Frequently Asked Questions About Telephone Counseling

Since 1985, the practice of professional counseling in Ohio has been regulated by chapter 4757 of the Ohio Revised Code. The highest level of counseling certification, the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), is achieved by completing a Master's degree in counseling, which includes course work in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders and three years of supervised experience. LPCCs must also pass an examination approved by the Ohio Counselor and Social Workers Board. The Board maintains a 24 hour computer verification of all licenses. Simply call 1-614-728-5810 and at the prompt, enter my license number: E1358. The computer will confirm my active status.

In my current home of Montana, I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC, #803). This can be verified by calling the Montana Licensing Board during working hours: 1-406-444-3737.

In addition, years of experience in the craft of psychotherapy is an integral foundation of a successful therapist. I've worked as a therapist for over 23 years. But even a license and experience isn't always enough. Just like any occupation, the therapy profession contains practitioners that aren't particularly skillful or who may have their own agenda that isn't necessarily in your best interest. In the end, you need to be a savvy consumer and judge for yourself whether or not you are achieving the results you want. If you believe you are not making progress, I encourage you to speak out either to myself or whomever you choose as your therapist.

If I'm available, I will answer your call. If not, you'll get my voice message asking you to leave your number. I check my messages frequently and will return your call as soon as possible. During our first conversation I'll explain the therapy process and answer any questions you may have. I'll determine if your problem is conducive to being treated by phone therapy or I will provide recommendations for the most effective types of treatment. If we both decide to proceed, I'll discuss the financial arrangement and ask you for credit card information. We may begin therapy immediately or arrange for a more convenient time.

I am experienced in treating a wide variety of issues, such as depression, self-esteem, relationship problems, stress, grief and loss, anxiety, agoraphobia, sexual issues, abuse, recovery from trauma, addiction, mental illness, life transition, or work difficulties. In some situations, clients may benefit from an evaluation of their need for medication, such as an anti-depressant. If this appears indicated, we'll work together to find an appropriate physician in your area.

My therapeutic approach is based on a brief therapy model. Although everyone is different, I have found that maximum results are usually achieved within 8 sessions or less. If appropriate, we may have a follow-up session as needed. The need for further sessions will be a topic of discussion. Most often you'll know if you need more sessions.

My fees are $60.00 for an hour and $35.00 for a half hour session; payable by Visa® or MasterCard®. To ensure confidentiality, the billing name on your credit card statement will not be "Tele-Therapist", but instead will be "S KLEIN". For confidentiality reasons, some people choose not to submit mental health claims to their insurance carrier. This is a decision you must make. I will mail you the standard health insurance claim form which you may submit to your insurance company. However not all health insurance companies will provide coverage for phone therapy. If you do decide to pursue reimbursement, I certainly encourage you to call your insurance company and/or submit the claim for their determination.

There are several advantages of telephone therapy over traditional in-office face-to-face therapy. The primary advantage is the convenience and privacy of the telephone. Getting to and from a counseling office can take time and you never know who you'll meet in the waiting room. Another advantage is that you can counsel with someone that is not available in your area. Some towns have few if any trained therapists and, even in cities, it can be difficult to find someone you trust. Phone counseling is often less expensive than office counseling since there's less overhead, even if the therapist provides toll-free calling as I do. You can expect to pay $75 to $150 an hour for an office visit as opposed to the $60 an hour that I charge. Finally, the concept that a therapist's physical presence is essential for therapy to succeed has not proven to be true (please see the research page). I've discovered that I can help people by the phone that I could never have reached in person. They were either not motivated to come to an office or were concerned by privacy issues. By using the phone, these people receive all the help they require with total privacy.