FAQs
Q: How do I know if I might benefit from therapy services with Birchwood Counseling?
A: Therapy can be helpful for a wide variety of issues and challenges. Some common symptoms that our clients initially report are feeling down and depressed, having trouble with sleeping and appetite, challenges with concentration, feeling on edge and anxious, having trouble relaxing, becoming easily irritable or restless, experiencing intrusive memories and thoughts, as well as other symptoms not listed. If you are experiencing unwanted symptoms, there is a possibility that therapy can help reduce them. Whether you've engaged in therapy services before, or this is your first time reaching out for help, we are here to answer your questions and help you decide if therapy might be helpful at this time.
Q: What can I expect the process of getting started to look like?
A: The first step is reaching out to Birchwood Counseling! You are welcome to call us at 503-433-6016 or fill out our client interest form and we will follow up with a call and/or email to discuss next steps. After connecting via phone or email, one of our therapists will likely schedule you for an 55-minute intake appointment. If you would prefer to virtually meet the therapist before you commit to a 55-minute intake appointment, you can request a free 15-minute phone or video consultation, which is an opportunity for you to connect with a therapist who has availability for new clients and who can bill your insurance if you plan to use your medical insurance for sessions.
Q: What does an intake session cover?
A: An intake session is the first 55-minute session you will have with a provider at Birchwood Counseling. During this session, your therapist will be gathering more background information on your mental health history, ask about your current symptoms, and discuss your goals for treatment at this time. We also will ask questions about family mental health/addiction history, social history, and trauma history to gather a good understanding of your life experiences and overall context for therapy.
Q: Will my insurance cover sessions with Birchwood Counseling?
A: Birchwood Counseling is a contracted provider with Kaiser Permanente, Oregon Health Plan (OHP), and PacificSource insurance companies.Most insurance plans do provide the opportunity to apply for reimbursement for therapy services received from out-of-network providers. In instances of insurance reimbursement, we ask each individual to pay for services and accept reimbursement from the insurance. You will be provided with a bi-monthly billing statement for the services rendered and fees paid to submit to your insurance. However, you may consult with your insurance company to determine reimbursement eligibility. Reimbursement is considered a matter between you and your insurance company.
Q: Do providers with Birchwood Counseling offer a sliding scale?
A: Yes, we offer a certain amount of sliding scale slots for our treatment services to those who do not have insurance or financial resources to pay for the treatment they need.
Q: How are the sliding scale slots structured?
A: We maintain a limited number of sliding scale spots at a time, so one might not be available at the time of your request. The sliding scale spots are offered for goal directed, brief treatment to permit an opportunity for clients to complete treatment and then for others to also receive the benefit. We re-evaluate progress throughout the treatment process and may end treatment early should you be unable to keep your scheduled appointment, participate in treatment, or are not progressing in treatment.
Please reach out to us and/or talk to your primary therapist at Birchwood, should you already be an established client. If an opening is available, you will then be asked to sign the Sliding Scale Agreement which specifies the per session fee and the anticipated length of treatment.
Q: Does Birchwood Counseling offer pro-bono services?
A: Yes, but only when referred through a non-profit that we have an agreement with. At this time, that includes “Give an Hour” and “Returning Veterans Project”.
Q: Does Birchwood Counseling offer both in-person and tele-health sessions?
A: Yes, we have two office locations in which we offer in-person therapy sessions. We also offer video tele-health therapy which you can access from a private space in your home.
Q: Is everything I share in a therapy session confidential?
A: Yes, you are protected under The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which is a federal law that protects patients' health information and establishes standards for electronic health information. Everything you share in therapy is confidential with the exception of matters of mandated reporting. This is the legal requirement that all health professionals including Birchwood Counseling therapists have to report imminent risk to your safety or the safety of children, the elderly, or dependent adults. This includes active suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, and matters of abuse or neglect.
Q: How long should I expect therapy to last?
A: The duration of therapy can vary widely depending on several factors, including your goals, the issues you're addressing, and your personal progress. If you are engaging in a more short-term therapy protocol, typically this will last 10-20 sessions. Your therapist can help you set goals and estimate a timeline based on your individual needs. You and your therapist will together regularly review your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Q: What if therapy isn't working for me?
A: You are never required to engage in therapy services for a certain amount of time and you have full autonomy over how you engage in therapy within the limits of what treatment Birchwood Counseling can provide. You are encouraged to speak with your therapist throughout the process if you are feeling that therapy is not helping your reach your goals.