FURTHER DETAILS

Inness Pryor, M.Ed., LMHC LPC

Oregon LPC License: C7124

Washington LMHC License: LH61079734

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General Information

Welcome! I'm so glad that you have decided to work with me. It is an immense gift to sit with individuals like you, as you increase your skills and self-awareness in service of the life you want to live.

 

The therapeutic relationship is unique in that it is a highly personal and at the same time, a contractual agreement. Given this, it is important for us to reach a clear understanding about how our relationship will work, and what each of us can expect. This consent will provide a framework for our work together. Feel free to discuss any of this with me.

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Philosophy and Approach

You have taken a positive step by deciding to seek therapy. The outcome of your treatment depends largely on your willingness to engage in this process, which may, at times, result in considerable discomfort. Remembering unpleasant events and becoming aware of feelings attached to those events can bring on strong feelings of anger, depression, anxiety, et cetera. There are no miracle cures. I cannot promise that your behavior or circumstances will change. I can promise to support you and do my very best to understand you and the patterns that show up in your life, as well as to help you clarify what it is that you want for yourself

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Education & Experience

I received a Master's of Education in Community Counseling from Seattle University. Topics of study included:

• Fundamental Counseling Skills

• Lifespan Counseling

• Counseling Theories

• Laws & Ethics

• Social Justice

• Counseling Diverse Populations

• Educational Research

• Tests & Measurements

• Diagnosis & Assessment

• Career Development

• Group Counseling

• Couples & Family Counseling

• Child & Adolescent Counseling

• Practical Counseling Lab

 

Additional post-graduate coursework at Spokane Falls Community College included:

• Survey of Addictions

• Laws & Ethics of Addiction

• Physiological Effects of Alcohol & Drugs

• Family Systems & Adolescent Treatment in Addictions

• Individual & Group Treatment of Addictions

• Screening, Diagnosis, Assessment, & ASAM

 

I have experience working with teens and adults of all ages in a range of settings, including Seattle Counseling Service, Youth Eastside Services, and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety, as well as in my private practice.

 

I have specific training in Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP), and I like to pepper in concepts and skills from a wide variety of evidence-based clinical styles, such as mindfulness or Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT). As a former English major, I'm fond of all kinds of meaning making; some sessions may include creative interventions. I have a background in sex education and I am a sex- and body-positive therapist. I believe that some of my identities afford me certain privileges, of which I strive to stay aware. I regard myself as a perpetual student, always learning, with a focus on trauma-informed and culturally responsive therapy. First and foremost, I am a client-centered therapist; as such, I draw on these and other modalities flexibly, in order to best serve your individual needs. I may refer clients out if I believe that their needs are beyond my training or scope of practice.

 

As a Licensee of the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists, I abide by its Code of Ethics (OAR chapter 833, division 100) and that of the American Counseling Association. To maintain my license, I am required to participate in continuing education, taking classes dealing with subjects relevant to this profession.

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The Therapeutic Process

Therapy can help individuals accept responsibility, resolve negative beliefs about self that have often been carried throughout one’s life, have awareness, and make choices that will lead to improving overall happiness. After the initial assessment, we will identify your goals, from which we will determine the recommended course of treatment. Goals and planning are done collaboratively with you and/or your family. Duration of therapy depends on the client, their diagnoses, and the ability to use skills learned in treatment, so that symptoms are either alleviated or much reduced. Typically, clients may expect to spend 5 - 12 months in therapy to see significant change.

The therapeutic alliance is essential to the success of therapy. The relationship is so important in counseling that there must be a good fit. Not every counselor is a good fit for every client. What works for one person in therapy may not work for another. Counseling is a subjective and unique experience. If you have a concern about a session or my fit as your therapist, the best approach would be to discuss that concern in person with me. Discussing your reactions to treatment, whether they are positive or negative, can be an important part of therapy. Therapy is an ongoing process, and you are encouraged to communicate what is helpful and what is not by making treatment-related suggestions.

