I’m so happy that you reached out for help. I am Bradley Chamberlain, a licensed clinical social worker/mental health professional. There’s a lot of information to read, sit back, relax, take a deep breath and while it can’t cover EVERY issue…. please take your time, and welcome!
I am a clinical social worker by trade and education in Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado and Texas and may get to be your mental health professional, therapist or clinical social worker, depending on fit and availability. I know this can be a big step but I am here to help you. As we move forward, I will review the overall process, informed consent, protocols and procedures.
I normally work from you want to work….if you want to journal, that is fine. If you hate journaling, but like worksheets, that is fine as well. We can talk through examples you give me and apply it to the techniques of modalities like CBT, Mindfulness, Stages of Change, Trauma Informed Therapy and Solution Focus therapy. Please make your homework preferences known early so there is no miscommunication.
My schedule is generally up to date as frequently as possible. If you don’t see a session time that works, please MESSAGE ME FIRST, before deciding I’m not available. Most of the time, we can work something out that supports your schedule as well. Outside of that, I may not be available because I’m in session at my own private telehealth practice or working at a daytime job.
According to the jurisdiction rules of state boards, you will have to be in your state of residence during our sessions, or I will not be able to work with you at that time. This is because I am not authorized to work with clients unless they are physically in the state I’m licensed in when we are meeting together for a session. There are risks and benefits to telemental health services. The risks:
*It may not be what you are looking for – it may not be an ideal fit. My type of therapy style in which I was trained is not for everyone – but I hope you will give us a chance, but please note if you prefer a different therapist – that is okay! Fit is very important in therapy sessions.
*You may want a specific modality which I do not provide – in that case, please let me know, so we can get you transferred to the correct therapist, who may have more specific preferences you are needing.
*Therapy can be triggering and in starting therapy you may realize that you are not ready. That’s okay! Please allow for time to process and communicate any discomfort or displeasure.
Therapists typically terminate when the patient can no longer pay for services, when the therapist determines that the patient’s problem is beyond the therapist’s scope of competence or scope of license, when the therapist determines that the patient is not benefiting from the treatment, when the course of treatment comes to an end because of the improvement of the patient, or when the therapist is unable or unwilling, for appropriate reasons, to continue to provide care.
There is a risk of technology failure, and sometimes at the worst possible time. We can minimize this by having a plan for what to do if this happens. If a session is missed due to technology failure on the platform side, the session will not be made up. Please note that missed sessions due to technology is a risk you take when you sign up. Also, if we are late in a session due to technology issues, or you are running late, the session time will not be extended. There is a schedule that needs to be kept, and I cannot extend over time which makes the next person after you late.
There are also some great benefits to receiving help in this way:
- It can be a more affordable way to get help.
- It is convenient.
- People who might not have access to mental health services in their area can now access mental health services without having to leave their home.
- You can communicate with me from your home or other private place where you feel comfortable.
- It is sometimes easier to share information to an online therapist than it is in person and be your authentic self.
- You may feel a stronger sense of privacy, especially if you live in a small community. When people are worried about the stigma of mental health services, they may be more likely to ask for help through telemental health services.
Should you feel in need of urgent help or that you are in crisis at any time during our work together; please call 1-800-273-TALK 24 hours a day; or 911. This forum does not provide any type of emergency services, so I want to be sure you know who to contact if you need immediate help. Nor does this service provide “on demand” counseling.
If you do switch counselors at any point unexpectedly, or close your account without telling me, or make yourself inactive and I am unable to communicate with you a final session, I will be unable to complete a proper termination with you, and you are discharged from my caseload effective immediately.
The Limits of Confidentiality: I have an obligation to respect your right to confidentiality for the information you share within this setting. Confidentiality of client information is governed by federal law (Health Information Portability and Accountability Act) and by state law. I am required by law to disclose the following:
- If you are a danger to yourself or someone else.
- Suspected maltreatment of minors or vulnerable adults. This includes physical abuse, sexual abuse or
neglect. This will be reported to law enforcement or CPS/APS as warranted. I will make every attempt to notify you, but due to confidentiality laws, this may not be possible.
- Prenatal exposure to controlled substances.
- Information that is Court Ordered to comply with state or federal law, rules or regulations.
- Information which is pertinent to a disciplinary proceeding involving licensing boards.
A session with me may look like this:
You understand that your sessions should be conducted in a place where you have privacy, are away from all distractions, and are not driving or engaging in other activities that require your attention and focus. I’ll tell you a bit more about the process and that may help. All my notes stay offline. I do drink during the session to stay hydrated, and you may hear cats or dogs, that’s because I work from home, and it’s hard to soundproof an office. Other than that, the session is about you.
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Brad Chamberlain, LISW, LCSW, LMHP/CSW