Why choose Central Counseling Services?
We are different and proud of it! We believe in holding a safe, confidential and comfortable space for you. A place where you feel well cared for, listened to and encouraged. We believe that you don't have to suffer any longer with excessive worry or doubt. We use actual outcome scales to help in evaluating your therapeutic progress. We believe that therapy doesn't have to be for a lifetime. We are here to help in the moment and solve the problem. Please don't let anxiety stand in the way of pursuing your goals any longer. Stop the anxiety and contact us today. It’s time to have your life back.
What should I expect when I arrive?
After your appointment is scheduled you will receive an invitation to the Client Portal where you can fill out your intake documents. You must compete them 24 hours before your appointment. These documents are the legal requirements that include consents and symptoms that will help your therapist assess your needs.
Currently most appointments are conducted via telehealth. A link will be sent to you prior to your appointment.
Once the paperwork is completed you will have your intake appointment with your individual counselor. After your therapist completes the clinical interview she or he will work with you to define your personal treatment goals.
How long will treatment last?
Treatment on average can last from three to six months depending on your treatment goals, frequency of attendance, how hard you work in therapy, the type of treatment you are seeking and other ideas you want to explore. People report that they begin to feel better after a couple of sessions.
Are my records confidential?
All information that is disclosed within a session and the written records pertaining to those sessions are confidential and may not be revealed to anyone without written permission; except where disclosure is required by law.
When Disclosure is Required by Law: When there is reasonable suspicion of child, dependent, or elder abuse or neglect; or when a client presents a danger to themselves, to others, to property, or is gravely disabled.
When Disclosure May Be Required: It may be required pursuant to legal proceedings by or against you. If you place your mental status at issue in litigation initiated by you, the defendant may have the right to obtain the psychotherapy records and/or testimony by Central Counseling Services. In couple and family therapy, or when different family members are seen as individuals, confidentially and privilege do not apply between the couple or among family members. CCS will use their clinical judgment when revealing such information. CCS will not release records to any outside party unless they are authorized to do so by ALL adult family members who were part of the treatment.
How often do I come to therapy?
Therapy is often weekly. Speak to your therapist for their recommendation for you.
What is a LCSW?
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker has a Master's degree in Social Work and has had supervised clinical work experience of at least 3,000 hours, and has passed a state-certified licensing exam. They focus their treatment goals on the individual therapy, family therapy or couple's therapy and they use community resources and strength based assessments to help develop an action plan. Licensed Clinical Social Workers are required by California Board of Behavioral Sciences to complete 36 hours of continuous education units every two years.
What is a LMFT?
A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist has a Master's degree in Psychology and has had at least 3,000 hours supervised clinical work experience, and has passed a state-certified licensing exams. Along with a year long practicum and internship; Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists are required to complete clinical training in individual, child and family therapy. They are also required by California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to complete 36 continuing education units every two years.
What is a LPCC?
A Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors must possess a master's or doctoral degree that has counseling or psychotherapy in content and has had a minimum of 3,000 hours supervised clinical work experience, and has passed a National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam. They are also required by California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to complete 36 continuing education units every two years.
The primary purpose of counseling is to empower the client to deal adequately with life situations, reduce stress, experience personal growth, and make well-informed, rational decisions.
what type of professional should i see?
In California, all Licensed LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs and Psychologists are all qualified to provide psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and families. As mentioned above, the educational and licensure requirements are very similar for these various types of professionals. What matters most is your personal connection to an individual therapist and their experience treating your area of concern.