LICENSE AND CODE OF ETHICS
I am a licensed clinical social worker, governed by the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. A copy of my license is posted in my office. A Copy of the Code of Ethics is also available at all times for your review. Any questions or concerns regarding my license can be explored directly with me, or through the Office of Professional Licensing at:
http://www.vtprofessionals.org/opr1/social_workers/rules/CSW_Rules.pdf

QUALIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE
I received my BS in Psychology (1991), with a minor in Business Administration, and my MSW (1993), specializing in Children and Families, both from Salem State College.  I have worked primarily with adolescents and their families over the past 20 years. I usually use a systems-based theory, in that we are all parts of multiple systems- families, communities, schools, and supporting the system also supports the individual. That being said, I believe strongly in family collaboration, and feel that family support is one of the best indicators of success. I have had extensive training and experience in substance abuse and dependency, and I am presently working towards being a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. I have worked in a Middle and High School system for 12 years, and I also have many years’ experience as a home based clinician. I have had several years’ experience and training as a Clinical Supervisor and administrator. My resume is available per request.

RISKS AND BENEFITS
Counseling can have benefits and risks.  Since therapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life, you may experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness, and helplessness.  On the other hand, counseling has also been shown to have benefits for people who go through it.  Therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reductions in feelings of distress.  But there are no guarantees of what you will experience.

MEETINGS
I normally conduct an assessment that will last from 2 to 4 sessions.  It is during this time that we can all decide if school based services is the most appropriate intervention for your student. I usually meet with students weekly, for 30 minutes to 50 minutes, depending on needs and tolerance of the session. I am also available for crisis or as needed support as needed during the school day.
INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT
As a student in Black River High School, your child may be eligible to receive counseling services. I am contracted through the school to offer these services; my agreement with the school is that when able to, I will bill private insurances for direct counseling services, and I will be asking for your insurance information to bill. Non-direct services- phone calls, paperwork, case management, team meetings, etc., will be covered by the school district, and their contract with me.

CONTACTING ME
I am often not immediately available by telephone.  While I am usually in my office between 8am and 3pm, I do not answer the phone when I am with a client.  When I am unavailable, you are free to leave a message on my confidential voice mail. If you are having difficulty reaching me, you can call Mrs. Rumrill in the counseling office at 802-228-3132, and she may be able to connect us.  I will make every effort to return your call on the same day you make it, with the exception of weekends and holidays.  If you are difficult to reach, please inform me of the best way to reach you and/or when you will be available.

PROFESSIONAL RECORDS
The laws and standards of my profession require that I keep treatment records.  You are entitled to receive a copy of your records, or I can prepare a summary for you instead. Because these are professional records, they can be misinterpreted and/or upsetting to untrained readers.  If you wish to see your records, I recommend that you review them in my presence so that we can discuss the contents. 

MINORS
Students under the age of 18 are still considered in custody of their parents, that being said, parents or legal guardians must sign off on paperwork, unless treatment is focused on drug and alcohol treatment. By law, students with a drug and alcohol diagnosis are legally allowed to control their own treatment (i.e. sign their own paperwork) ages 12 and older.  Children are protected by the rights of confidentiality, and I am required to keep our session private, except in certain cases, which are outlined below. I typically only provide parents general information about our work together, unless I feel there is a high risk that you will seriously harm yourself or someone else.  In this case, I will notify them of my concern.  I will also provide them with a summary of your treatment when it is complete, if requested.  Before giving them any information, I will discuss the matter with you, if possible, and do my best to handle any objections you may have with wh at I am prepared to discuss.  I do believe parents are an important part of effective treatment, and I strongly encourage open communication between myself, child and parents.

CONFIDENTIALITY
In general, the privacy of all communications between a patient and a Counselor is protected by law, and I can only release information about our work to others with your written permissions.  But there are a few exceptions: 

In most legal proceedings, you have the right to prevent me from providing any information about your treatment.  In some proceedings involving child custody and those in which your emotional condition is an important issue, a judge may order my testimony if he/she determines that the issues demand it.

There are some situations in which I am legally obligated to take action to protect others from harm, even if I have to reveal some information about a patient’s treatment.  For example, if I believe that a child, elderly person or disabled person is being abused, I am required to file a report with the appropriate state agency. 

If I believe that a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another, I am required to take protective actions.  These actions may include notifying the potential victim, contacting the policy, or seeking hospitalization for the patient.  If the patient threatens to harm himself/herself, I may be obligated to seek hospitalization for him/her or to contact family members or others who can help provide protection.

These situations have rarely occurred in my practice.  If a situation occurs, I will make every effort to fully discuss it with you before taking any action.  I may occasionally find it helpful to consult other professionals about a case.  During a consultation, I make every effort to avoid revealing the identity of my client.  The consultant is also legally bound to keep the information confidential.  If you don’t object, I will not tell you about these consultations unless I feel that it is important to our work together.

While this written summary of exceptions to confidentially should prove helpful in informing you about potential problems, it is important that we discuss any questions or concerns that you may have at our next meeting.  I will be happy to discuss these issues with you if you need specific advice, but formal legal advice may be needed because the law governing confidentiality are quite complex, and I am not an attorney. 

CONCERNS OR COMPLAINTS
If you/your child have any complaints about the treatment you have received or about billing I encourage you/your child to talk with me about the concern. You/your child may also contact the Department of Professional Regulation. The address is:

Vermont Secretary of State
Office of Professional Regulation
National Life Bldg., FL2
Montpelier, Vermont 05620-3402