CREDENTIALS
I am an Episcopal priest and a certified pastoral counselor. I am certified as a Diplomate in both the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy. In addition, I am certified by the State of North Carolina to practice as a Certified Fee-Based Practicing Pastoral Counselor.
CONFIDENTIALITY
The therapist-client relationship is confidential. “Confidential” means that, with certain exceptions, I will disclose neither the fact that we have a professional relationship nor the content of our sessions without your explicit written authorization. In most cases, confidentiality is protected by law. There are certain rare situations in which I must release information about you. For example, if I have specific knowledge that you are a danger to yourself or others, or if a child or elder person has been or will be abused, I must advise the appropriate persons. In order to increase the quality of my care I maintain a regular consultative relationship with a clinical supervisor.
APPOINTMENTS & FEES
Pastoral counseling sessions are 50 minutes in length, by appointment only, with a fee of $110.00. Please tell me if you believe that your circumstances warrant a reduced fee. The fee is paid by cash or check at the beginning of each session. Appointments may be made, rescheduled, or cancelled by calling 704-332-7746, x105, where you may leave a confidential voice mail message. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please give at least 24 hours’ notice (noon on Friday for a Monday appointment). Otherwise, you will be responsible to pay the full fee for the time reserved for you.
EMERGENCIES
I can be reached by telephone at my office during regular business hours. For non-emergencies after regular office hours, including weekends and holidays, you may leave a message on my confidential voice mail and I will contact you as soon as possible, at least by the next business day. If you are in a clinical or medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room to get the help that you need.
INSURANCE
I do not file insurance claims for clients. You, not your insurance company, are responsible for paying session fees. If you wish to seek reimbursement for my services from your insurance company, I will provide you with a statement for services rendered and payments received. If you do choose to seek reimbursement from your insurance company, the company will usually require that I submit a diagnosis of your mental health condition that indicates that you have an “illness” before the company will reimburse you. This becomes part of your permanent insurance record. I will inform you of the diagnosis I plan to render before I prepare the statement for you to send to your insurance company.
MY LOGO
Green is a color that signifies growth and healing.
The circle is a symbol of wholeness. The two lines inside the green circle are to indicate accompanying a person on a journey to wholeness. Accompanying you on your journey to wholeness is part of my commitment in our work together.
Dr. Sarah M. Rieth, Pastoral Psychotherapist