M.A., MFT, LPC :
About Me
I grew up in the Southern Oregon town of Medford. My dad a truck driver
for the county and my mom a homemaker, I still feel a connection
to what appeared to be simple life as I grew up. Looking back I
can see my mom and dad struggling to pay the bills sometimes, with
my mom babysitting as much as she could, and my dad taking overtime
when he could simply because they both wanted the best for my younger
brother and I. I look up to my parents now as I see that life back
then was not simple, as it never is; and I admire them for their
success. My mom now has her master’s degree in teaching and
my dad is staring down retirement. My brother is married and in
the Air Force moving quickly through ranks and he and his wife now chase
3 children around under the age of 6.
I have always been one of those folks who is analytical and concerned for how my friends were “really” doing as I grew up and that seed has obviously grown to my vocational life. I truly have felt a “call” into this profession. Before a directional shift to counseling did occur I was working as a college pastor and children’s education director during which I learned that my passion to help people was real and significant. It was at this point that I encountered the reality that unless I worked more formally with the natural gifts that God had given me I might not ever experience what I believed to be the deeper part of people. I found myself still analytical and wondering about the “why’s” of people’s behavior and wondering too that if I did know the “why” what would I do about it? I became enthralled with immersing myself in understanding the cavernous aspects of us and then understanding how I could help. I am passionate about helping people.
"Do
you take insurance?" "Yes" is my short answer. However,
I have learned through experience that insurance companies often want to dictate treatment, although they
will not state it that way. Also, I have found that the co-pay for
some clients has been sometimes as much as 40% of my fee AFTER THE
DEDUCTIBLE and then there are only a certain amount of sessions that are covered. Also,
you need to know that in order for your insurance to pay they will
need a diagnosis from me, which will go on your permanent medical
record. I have found that when people understand this they begin
to realize they have more freedom than they thought in taking of
charge of their own mental health. Because of these things I am
flexible. I believe my fee is quite reasonable; however, there are as
many unique financial situations out there as there are people so just
talk to me. For these reasons I am currently not on many insurance panels
and thereby not "in network." However, I am currently on the Triwest and
ODS insurance panels. Likewise I find myself regularly working "out of network"
successfully with: Cigna, MHN, Healthnet, Lifewise, Cigna Behavioral Health, Pacific source,
many Blue Cross plans, and many other less recognized plans. I prefer to bill in
advance and give you the appropriate documentation with which to pursue reimbursement.
In some cases additional insurances possibly offered by your company such as AFLAC may
be utilized as well.