor in the emotional well-being of an individual. If you have not had a physical examination in the last year, it is recommended that you do so. As a routine part of the initial session, you will be asked the name of your physician and to list any medications that you are now taking. Counselors should be informed of any future changes in medication.
Emergencies
Counseling is best done in the office. If you need to talk to your counselor before your next session, call the office at (346) 302-8089. Leave a message for your counselor and your call will be returned by the next business day.
JCCR is not a crisis center, and therefore, does not offer 24-hour availability. While messages can be left at (346) 302-8089 and your call will be returned as soon as possible, in the event of an emergency, you should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911, or call one of the following crisis intervention providers:
National Hopeline Network:
1 (800) 784-2433
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1 (800) 723-8255
Crisis Intervention of Houston:
713-HOTLINE