Introduction

Individual & Family Matters is a non-profit educational and counseling clinic of the Graduate Department of Counseling at George Fox University established September, 2007.   Our services support the mission of the Graduate Department of Counseling by offering the highest quality of therapeutic services to families, couples, individuals and groups while maximizing unique training opportunities and personal and professional development for graduate clinical interns.  By offering these services to the public, we help to connect theory and practice and provide a unique service to the Greater Portland community and surrounding area.

Staff

Individual & Family Matters is staffed by advanced graduate students, interns who are supervised by American Association of Marriage & Family Therapy Approved Supervisors and George Fox University Faculty Supervisors.  In addition, licensed clinical faculty will see private clients on a limited basis. Ellen R. Minshew, M.S., LMFT, is the Director of Individual & Family Matters.

Supervision of Intern Therapists

Because Individual & Family Matters is contained in a teaching facility and in order to meet professional standards of education and training, interns need to have their clients agree to allow their intern’s supervisor full access to their client file. The supervisory process of training is treated with the same ethical concern as your confidential records.

Confidentiality

We recognize and respect the personal nature of information revealed in a clinical setting and this information will remain confidential with Individual & Family Matters.

You may request to have your treatment information released to a third party.  At the time of your request you must sign an Authorization & Request for Release of Confidential Information and Privileged Communication form that gives your permission and releases us to follow-through with your request.  All persons 18 and over who have participated in the sessions must sign the Authorization.

There are some exceptions to confidentiality.  By Oregon State law and our professional Code of Ethics, confidentiality does not apply under the following conditions:

• When a client reveals the intent to harm self and/or others
• When the client presents reasons to suspect child, disabled or elder abuse/neglect
• When an order for records or testimony is ordered by a judge

Confidential counseling services available

Individual  

Couple

Family 

Child and Adolescent

Group

Some of the concerns we address

Anxiety

Depression

Grief and loss

Self-esteem

Life change

Stress

Divorce

Parenting

Appointments

Intake appointments are scheduled for 50 – 75 minutes

Appointments are usually scheduled for 50 minutes, commonly known as a clinical hour.

To avoid paying a cancellation fee that equals your assigned fee, please call to cancel or reschedule an appointment 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment time.

Fees  (Vets and vet families are FREE) Be sure to tell them!

The Individual & Family Matters offers mental health services on a sliding fee scale and an ability to pay from $15.00 to $75.00. Your fee will be determined at the time of your intake.  Clients are expected to pay for their session before their appointment begins.

Clients have the right:

• To ask questions about their sessions
• To decide to not receive therapeutic help from Individual & Family Matters
• To end sessions at any time without any legal or financial obligations other than those already incurred.
• To know the Code of Ethics followed by the Intern
• To specify and negotiate therapeutic goals and to renegotiate them when necessary
• To be fully informed of the limits of confidentiality in the clinical setting
• To be fully informed about the fees for therapy and the methods of payment

Our Intern Therapists and Supervisors adhere to the ethical principles and standards of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and the American Counseling Association (ACA) regarding confidentiality and professional practice.

Benefits and Risks

When you seek therapy, it is important to know that there are benefits and risks involved in the changes that may occur.  The benefits include an enhancement of your ability to handle or cope with yourself, your marriage, your family and other relationships in a healthier way.  You may also gain a greater understanding of personal and family goals and values.  This new understanding may lead the way to greater maturity and satisfaction.

However, this work may be challenging and uncomfortable at times.  Discussing and resolving unpleasant events may cause intense feelings of fear, anger, depression and frustration.  As you work to resolve issues between your family members, spouse, partner and others, you may experience discomfort and an increase in conflict.  There may be changes in your relationships you had not originally intended. 

Your student intern will discuss with you the benefits and risks involved in your particular situation.  We encourage you to discuss any concerns you have as your work progresses.