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Passages Behavioral Health Services was founded out of need to service mentally ill, co-occurring, correctional clients seeking a second chance. Our 40 years of clinical experience has prepared us to do this work which includes providing case management, Community Living Suppports (CLS), clinical assessment, treatment planning and more. Passages Behavioral Health also manages re-entry housing for this population know as the Passages House. We provide a service that not only bridges folks to another chance but helps maintain their progress in the community.

Monday, January 09, 2006

Counseling Connections Guidelines

Kathlene B. LaCour MA, Ltd Licensed Psychologist
State of Michigan Masters Psychologist License # 6301008741

Craig S. Judd MA, Ltd Licensed Psychologist
State of Michigan Masters Psychologist License # 6301009345

9429 Marsh Road
Plainwell, Michigan 49080

Or

151 E. Emmett Street
Battle Creek, Michigan 49017

(269)929-1292

http://www.counselingconnections.blogspot.com/
Email:
Interface_consultation@comcast.net


More and more reports and research (International Society for Mental Health Online http://www.ismho.org/ for research and data on online mental health services) have been validating the effectiveness of phone counseling, email consultations and ways, other than traditional psychotherapy, of connecting with people in a therapeutic manner. Studies have found that telemental health services break down treatment barriers , such as the stigma of seeing a mental health professional, immobilizing personal fears, transportation issues and other limitations that restrict consumer's attainment of traditional psychotherapy services.
As a society evolves, advances in technology capability are making mental health services available to a larger, historically isolated population of consumers. These options have not been available to these individuals in the past. As our society and mental health services evolve, We choose to embrace the opportunities to provide online and telecounseling services. We are excited about our ability to offer increased flexibility while maintaining quality counseling services.

This guide is intended to give you a roadmap about us and how to access our services as well as answer some frequently asked questions.


Is Online Services Right for You?
Online e-counseling and telecounseling are helpful for:
· People with busy schedules - It can be convenient and easy to access services.
· People who have physical disabilities.
· Consumers that may lack access to regular transportation.
· Clients who are embarrassed to go to traditional psychotherapy.
· People who struggle with anxiety disorders and have difficulty going to an office.

Our E-counseling and telecounseling are provided by licensed psychotherapists and although it is not the same as traditional face-to-face psychotherapy, it is therapeutic! Research indicates that e-counseling and telecounseling works.

These services are not meant to replace traditional face-to-face services. If the e-counselor determines that more traditional services would be beneficial, a referral may be recommended.

Prepare Yourself

· Verify our licensures:
http://www.cis.state.mi.us/free/default.asp or call (517) 241-9427. Please make sure you have both first and last name, Psychology Department and license #.

· Kathlene B. LaCour Psychology License # 6301008741
· Craig S. Judd Psychology License # 6301009345

· When getting started with us, know what you are asking for. Do you need support and guidance with a one specific issue or several issues?

· Organize your thoughts and be clear about what you need.

· Would you prefer a male or female?

· Have an idea about what you are hoping to achieve, what your expectations are, and how your life will be different after using these services.

· The internet can be a wonderful source of information. Use it to prepare yourself but realize that not all the information on the web is based in sound research. Be careful of sources. National Institute for Mental Health is wonderfully informative
http://www.nimh.nih.gov

· Free Online Counseling is available, complete a search for these services. This may be all that you need! There are many online services out there, again be careful. Check for competency, licensure and credentialing by the state that the therapist lives in.

Ethical Considerations

If you are already in traditional psychotherapy continue with your current treatment provider. If you are currently in treatment, we will refer you back to your treatment provider. Don’t ask us to give a second opinion over the internet.

If you are in crisis and need immediate assistance please contact your local community mental health center. They will talk with you and see that you get the help that you need. If you are having thoughts of suicide, take yourself seriously and get the help that you need. Get off the computer and call 1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-273-8255.

