Angela Docenko LMHC

It can be confusing at first. After all, we all deal with mental health one way or another! Here is a quick breakdown: Psychologist: can be a PhD, PsyD, or EdD Education: 2 year masters degree, 4-6 years for doctoral degree, 1-2 years full time internship. What they do: A psychologist primarily focuses on assessment and diagnosis. Assessment typically includes Psychological Tests such as (but not limited to), personality tests, ADHD/ADD testing, Educational Testing/Evaluation, testing for intellectual disabilities etc. Many Psychologists focus on various types of research. A Clinical Psychologist will additionally treat patients in a clinical setting (engage in therapy). Psychiatrist: can be a M.D. or D.O. Education: 4 years general medical school, 3-4 years of residency focusing on mental illness and medication. What they do: Perscribes psychiatric medications. Does not engage in clinical therapy/counseling. Social Worker: can be a MSW or LCSW-R Education: 2 years graduate training, 900 internship hours not required to be clinical. The -R designation denotes psychotherapy privilage and this means they have undergone extra training (2-3 years supervised clinical work) to be able to engage in psychotherapy or mental health counseling. MSW's do not engage in therapy. What they do: MSW's - provide assistance, advocacy, referrals to individuals and families in a wide range of services. This can include, foster care, adoptions, public health issues, assisted living, medicare, medicaid, and more! LCSW-R's - typically provide clinical therapy/counseling. They are trained to deal with all DSM V diagnosis, trauma, addictions, emotional problems, abuse, acute, chronic or terminal illness and more. Some LCSW-R's specialize in a specific area. They can also diagnose from the DSM V. They can also provide group counseling. Mental Health Counselor: can be a MHC, MHC-P or LMHC. Education: 2-3 years graduate training, 600 hours of internship clinical focus, 3,000 post graduate hours (= at least, 2 years of supervised experience - supervised by and LMHC, licenced psychologist, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse or MD.) MHC-P's are in the process of completing their post graduate hours and do everything an LMHC does just with extra supervision. What they do: An MHC-P or LMHC is trained to help you identify and work on your mental health. They are able to diagnose and treat DSM V diagnosis and may specialize in a specific area. They can also provide group counseling. Please note: You might notice in the media, online etc, that clinical therapy, counseling, therapy, talk therapy, and psychotherapy are sometimes used interchangeably. Generally this is okay. However professionally, there are differences in some of the terms. Also note: there is a trend in the Mental Health Counseling world to do more than "talk therapy" and engage in using more hands on approaches using workbooks, art, books, and interventions such as EMDR to assist in the theraputic process. If you have any questions ask your Counselor/Therapist. They can help you find the therapy that is right for you!

No it doesn't! Just like we go to a dentist to take care of our teeth or get a check up from our primary doctor, we go to a counselor/therapist to get a check up or treatment for our mental health. We can all use some help dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, grief and loss etc. Sometimes we need help with more chronic or severe mental health diagnosis such as Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia etc. Having a chronic or severe mental health diagnosis might be compared to having a physical ailment such as Diabetes, cardiac issues or high blood pressure. You might need short term treatment or longer term treatment depending on your diagnosis. The point is, there is nothing wrong, weird or crazy about going to see a counselor or therapist! All kinds of people seek counseling for all kinds of reasons! Sometimes, it's because they don't know what's wrong! PS - some counselors/therapists go see their own counselor! After all, we are human and need check ups too! Besides, if we didn't, it would kinda be like a doctor refusing to go for his own checkup!

I adhere to HIPPA guidelines and laws as well as professional ethics. I do not share your information with anyone! Unless you give me written permission to share information (and you tell me what is okay to share in writing) I can't even admit you're a client! This means that your partner, kids, pastor, doctor etc...can't call and ask if you are a client or anything else without your permission! Now, understand that there are exceptions to confidentiality. If you tell me that you're hurting yourself, are hurting others, or being hurt by someone, then we have to do something about it. If at all possible we will talk about it first and then take action together. I am bound by Mandated Reporter laws. If it's necessary for me to make a report, if at all possible, we will talk about it first and then take action. I, and or your records, can be subpoenaed by a court of law. The subpoena must be submitted in writting as an official document and only then can I release the requested information as required by law. I do not and will not include or testify to anything not covered by a subpoena. Please be assured that I hold myself to the highest standard when it comes to confidentiality. Your privacy is my priority! Please note: If you are using insurance for any health or mental health related treatment, the insurance companies are allowed to obtain information for purposes of approving and billing/paying for treatment. If you have questions about this, please contact your insurance company and the appropriate medical professional involved.

Nope. Counseling isn't advice giving. Counseling is about helping you help yourself! I do this by teaching you (I.E.- coping skills, what a particular diagnosis means, etc), sometimes reflecting ideas back to you and helping you explore different ideas, and figure out what the problem really is. A big part of what I do is create a safe space for you to explore and work on your problems! Treatment is tailored to you and we collaborate on it! We are a team! Team YOU!

