Frequently Asked Questions about Therapy and Counseling

Are evening or weekend counseling sessions available?

Yes, East Hill Counseling Services does offer some late afternoon and early evening weekday appointments, as well as daytime weekend appointments. These session times are very popular with clients so they tend to be booked first. Appointments can be made by calling (850) 465-3908 Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Every effort will be made to schedule an appointment for you in the earliest available time slot.

What is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker or LCSW?

LCSW is an abbreviation of Licensed Clinical Social Worker. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker is a social worker who receives a master's degree (MSW) in a social work program emphasizing direct clinical patient/client services and requiring a supervised field placement during which the student provides clinical services directly to clients. After receiving an MSW, a graduate who wishes to have an LCSW must pass an examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards and complete a minimum of two years post graduate clinical social work experience under the supervision of another Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Once these qualifications are met, an individual is eligible to apply to be an LCSW.

Do you prescribe medication?

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I cannot prescribe medication. I will help you to develop your strengths and learn new skills for managing your concerns. If you are already prescribed medication, I will coordinate services with your prescriber, with your written permission. If you are not taking medication and I think it would be helpful, I will discuss this with you and help you find a provider in the Pensacola area who can evaluate your medication needs and prescribe the appropriate medication for you.

What is counseling?

There are probably as many answers to that question as there are counselors. Counseling (also known as psychotherapy or therapy) is a process that helps an individual, couple, or family find or create solutions to change how they are experiencing problems or difficulties in life. Since everyone has their own unique strengths, challenges, and experiences, the counseling process will unfold differently for every individual.

During a counseling session, you and your counselor are partners in setting goals, exploring complicated issues, and working toward solutions that work for you. During the time between sessions it may be beneficial for you to think about and process what was discussed. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions, complete assignments, or perform tasks outside of counseling sessions. Sessions for individuals last one hour and usually occur weekly. Some people request a longer session or to come in more often than once a week to work on a specific issue; other individuals request to meet less frequently.

How is counseling helpful?

You may be wondering if you even need counseling. If you are experiencing behavioral, emotional, interpersonal, and/or adjustment issues in your life to the extent that it negatively impacts your day to day living then counseling could benefit you. It is important to remember that the benefits you obtain from counseling depend on how much you participate in the sessions and how well you put into practice what you learn.

Some people have expressed achieving the following outcomes from counseling:

• Gained new and new different perspectives on problems.
• Discovered or rediscovered new ways to solve problems.
• Developed new - or rediscovered once used but forgotten - coping skills.
• Created a new vision and direction for life
• Increased motivation

Is counseling confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a counselor. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are number of exceptions to this rule. Some exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The counselor is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person(s). The counselor must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The counselor will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.
To Schedule an Appointment Call: (850) 465-3908
Mailing Address: 707 E. Cervantes St., Suite B-132, Pensacola, FL 32501