We are professional psychotherapists who follow ethical best practice for our clients. We will be responsible in our interaction and care we provide you. We are committed to ethical and legal standards of our profession and we will uphold the same standards in e-counseling and telecounseling.

National Board of Certified Counselors Practice Guidelines:
http://www.nbcc.org/webethics2

Getting Started With US!

The initial e-consultation or telemental health consultation is FREE!

What to expect:

· We will ask you to review this document.

· We want to know more about you and your reason for contacting us. Usually there are areas of expertise for therapist. If we do not feel we have enough training and expertise in the area, we will let you know.


· A “good match”. We will discuss what your expectations are and what you are seeking in a therapist. We may talk about personality and treatment style. It is very important to us that we are able to be helpful to you or if we are not a “good match” that we refer you to someone who might be.


· We will make every effort to determine if a patient is a minor and contact the legal guardian for consent.


· We will discuss our availability and how to contact us. Every effort will be made to respond to emails within no more than 48 hrs. If there are technology issues contact us by phone (269)929-1292.


· Confidentiality will be addressed and risks to confidentiality. Encrytion software is available. The biggest risk to confidentiality, in our experience, is the home. Take care to protect your own privacy in your home. Get separate and free email account to use for you e-counseling sessions or make sure your email is password protected.


· WE will discuss how and how long session data is being preserved.


· Discuss what forms of e-therapy communication are available through Counseling Connections and what form would work best for You!

Services We Offer and Fees

Email Consultation – This is the most popular form of Online Counseling. You may purchase a Single or group of consultations for Adults.
One Consultation - $39.95
Group of Three Consultations - $ 107.95 (10% savings)

Online Chat – Real time interactive conversation and communication through a text message window on your computer. We offer this service for adults. These need to be scheduled after the initial consultation, being aware of time zones.
Online Chat – 20 minutes $24.95
Online Chat – 40 minutes $49.90
Online Chat – 60 minutes $69.95

Telephone Consultation Scheduled time blocks for adults, again being aware of time zones.
Telephone Consultation - 20 minutes $24.95
Telephone Consultation - 40 minutes $49.90
Telephone Consultation - 60 minutes $69.95
Group of Three – 60 minutes $ 199.95

Chat Consultation - Scheduled time blocks for adults, again being aware of time zones.
Chat Consultation - 20 minutes $24.95
Chat Consultation - 40 minutes $49.90
Chat Consultation - 60 minutes $69.95
Group of Three – 60 minutes $ 199.95

Initial Consultation with Us is FREE!
Email

interface_consultation@comcast.net
Blogsite:
www.counselingconnections.blogspot.com
Phone: (269) 929-1292

Payment Options

PayPal Secured Site Payment
Use MasterCard or Visa or a Debit Card with MasterCard or Visa Logo.

This is the quickest, easiest and most secure way to start services with us. Services must be prepaid. You can find Payment Buttons on our site
www.counselingconnections.blogspot.com



If you are anxious about fraud the best way to pay for services is to use a credit card. Anything over $50.00 in fraud charges you are not responsible for. Read the fine print on your credit card agreement or call your Credit Card Company.

Writing a Check
Send to our business addresses:

Counseling Connections
9429 Marsh Rd Plainwell, Mi 49080 or
151 Emmett St. Battle Creek, Mi 49017

Let us know how to contact you when your check clears so that we can help you get back on track. Of course this process will take longer but we are willing to work with you if this is the option that you choose.

Reimbursement

Insurance companies are not yet reimbursing for this service at this time.

Flexible Spending Account

Check with your account administrator you may be able to set aside money tax- free for the medical expense.

You can turn in receipts to these programs for medical expenses that are not reimbursed by your health insurance such as over the counter medication, vision or dental treatments not covered and dependent care expenses.

Welcome to Counseling Connections!

We look forward to working with you. We are so glad that you have decided to take the first step to make the changes that you are seeking in your life. Don’t hesitate to call or email us!

We are caring and compassionate professionals who want to see you on your way to a happier and healthier YOU.

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