Not necessarily. While medication can be helpful in some cases, not everyone needs it. You should also know, that medication is not considered a cure or to be used all by itself. It is usually recommended that if you are taking medication, that you also engage in counseling/therapy. I usually put it like this - Medication helps you manage some of the symptoms or "takes the edge off" so that you can focus on, and work on, the tools you need to get better! Some people don't like how their medication makes them feel or just don't want to go on medication. A counselors job is not to perscribe medication. Counselors can however, help you work though any side effects or anxieties you might have. They can also refer you to a psychiatrist (perseciber of medication) if you want.

At your first session, you will come in and I'll say Hi to you! And invite you to sit down. If you haven't already filled out the intake paperwork you will be asked to complete that. I like to get business out of the way, so I will take a few minutes to look over your chart and make sure I have all the information I need including billing information. I'll ask you if you have any questions. Then, I will ask you to tell me about what has brought you in today. I might also ask how you've been eating, sleeping, stress level and feeling about yourself. Or other questions related to the information you give me. You can tell me as much or as little as you are comfortable with. I will start wrapping things up in our last ten minutes. I might ask you how you are feeling about the session and then about scheduling your next session. In any counseling setting, it is perfectly normal to feel a bit rushed, frustrated or unsure after a first session. You might feel you didn't get enough time or help right away. Please be patient with the process! I promise it will get better and easier if you give it a chance! I recommend that everyone give counseling with any counselor 3 sessions. The first session is paperwork, it can be akward or feel a bit weird but it must be done! The second session is usually a little better, you're getting to know each other, and the third session is usually when you begin to relax and you're getting into things! Please Note: If things don't feel like they're working or you're not comfortable for any reason, even if it's something you don't think is worth mentioning (or can't be helped, I.E. the counselor is the wrong gender or ethnicity...etc) please tell your counselor! You'd be surprised at what we can do to help remedy the situation. If changing counselors is really what's needed, the counselor might be able to help you find the right one! I am never offended or upset if you decide we're not the right fit! I just hope that you talk to me about it and don't just disappear! I'm here to help!

That depends. How long you're in counseling depends on (but is not limited to) your diagnosis, what coping skills you have, how much work you're able and willing to do inside and outside of session. I try to think of counseling as an investment in oneself. It's about self growth and change. Change isn't always easy and sometimes it can be painful. No one can change you, but you! The advantange to counseling is, you don't have to do it alone! You've got a partner! Remember, we are a team! You can be in counseling for weeks, months, years....and even take breaks and come back! Remember, treatment is tailored for you and your needs!

That's okay! Come by yourself! We can still work on things! Many people report improvment for themselves and their relationships from coming to counseling on their own. Sometimes, once one person comes, the partner or family will follow. Once they see positive change in you, they might want to feel better too! We can also talk about ways to talk to your partner / family about counseling.

Generally, no. There are many things that are talked about in an individual counseling session that are not appropriate for children to hear. And because minors of any age cannot be left unattended outside of the session room, children cannot come in with you. They may be left with a responsible adult. In the case of a dependant adult - it would depend on the dependant. If they are safe to be left outside the session room it is permitted. If you are concerned about this or feel you must bring your children with you please talk to me about it as exceptions may be made. For example: infants in car seats may be fine. Or if the topics of treatment are appropriate for children to hear they may be permitted. Note to breastfeeding mothers - if you desire to breastfeed during session and are comfortable doing so, I don't mind. The other exceptions where children or dependent adults may be permitted is in the case of family sessions.

Emotional Support Animal: Even though I love animals...Unfortunately, no. Due to people with allergies, risk of conflict between support animals (if more than one is present - could be a problem), we do not allow them in the office. Please do bring a picture with you! Talking about your support animal is important! Service Dogs: If your dog is a service dog required due to a disability, then the dog is permitted by law.

Nope. I don't report substance use. I might ask you some clarifying questions about your substance use and make sure that you're not putting yourself or others in danger. It's important that we address whatever is going on behind any substance use/abuse and if needed I can refer you to more intensive addictions therapy. I am a mandated reporter and there are acceptions to confidentiality. If you are concerned, let's talk about it! Remember, counseling is about helping you!

Not necessarily. When you call Crisis Services they will assess your situation over the phone. The more honest you are with them the better they can help you. Even if they come out to where you are or even if an ambulance/first responders come to you...you don't necessarily have to go to the hospital. Your situation is assessed and then next steps are decided. Also - you can't call Crisis Services "too much". They will ALWAYS answer your call and help you. Understand that the help they provide may also be to refer you to the correct group, professional or other support. This referral may then be able to help you further. It's always a good idea to follow up with your Mental Health professional and or Primary Care Doctor after a crisis call.

