1001
3rd Avenue West
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is Christian Counseling different
from Psychology?
A:Christian counseling is practiced by trained Christians in the
ministry. Unlike state-licensed counselors, Christian
counselors are free to use prayer and talk about God.
Q: Can You Help My Marriage?
A: This counselor has some very effective tools and ideas for
improving the quality of your marital relationship. By
understanding each others temperament, you will be provided with
powerful insights into what makes your partner do what they do.
Q:How do I get started?
A: Call to schedule an appointment with Marybeth. At your first appointment you will fill out the intake paperwork, be advised of your rights as a client and take the temperament analysis test.
Q:When does counseling end?
A: Stopping treatment is usually a mutually agreed upon ending of the therapeutic relationship but some circumstances may result in premature termination. You may discontinue services whenever you choose, for whatever reason you choose. Some examples of circumstances that a counselor may stop treatment may include but are not limited to: nonpayment for services; not following treatment recommendations; three missed appointments; no appointments in two consecutive months unless advised by the counselor; threats to the counselor, the counseling center, or others associated with the counselor or the center; and/or some problem emerges that is not within the scope of practice or competence of the counselor.
Q: What is confidentiality?
Confidentiality means that information about you is never released to others without your written permission. Everything said in therapy is confidential and will not be disclosed except when reporting is required or permitted by the HIPAA Privacy Standard (see below) or Florida law. Exceptions to confidentiality include the following:
- suspected abuse of a child, developmentally disabled person, or a dependent adult;
- potential suicidal behavior;
- threatened harm to another, which may include knowledge that the client is HIV positive when there is an unwillingness to inform individuals with whom the client is intimately involved; and
- when required by compulsory process.
Information may also be disclosed if you sign a written authorization or in the event that you file a complaint against your counselor. Payment by check allows bank employees to view names of Discovery clients. If you have caller identification on your phone, the name of the agency may appear on the monitor. Further, if you seek insurance reimbursement, you will need to sign a form allowing us to release confidential information to the insurance company in order to facilitate payment. In keeping with generally accepted standards of practice, supervision and consultation may be made regarding the management of your treatment with other mental health professionals, including other counselors in the center, who are bound by the same rules of confidentiality. In some situations cell phones may be used by counselors to contact clients. Please note that e-mail is NOT a confidential means of communication.