Appointments

POLICIES

Confidentiality
Counseling depends on you trusting that whatever is said in my office will never be shared with any other person(s) without your written permission. There are some limits to confidentiality under the law. These are:

  • If I believe you are likely to harm yourself and/or another person, I may take action necessary to protect you or others by contacting law enforcement officers or a physician.
  • If I have cause to believe that a child has been or may be abused or neglected, I am required by law to make a report the appropriate state agency.
  • If I have cause to believe that an elderly person has been or may be abused or neglected, I am required by law to make a report the appropriate state agency.
  • If you disclose that another counselor in the state of Texas has behaved in a sexually inappropriate manner, I must report this to the state licensing board (your identity may remain anonymous at your request).
  • If your medical records are requested by a valid subpoena or court order, I must respond (Note: I keep very simple notes in the medical record. The law allows me to keep a second set of personal notes which are not subject to subpoena.)
  • If you are a minor (under the age of 18), then parents and/or legal guardians have a legal right to know the contents of counseling sessions. However, I am committed to maintaining confidentiality in my work with children and teenagers to the same degree as in my work with adults. I will break confidentiality if I believe there is a risk of harm to the client or someone else. Beyond this, I will encourage a minor client to share information with parents/guardians if I believe it is critical.


Acknowledgment of Email and Text as a Non-Secure Form of Contact
The law says that all communication related to medical care must be through secure, encrypted email servers. This option is available through my online system. However, this can also be very cumbersome, If you are okay with us using regular email and texting to communicate, you will need to give me permission to do so.

Commitment To Treatment Statement

  • I agree to make a commitment to the treatment process. I understand that this means I have agreed to be actively involved in all aspects of treatment including:
  • Attending sessions (I understand that if I do not give Wes a 24-hour notice in canceling an appointment he can charge a fee for the missed appointment).
  • Voicing my opinions, thoughts, and feeling honestly and openly, whether negative or positive.
  • Being actively involved during sessions.
  • Engaging in “experiments” outside of therapy if and when they are recommended. This usually involves experimenting with new behaviors and new ways of doing things.
  • Taking medications, if prescribed by a medical doctor, as they are prescribed (and discussing any ideas for changing medications with the doctor).
  • I also understand that, to a large degree, my progress depends on the amount of energy and effort I make. If it is not working, I will discuss it with Wes. In short, I make a commitment to living a full and meaningful life.

I use a secure, online practice management system called Therapy Appointment. TA allows my clients to manage their own appointments. You can register to become a client using this system. However, before you register, please consider the following:


  • COST - The standard cost for my counseling services is $175 for the first appointment and $150 for follow-up appointments. Many insurance plans cover a portion of the cost. I also work with a company called Alma (helloalma.com) who has contracts with some insurance companies that I don't.


  • PAYMENT - I accept cash, checks, and credit cards (Visa, Discover, Mastercard, AMEX).


  • INSURANCE - If you want me to file on your insurance please check with your company's website to see if I'm in your network. If you register as a client and include your insurance information I have ways of getting that information myself.


  • APPOINTMENT AVAILABILITY -  My calendar tends to be fairly full, and I rarely have late afternoon or evening times open. You are welcome to text me regarding availability before registering.


  • FIRST APPOINTMENT - When you register to become a client you will receive and online consent form you'll be asked to sign a form indicating that you have read and understand the policies. You will also be asked to take the Enneagram Personality Inventory. I have found this inventory to be of great help for my clients.


You can register by clicking this link. Once you have registered I will be notified, and I will be in touch with you.​