It can be confusing at first. After all, we all deal with mental health one way or another! Here is a quick breakdown: Psychologist: can be a PhD, PsyD, or EdD Education: 2 year masters degree, 4-6 years for doctoral degree, 1-2 years full time internship. What they do: A psychologist primarily focuses on assessment and diagnosis. Assessment typically includes Psychological Tests such as (but not limited to), personality tests, ADHD/ADD testing, Educational Testing/Evaluation, testing for intellectual disabilities etc. Many Psychologists focus on various types of research. A Clinical Psychologist will additionally treat patients in a clinical setting (engage in therapy). Psychiatrist: can be a M.D. or D.O. Education: 4 years general medical school, 3-4 years of residency focusing on mental illness and medication. What they do: Perscribes psychiatric medications. Does not engage in clinical therapy/counseling. Social Worker: can be a MSW or LCSW-R Education: 2 years graduate training, 900 internship hours not required to be clinical. The -R designation denotes psychotherapy privilage and this means they have undergone extra training (2-3 years supervised clinical work) to be able to engage in psychotherapy or mental health counseling. MSW's do not engage in therapy. What they do: MSW's - provide assistance, advocacy, referrals to individuals and families in a wide range of services. This can include, foster care, adoptions, public health issues, assisted living, medicare, medicaid, and more! LCSW-R's - typically provide clinical therapy/counseling. They are trained to deal with all DSM V diagnosis, trauma, addictions, emotional problems, abuse, acute, chronic or terminal illness and more. Some LCSW-R's specialize in a specific area. They can also diagnose from the DSM V. They can also provide group counseling. Mental Health Counselor: can be a MHC, MHC-P or LMHC. Education: 2-3 years graduate training, 600 hours of internship clinical focus, 3,000 post graduate hours (= at least, 2 years of supervised experience - supervised by and LMHC, licenced psychologist, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse or MD.) MHC-P's are in the process of completing their post graduate hours and do everything an LMHC does just with extra supervision. What they do: An MHC-P or LMHC is trained to help you identify and work on your mental health. They are able to diagnose and treat DSM V diagnosis and may specialize in a specific area. They can also provide group counseling. Please note: You might notice in the media, online etc, that clinical therapy, counseling, therapy, talk therapy, and psychotherapy are sometimes used interchangeably. Generally this is okay. However professionally, there are differences in some of the terms. Also note: there is a trend in the Mental Health Counseling world to do more than "talk therapy" and engage in using more hands on approaches using workbooks, art, books, and interventions such as EMDR to assist in the theraputic process. If you have any questions ask your Counselor/Therapist. They can help you find the therapy that is right for you!

No it doesn't! Just like we go to a dentist to take care of our teeth or get a check up from our primary doctor, we go to a counselor/therapist to get a check up or treatment for our mental health. We can all use some help dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, grief and loss etc. Sometimes we need help with more chronic or severe mental health diagnosis such as Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia etc. Having a chronic or severe mental health diagnosis might be compared to having a physical ailment such as Diabetes, cardiac issues or high blood pressure. You might need short term treatment or longer term treatment depending on your diagnosis. The point is, there is nothing wrong, weird or crazy about going to see a counselor or therapist! All kinds of people seek counseling for all kinds of reasons! Sometimes, it's because they don't know what's wrong! PS - some counselors/therapists go see their own counselor! After all, we are human and need check ups too! Besides, if we didn't, it would kinda be like a doctor refusing to go for his own checkup!

I adhere to HIPPA guidelines and laws as well as professional ethics. I do not share your information with anyone! Unless you give me written permission to share information (and you tell me what is okay to share in writing) I can't even admit you're a client! This means that your partner, kids, pastor, doctor etc...can't call and ask if you are a client or anything else without your permission! Now, understand that there are exceptions to confidentiality. If you tell me that you're hurting yourself, are hurting others, or being hurt by someone, then we have to do something about it. If at all possible we will talk about it first and then take action together. I am bound by Mandated Reporter laws. If it's necessary for me to make a report, if at all possible, we will talk about it first and then take action. I, and or your records, can be subpoenaed by a court of law. The subpoena must be submitted in writting as an official document and only then can I release the requested information as required by law. I do not and will not include or testify to anything not covered by a subpoena. Please be assured that I hold myself to the highest standard when it comes to confidentiality. Your privacy is my priority! Please note: If you are using insurance for any health or mental health related treatment, the insurance companies are allowed to obtain information for purposes of approving and billing/paying for treatment. If you have questions about this, please contact your insurance company and the appropriate medical professional involved.

Nope. Counseling isn't advice giving. Counseling is about helping you help yourself! I do this by teaching you (I.E.- coping skills, what a particular diagnosis means, etc), sometimes reflecting ideas back to you and helping you explore different ideas, and figure out what the problem really is. A big part of what I do is create a safe space for you to explore and work on your problems! Treatment is tailored to you and we collaborate on it! We are a team! Team YOU!

