Our goal is to provide not only excellent therapeutic care but to take care of our clients outside of their therapy sessions. Often new clients have questions when they consider therapy, and we have tried to answer some of the most frequently asked questions below. Please call us for any additional answers you may be looking for. We look forward to working with you.” – Teri Cherberg, Practice Manager
How long are therapy sessions? Most sessions are 55-minute to help you feel comfortable and establish a connection with your counselor. Customizing sessions to meet your needs is important to us. For young children, we may recommend shorter 45-minute sessions that hold their attention effectively.
How often will I see my therapist? Weekly appointments are generally recommended to build rapport and maintain momentum in achieving your goals. Over time, you will begin to notice an improvement in how you feel, and you will integrate the work done during counseling sessions into your everyday life. The duration of counseling varies based on individual needs. When you feel that you have achieved your goals and are experiencing increased happiness and peace, we will evaluate whether continuing weekly sessions remains beneficial.
How do I know our sessions are confidential? This is an excellent and vital question. We are legally and ethically bound by our professional code to not disclose any information about you without your explicit consent. By consent, we mean that you must sign a Release of Information (ROI) form if you wish for us to communicate with someone on your behalf.
Why are clients aged 13+ required to sign Release of Information (ROI) for a parent/guardian? Clients 13 years and older have the same confidentiality rights as adults have under Washington State Law and are required to sign their own paperwork. They have the option to allow parent/guardian access to selected access via a signed Release of Information (ROI).
What if I am not sure that my therapist is a good fit for me? If after meeting with your therapist after one or two sessions, should you feel that you would be better suited to see someone else, we are here to assist you with any transfers as well. Our goal is to have you feel comfortable and connected with your therapist at Emmaus.
What if I have questions on my account or billing? We have a dedicated page addressing frequently asked billing questions for your review and are happy to assist you between 8 AM and 5 PM Monday through Friday. If you do call after these hours, please leave us a confidential voicemail message and your call will be returned the next business day. Our Billing Specialist can be reached directly at 425.869.2644, ext. 18.
What if my therapist is on vacation, ill or I need help? As soon as we know your provider is unable to see you for your scheduled appointment for any reason, we will call you and let you know. Your provider will alert you to any days off or vacations with notice when possible and will appoint a backup provider to handle urgent needs during their time off. You can also call our scheduling coordinators with any urgent needs, and we will deliver your message appropriately.
If you are in crisis and unable to reach your provider, we recommend calling the crisis clinic at 988 or 1-866-4-CRISIS (866-427-4747) or reporting to the nearest Emergency Room.