Introduction

The purpose of this disclosure statement is to provide you with basic information about the University Counseling and Testing Center and about me as a psychologist.

Counseling Center

The University Counseling and Testing Center is a full-service counseling center that provides services for students who have a wide range of problems and concerns. The clients of the Center are assisted by psychologists or counselors on such issues as stress management, test anxiety, career and academic decision making, relationship problems, depression, divorce adjustment, addictions, loss and grief, loneliness, eating disorders, abuse, and other personal, academic, and social issues.

Office Policies and Procedures

Therapy sessions are typically scheduled one time per week for 50 minutes. We will determine the frequency of appointments and arrange our appointment schedule at your first session. Changes can be made when necessary. Counseling Center hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. There is no charge for sessions.

Records

I make notations about our sessions on a regular basis. The purpose of this is to see if we are making progress and to determine what seems to be helpful. The University Counseling and Testing Center case note records are destroyed seven years after your last contact with us. A computer listing of the number of sessions that you attended, the dates that you attended therapy sessions, your name, birth date, and social security number, will be retained for 12 years after your last contact. The University Counseling and Testing Center records are confidential. Exceptions to this are listed under the heading "Sessions and Expectations" and will be discussed in detail in our first session.

If during the course of treatment, I am asked to send information about your therapy to others outside of the University Counseling and Testing Center (other health care providers, etc.), you will be asked to sign a release of information form. You have the right to specify what information, if any can and cannot be sent, to whom information can be sent, and for what length of time the release is in effect.

Sessions and Expectations

During our first session we will discuss your goals for treatment, projected length of treatment, what treatment will probably be like (possible risks and benefits), and your rights as a University Counseling and Testing Center client. You will receive a handout on the University Counseling and Testing Center's policy on confidentiality from our receptionist. We will discuss the legally imposed limits of confidentiality (suicide, homicide, inability to care for self, child abuse or neglect, abuse of dependent adult and court subpoena). Please feel free to ask any questions that you might have about therapy, me as a psychologist, or the University Counseling and Testing Center procedures and services. If you feel that we are not a good match, I can help you arrange to work with another therapist at the Center, or if you are more comfortable, you can arrange this with our receptionist.

Please be aware that I am only available during Fall and Winter semesters. If you need or desire therapy during the Spring and/or Summer sessions, the receptionist or I can refer you to another therapist at the Counseling Center to help you complete your work or to work with you until I return in the Fall semester.

Risks

The course of therapy can sometimes be painful and difficult with results not guaranteed. If you feel you are getting worse, or if you feel that decisions you are making in therapy are negatively impacting others close to you, please discuss this with me as such problems can often be resolved.

Background

My doctorate (Ph.D.) is in Clinical Psychology from Western Michigan University. I am a fully licensed psychologist in the state of Michigan. I am active in my profession and am a member of the American Psychological Association, Division 12 (Clinical Psychologists), Division 29 (Psychotherapy), Division 35 (Society for the Psychology of Women), and am a member of the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.

Prior to my employment at Western Michigan University, I worked as a psychologist in inpatient psychiatric hospitals (both child and adult facilities), in a community mental health clinic, and in the public school setting (K-12). I have worked as a psychologist for over twenty-five years. My clinical interests include depression, eating disorders, relationships, divorce adjustment, women's issues, and grief issues. My therapeutic orientation is integrative.

Alternatives and Adjuncts

Many people find personal therapy beneficial at various points in life. It is not, however, the only means of personal growth and change. Also, therapy is not necessarily the best choice for everyone. You may wish to explore support groups, workshops, personal growth seminars, or books as an adjunct to therapy or as an alternative to therapy.