Not necessarily. While medication can be helpful in some cases, not everyone needs it. You should also know, that medication is not considered a cure or to be used all by itself. It is usually recommended that if you are taking medication, that you also engage in counseling/therapy. I usually put it like this - Medication helps you manage some of the symptoms or "takes the edge off" so that you can focus on, and work on, the tools you need to get better! Some people don't like how their medication makes them feel or just don't want to go on medication. A counselors job is not to perscribe medication. Counselors can however, help you work though any side effects or anxieties you might have. They can also refer you to a psychiatrist (perseciber of medication) if you want.

At your first session, you will come in and I'll say Hi to you! And invite you to sit down. If you haven't already filled out the intake paperwork you will be asked to complete that. I like to get business out of the way, so I will take a few minutes to look over your chart and make sure I have all the information I need including billing information. I'll ask you if you have any questions. Then, I will ask you to tell me about what has brought you in today. I might also ask how you've been eating, sleeping, stress level and feeling about yourself. Or other questions related to the information you give me. You can tell me as much or as little as you are comfortable with. I will start wrapping things up in our last ten minutes. I might ask you how you are feeling about the session and then about scheduling your next session. In any counseling setting, it is perfectly normal to feel a bit rushed, frustrated or unsure after a first session. You might feel you didn't get enough time or help right away. Please be patient with the process! I promise it will get better and easier if you give it a chance! I recommend that everyone give counseling with any counselor 3 sessions. The first session is paperwork, it can be akward or feel a bit weird but it must be done! The second session is usually a little better, you're getting to know each other, and the third session is usually when you begin to relax and you're getting into things! Please Note: If things don't feel like they're working or you're not comfortable for any reason, even if it's something you don't think is worth mentioning (or can't be helped, I.E. the counselor is the wrong gender or ethnicity...etc) please tell your counselor! You'd be surprised at what we can do to help remedy the situation. If changing counselors is really what's needed, the counselor might be able to help you find the right one! I am never offended or upset if you decide we're not the right fit! I just hope that you talk to me about it and don't just disappear! I'm here to help!

That depends. How long you're in counseling depends on (but is not limited to) your diagnosis, what coping skills you have, how much work you're able and willing to do inside and outside of session. I try to think of counseling as an investment in oneself. It's about self growth and change. Change isn't always easy and sometimes it can be painful. No one can change you, but you! The advantange to counseling is, you don't have to do it alone! You've got a partner! Remember, we are a team! You can be in counseling for weeks, months, years....and even take breaks and come back! Remember, treatment is tailored for you and your needs!

That's okay! Come by yourself! We can still work on things! Many people report improvment for themselves and their relationships from coming to counseling on their own. Sometimes, once one person comes, the partner or family will follow. Once they see positive change in you, they might want to feel better too! We can also talk about ways to talk to your partner / family about counseling.

Generally, no. There are many things that are talked about in an individual counseling session that are not appropriate for children to hear. And because minors of any age cannot be left unattended outside of the session room, children cannot come in with you. They may be left with a responsible adult. In the case of a dependant adult - it would depend on the dependant. If they are safe to be left outside the session room it is permitted. If you are concerned about this or feel you must bring your children with you please talk to me about it as exceptions may be made. For example: infants in car seats may be fine. Or if the topics of treatment are appropriate for children to hear they may be permitted. Note to breastfeeding mothers - if you desire to breastfeed during session and are comfortable doing so, I don't mind. The other exceptions where children or dependent adults may be permitted is in the case of family sessions.

Emotional Support Animal: Even though I love animals...Unfortunately, no. Due to people with allergies, risk of conflict between support animals (if more than one is present - could be a problem), we do not allow them in the office. Please do bring a picture with you! Talking about your support animal is important! Service Dogs: If your dog is a service dog required due to a disability, then the dog is permitted by law.

Nope. I don't report substance use. I might ask you some clarifying questions about your substance use and make sure that you're not putting yourself or others in danger. It's important that we address whatever is going on behind any substance use/abuse and if needed I can refer you to more intensive addictions therapy. I am a mandated reporter and there are acceptions to confidentiality. If you are concerned, let's talk about it! Remember, counseling is about helping you!

Not necessarily. When you call Crisis Services they will assess your situation over the phone. The more honest you are with them the better they can help you. Even if they come out to where you are or even if an ambulance/first responders come to you...you don't necessarily have to go to the hospital. Your situation is assessed and then next steps are decided. Also - you can't call Crisis Services "too much". They will ALWAYS answer your call and help you. Understand that the help they provide may also be to refer you to the correct group, professional or other support. This referral may then be able to help you further. It's always a good idea to follow up with your Mental Health professional and or Primary Care Doctor after a crisis call.