Declaration of Practices

Qualifications: I earned a Master of Arts degree in School and Community Counseling from Our Lady of Holy Cross College in 2010. I am a LPC-S # 4783 licensed with the Licensed Professional Counselor Board of Examiners, which is located at 11410 Lake Sherwood Ave. North Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 225-295-8444. I am a Board approved Supervisor of Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors.

Counseling Relationship: My approach to counseling is based on mutual trust and confidentiality. In the exploration to maintain the client/counselor relationship we will define the present situation and create goals that are attainable to address the present situation, develop future goals for an improved life and work in a systematic fashion toward realizing those goals.

Areas of Expertise: I focus on children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. In addition to being an LPC-S, I hold a national certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC#254562).

Fees and Office Procedures: The fee for service is $110.00 per session and payment is due for service at the close of each session. Payment from insurance companies are accepted.

Appointments are typically set at the close of each session. I am having morning and evening appointments available Monday through Friday and Saturday mornings. Appointments may be scheduled, rescheduled or cancelled with me from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Saturday. Failure to give notice for any appointment not cancelled 24 hours in advance may result in a charge for time reserved for you.

Services offered and Clients Served: I approach counseling from a reality therapy perspective. I work with clients in a variety of formats, including individual, couples, and as families. I also conduct group therapy when needed. I see clients of all ages and different cultural backgrounds.

Code of Conduct: As a LPC-S, I am required by state law to adhere to a Code of Conduct for practice as a LPC that has been adopted by my licensing board, the Louisiana LPC Board of examiners and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). A copy of this Code of Conduct is available to you upon request.

Confidentiality: Information revealed in counseling will remain strictly confidential except for the following circumstances in accordance with state law:

The client signs a written release of information indicating informed consent of such release,
The client expresses intent to harm him/herself or someone else,
There is a reasonable suspicion of abuse/neglect against a minor child, elderly person (60 or older), or a dependent adult.
A court order is received directing the disclosure of information.

In the event of marriage and family counseling, material obtained from an adult client individually may be shared with client’s spouse or other family members only with the client’s written permission. Any material obtained from a minor client may be shared with the client’s parent or guardian.

Privileged Communication: It is my policy to assert privileged communication on behalf of the client and the right to consult with the client if at all possible, except during emergency, before mandated disclosure. I will endeavor to apprise clients of all mandated disclosures as conceivable.

Emergency Situations: If an emergency should arise, you may seek immediate medical attention at your local emergency room or calling 911; calling the Cope hotline 504-269-2673 or 1-800-749-2673.

Client Responsibilities: You are an equal partner in counseling. Your honesty and effort is essential to success. If as we work together, you have suggestions or concerns about your counseling, I encourage you to share these with me so that we can make necessary adjustments. If it develops that another mental health professional would better serve you, I will help you with the referral process. If you are currently receiving services from another mental health professional, I encourage you to inform me of this and grant me permission to share information with this professional so that we may coordinate our services.

Potential Counseling Risks: As a result of counseling, you may become aware of issues which had not previously occurred prior to counseling; however, counseling can provide a safe place for you to explore these issues. In working with families, as members begin to make changes, those changes can create difficult situations within the family until a new balance can be reached. If each member is committed to open communication and change, balance can usually be achieved.

Medical Information: I ask that you please provide me a list of all prescription and non-prescription medications which you are currently taking. This information is helpful for me to evaluate the possible impact these drugs or their side effects may have upon the counseling process. Physical health can be important factor in the emotional well being of an individual. If you have not had a physical examination in the last year, it is recommended that you do so.

I have read and understand the Declaration of Practices and Procedures of Frank W. Joseph III, M.A., LPC-S, NCC, BC-TMH and my signature below indicates my full informed consent to services provided by Frank W. Joseph III, M.A., LPC-S, NCC, BC-TMH