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Telehealth Sessions

Telehealth is similar to in-person counseling, except that rather than having face-to-face meetings, sessions are conducted over the internet using HIPAA-compliant software that can be downloaded to your computer or mobile device, or accessed via web browser. I currently offer telehealth sessions exclusively. Telehealth is demonstrated to have comparable outcomes to in-person counseling and may increase the flexibility and accessibility of treatment. Simultaneously, there are some limitations that may impede the therapeutic experience, including but not limited to potential for connections to be disrupted or disconnected; possibility of miscommunication due to limited body language cues; and the potential for insurance companies to deny reimbursement. Telehealth may not be suitable for clients with a history of severe or chronic mental health concerns, including suicidal or homicidal ideation and/or attempts. During our telehealth sessions, it is your responsibility to find a confidential space in which you can be comfortable sharing your private thoughts and feelings without anyone outside of session being able to overhear.

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Communication Policy

I invest in regular self-care in order to best serve my clients; this includes limiting client correspondence to business hours only. I check phone and email messages multiple times daily on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from noon until 6 PM. I may take longer to respond to communications if I am engaged with other clients; I appreciate your patience at those times. I reserve texting for last minute coordination only (e.g., if you are running late to a session). Note that email and text are not HIPAA-compliant and I will not discuss the details of your treatment via these methods of communication, to protect your confidentiality.

Unfortunately, I am not able to respond to crisis situations outside of our sessions. If you are in need of timely assistance, you may call 2-1-1 to be directed to resources in your community, including a free, 24/7 crisis line. If you or anyone you know is in a life-threatening or emergency situation, please call 9-1-1.

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Social Media Policy

The use of social media is a convenient and often preferred way of communicating. However, privacy and confidentiality are not guaranteed. While I may participate on various social networks for personal and professional purposes, I will not communicate with or contact clients through any form of social media, including “friending” or “following” clients. I ask that you also do not attempt to contact me by these means. This boundary is in place to protect your confidentiality and my personal privacy, as well as to avoid compromising the therapeutic relationship.

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Fees, Payment, & Attendance Policy

The cost for an individual session is $150, and the cost for a relationship or family session is $200 for two individuals (+$50 for each additional person). Sessions typically run 45 - 60 minutes.

 

I am paneled with United Healthcare, Aetna, Oxford, and Oscar Health through a third party biller, Headway, for individuals in Washington state only. If you would like to pay for sessions with insurance, you must create a Headway account and provide payment information.

 

For clients paying out of pocket, I accept credit card payments. You will not have to exchange payment in person, and your preferred form of payment will be securely stored in your client portal. Payments for service are processed at the end of the day through our client portal.

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You may access your receipt of payment (called a “super-bill”) anytime through the client portal. You can print off these super-bills to submit to your health insurance company for reimbursement.

 

If you need to miss an appointment, please contact me as soon as possible. My policy is 24 hours’ notice for canceled appointments, so that I am able to offer the time to other clients. Cancellations within the 24 hour window are considered late cancellations, and will be charged my full out of pocket cost (i.e., $150 for an individual, $200 for a couple). No-shows will also be charged the full amount.

 

Therapy is most useful when appointments are regularly scheduled. If you wish to end therapy or take a break at any time, you are encouraged to discuss this with me. After 30 days without an appointment, your file will be closed and your time slot opened to other clients. You are welcome to return when you are ready!

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Letters

I do not provide disability letters, companion pet letters, letters for gender care (e.g., surgery), letters regarding your ability to work, or any other letters that would inform others of your mental health history. You must discuss these needs with your medical or primary care provider.

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Confidentiality 

I am bound by my professional ethics to protect client rights to confidential communication in regards to their involvement in counseling. For this reason, if you want me to release information about your participation in therapy to anyone, I will require a signed “Release of Information” from you.

 

To enrich my clinical knowledge, I engage in ongoing consultation with other professional therapists. If I discuss aspects of our work together, your name and other personal identifying information will be omitted. I will obtain written permission from you for video or audio taping as required for consultation. You have the right to decline recording of your sessions.

 

Your right to privacy and confidentiality is of the utmost importance to me, and I do not wish to jeopardize your privacy; therefore, if we see each other accidentally outside of the therapy office, I will not acknowledge you first. However, if you acknowledge me first, I will be more than happy to say hello, though I will not discuss the details of your treatment in public. If you happen to spot me in a moment where I’m engaged in my personal life and privacy seems appropriate, either in public or online, I ask that you respect that. Please feel empowered to discuss any such encounters in our therapy sessions, as will I, if I am aware of them.

