Information for the Perspecive Client

Picking up the phone and calling a therapist is not an easy procedure.  For anyone calling to make an appointment (here or elsewhere) and then arriving, I hope that you would appreciate yourself, your courage and all the energy you expended to arrive for your first appointment.  There is a saying I like which may have meaning for you – “The first prerequisite to having enough…is to want enough.  The second prerequisite to having enough is to show up for it!”   I take this time to provide you information about myself, the practice and our initial session together.

In 2006 my wife, Nancy, and I built her dream home in Monroe, Georgia.  It was her vision for more green, open space and the possibility of cows as part of the neighborhood.  Yes, cows!  It was my desire to continue achieving more peaceful ways of living – both reducing my levels of stress as well as dealing more effectively with that which was required.  In 1994 I had closed my office in Dunwoody and shortly thereafter, terminated a part-time practice in Augusta. I had become a prisoner of highways and airports, and wanted a more peaceful life. 

After enjoying a home office in Lilburn for 11 years, we decided to build an office with a separate entrance as part of the design of our new home here in Monroe. It has worked well.  My belief was that by creating greater ease for myself, I would be a happier individual and therefore contribute to being a much more effective therapist.  This has been so.

I work a “45-minute hour” with individuals and a “90-minute hour” with couples and families.

I have been a mental health professional for close to 35 years spanning locales in North Carolina, Alaska and Brazil, as well as here in Georgia.  Twenty-four of these years have been in private practice.  In addition I conduct workshops in human relations for organizations.

Part of the initial consultation is a “get acquainted session.” It is a time for you to identify how you are challenged currently, even exploring what you might prefer instead.  This time is also a way for you to experience how I work with folks, as each therapist is different.  In order for us to continue, three things have to happen: you decide to hire me, I decide to work with you and together, there is a verbal agreement of the initial therapy goals, including the number of sessions.

My clinical fee is $115/hour.  Self-pay clients will receive a monthly statement, which may be filed with your insurance company.  If your health insurance covers psychological services with an “out-of-network” Master’s level provider (MFT, LPC and LCSW), you will be reimbursed directly.

I am in network with most major insurance carriers.  In this case, your payment at the time of service is your “co-pay” unless you have a deductible.  In either situation payment is due at the end of the session.                

At my home office you will more than likely be introduced to our “therapy” pets, Rosie, our gentle Cairn Terrier and Frank, our assertive cat.  While they are loving, warm and friendly animals, and some folks really look forward to seeing them, you might not be an animal person.  If so, simply say so and I will make sure you are not bothered.  Even if you are an animal lover, you are expected to set your limit with them.  If you don’t want them near you while you are seated, then say “down” or “off” or “”no.”  They will comply.

You are requested to abstain from canceling an appointment or discontinuing therapy due to financial scarcity – real or perceived.  Please discuss all mitigating circumstances with me.  I will work with you.

You are both requested and expected, to provide at least 24 hours notice for an individual session and 48 hours for couples or family session, when canceling or re-scheduling an appointment.  Therefore, you agree to pay for an appointment cancelled with less than 24 or 48 hours notice, respectively, when that time slot cannot be filled.

I consider it a privilege to do the work I do.  I shall also consider it a privilege and an honor should you decide to call, schedule an appointment and show up.