Creekside Family Therapy, PLLC

I am trained, qualified, and licensed to diagnose in the outpatient setting, and do use that to facilitate treatment, if appropriate. I will always offer psychoeducation about diagnoses and symptoms to my clients, and at their request, their family or other supports. In my current outpatient setting, I will usually defer to a patient’s current prescriber, and would certainly require a release of information to be able to collaborate with a current prescriber. A person is never their diagnosis and should never be referred to by their diagnosis. People live with mental health symptoms, and my goal is to help a person see themselves through the lens of their individual uniqueness and contribution to the community. I encourage good self care for optimal wellness- which often includes being medication compliant with their prescriber. Sometimes a person will come with symptoms, but has never seen a prescriber for psychiatry. In that case, I will offer education and a referral. This is often the case with the young adult population, as symptoms blossom with hormonal changes in that time period.

Self Pay Due to No Diagnosis

Sometimes, a person comes to counseling with no diagnosis, and only a handful of what we call “V-codes”, which are social circumstances that are a concern for counseling. None of the V-codes are reimbursable by insurance. A client would have to be self-pay, in the case of no diagnosis that is reimbursable by insurance. This is often preferred by couples that may have young children and potential custody disputes, if they are anticipating the possibility of divorce. It is my recommendation for couples in that situation to self-pay, rather than utilizing insurance and diagnosis. Diagnosis could possibly be weaponized in that situation, and that is never the intent in counseling; the goal is to provide care while doing no harm. Other professionals may prefer to be self-pay rather than utilize diagnosis and insurance, and that is absolutely fine. We just have to discuss that at the outset, and agree on payments and desired outcomes.

Limits of Confidentiality

In my private practice, all of our communication becomes part of the clinical record, which is protected by HIPAA, and is accessible to you upon request, although I do not keep verbatim records. Clinical records are maintained electronically, in a secure, encrypted, HIPAA compliant medical records platform. Also, tele-health is conducted in a confidential and secure location via an encrypted platform. Exceptions to encrypted technology platforms are made on a case by case basis due to technology connections, and allowable by the Centers for Disease Control, made possible during Covid.

I will keep confidential anything you say as part of our counseling relationship, with the following exceptions:
(a) You direct me in writing to disclose information to someone else, with a release of information form (b) I am ordered by a court to disclose information (records are subject to court ordered release), or (c) Mandatory reporting, as described below. I am legally bound as a mandatory reporter, to alert authorities of suspected abuse of a child, elderly person, or disabled person. Also, I am required by law to take preventive measures, if you indicate to me that you have a plan, means, or a desire to harm yourself or another person. If indications are strongly affirmative for suicidal ideation, we will call for help
from authorities from the counseling session together. If conducting therapy online, via tele-health, we must confirm your address and location during the therapy session, at the outset of the session, specifically for the purpose of sending authorities to help you, if needed.

Confidentiality for Teens and Minors

As a minor, your parents and/or guardian will likely be concerned about your wellbeing. However, I also realize your need for confidentiality. The same limits of confidentiality above apply to you as well, with one addition: If you are engaging in dangerous activities that could cause permanent harm to yourself, or put yourself in imminent danger, we will work on telling your parents or guardians together. I am concerned for not only your mental health, but also your overall well being.

Confidentiality in a Legal Situation

Counseling records are subject to subpoena and court ordered release. The records are only opened if a judge signs a court order, and that is very rare. If called to court on your behalf, my fee is $450 an hour, to cover my own attorney's fees and my time. It is not advisable to have me testify for divorce or child custody purposes, as there are other professionals with specialty experience in that area. Also, in North Carolina, licensed marriage counselors are exempt from testifying on behalf of either party. My license is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, formerly named Licensed Professional Counselor. N. C. General Statutes, § 8-53 pertain to privileged communication and specified professions: (https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByChapter/Chapter_8.html). If you have any questions or concerns about this, please ask before beginning counseling with me.