 

This confidentiality has the following exceptions as provided by law: 

 

• In the event of a threat of harm to oneself or someone else, if that threat is perceived to be serious, the proper individual must be contacted. This may include first responders and/or the individual against whom the threat is made. In the event of suspected child or elder abuse, the proper authorities must be contacted. The actions do not have to be witnessed to be reported. 

• In the event that you bring a complaint against me, information will be released. 

• In the event that your records are subpoenaed by a judge or judicial officer, information must be released. 

• In the event that your records are subpoenaed by a lawyer, they will be released unless you file a Protection Order. 

• In the event of the client’s death or disability, the information may be released if the client’s personal representative or the beneficiary of an insurance policy on the client’s life signs a release authorizing disclosure. 

• In the event of the client revealing the contemplation or commission of a crime or harmful act, the therapist may release that information to the appropriate authorities. 

• In the case of a minor client, information indicating that the client was a victim of a crime may be released to the proper authorities. 

• For purposes of an audit either by third party payers, outside funders or the State Department of Mental Health for state licensing review, information will be released. 

• In the event of a medical emergency, emergency personnel or services may be given necessary information.

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Notice to Washington Clients

As required by RCW 18.19.060, this informs clients of licensed or registered counselors in the State of Washington that they may file a complaint with the Department of Health at any time they believe a therapist has demonstrated unprofessional conduct. Therapists practicing therapy for a fee must be registered or licensed with the Department of Health for protection of the public health and safety. Registration of an individual with the Department does not include recognition of any practice standards, or necessarily imply the effectiveness of any treatment. It is every client’s right to discontinue treatment at any time, with or without notice to the treatment provider. Questions or complaints may be directed to:

 

Department of Health, Health Professionals Quality Assurance

P.O. Box 47868, Olympia, WA 98504-7869

(360) 236-4700. 

 

Consumer Rights 

Washington State Law provides that as a consumer: 

You have the right to be treated with respect and dignity. 

You have the right to develop a plan of care and services that meets your unique needs. 

You have the right the refuse any proposed treatment, consistent with the requirements in the Involuntary Treatment Acts, Chapters 71.05 and 71.34 RCW. 

You have the right to receive care which does not discriminate you, and is sensitive to your gender, race, national origin, language, age, disabilities and sexual orientation. 

You have the right to be free of any sexual exploitation or harassment. 

You have the right to receive an explanation of all medications prescribed, including expected effect and possible side effects. 

You have the right to review your clinical record and be given an opportunity to make amendments or corrections. 

You have the right to confidentiality, as described in relevant statues (Chapters 70.02, 71.05, and 71.34 RCW) and regulations (Chapters 275-54 and 275-55 WAC and this chapter.) 

You have the right to lodge a complaint or grievance; you shall be free of any act of retaliation. The ombudsperson may, at your request, assist you in filling a grievance.

 

Oregon Client’s Bill of Rights

[OAR 833-060-0001(4)(h)]

As a client of services offered by a Licensed Professional Counselor, you have the following rights:

 

1. To expect that your counselor has met the minimal qualifications of training and experience required by state law.

2. To examine public records maintained by the Board and to have the Board confirm credentials of your counselor.

3. To obtain a copy of the Code of Ethics.

4. To report complaints to the Board.

5. To be informed of the cost of professional services before receiving services.

6. To be free from being the object of discrimination on any basis listed in the Code of Ethics (e.g., age, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, national origin, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or socioeconomic status) while receiving services.

7. To be assured of privacy and confidentiality while receiving services as defined by rule and law, including the following exceptions:

a. Reporting suspected child abuse.

b. Reporting imminent danger to client or others.

c. Reporting information required in court proceedings or by client’s insurance company, or other relevant agencies.

d. Providing information concerning intern case consultation or supervision.

e. Defending claims brought by client against the counselor.

 

If you do not feel as though your concerns are being addressed appropriately, please feel free to contact the Oregon board: 

 

3218 Pringle Road SE #120, Salem, Oregon 97302

Telephone: (503) 378-5499

Email: lpct.board@mhra.oregon.gov

Website: www.oregon.gov/OBLPCT

 

For additional information about this counselor or therapist, consult the Board’s website.