Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are you currently taking new clients?

A: As my schedule fills up, I change this answer. As of October 2024, I have some openings for new clients, all are mid-day during the week. For names of other counselors I recommend, see this list.

Q: Are you doing in-person (face-to-face) counseling as the pandemic wanes?

A: No, all of my appointments will remain video counseling only for the foreseeable future. I am using an app called Simple Practice. New clients will be asked to fill out the forms on the Simple Practice website before our first appointment.

Q: Do you take my insurance?

A:  I take only Aetna, Cigna, and CareOregon coverage at this time.  However, if your coverage has a reimbursable or out-of-network option, or if you have a healthcare savings account, I can accept those. Otherwise, see the next question.

I am now out of network with Optum, United Health Care, or Providence clients.  **Please check your benefits, deductible amount, and eligibility before making an appointment.** Clients will be held responsible for anything a plan doesn’t cover.

Q: What are your cash rates?

A:  Fees are set on an income-based sliding scale. Look under Downloadable Documents.  Sliding scale fees do not apply to third-party payers like insurance, accidents, or litigation. As of December 2023, the scale starts at $75 and goes up to $225.

Q: Do  you do distance counseling through Skype or FaceTime?

A: Not through those apps, no. I am offering video counseling through an app called Simple Practice. Skype and FaceTime are not HIPAA compliant, and therefore, risky for the client’s information.  There are also laws in place that prevent me from offering counseling outside of Oregon or Washington.

Q: Are you able to take credit/debit cards?

A: Yes, and also Health Savings Accounts.

Q: Do you supervise pre-licensed counselors?

A: Yes. Please make contact via email and include your current resume or CV.

Q:  What hours are available for appointments?

A:  Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and also every other Sunday. I do not work on Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays, and email or voicemail is checked sporadically on those days. My latest evening appointment begins at 6pm. Emailing to make an appointment is fine, but be careful with any sensitive info because email is not confidential.

Q: Do you write letters in support of hormone replacement therapy, surgeries, or other transgender medical needs?

A: Yes, I do. I like to meet with you a few times for the letter to have all of the information and clarity that current ethical standards of care require. For more information, see the Transgender Resources section for the link to the WPATH website.

Q: Can my parent / spouse / supervisor / doctor contact you about me?  Will they get any information about my case?

A:  No and No. No matter who contacts me, I can never ethically admit that I know any client’s name. There are exceptions, but they must be made in writing. Ask your provider to submit a “Release of Information” or ROI form.

Q:  Do you do couples counseling?

A: No. Please check out the link to other counselors I recommend at the top of this page.

Q: My teen claims to have gender issues. Can I sit in the sessions with you?

A: Usually I will say no to this request. First, law in both Oregon and Washington gives teens the same right to privacy as adults once they are 16. However, if the teen requests your involvement, I typically respect that request. I don’t accept clients under 16.

Q: I would like to see you alone before I bring my spouse / offspring in to see if you would be a good fit for us. How does that work?

A: Usually, it doesn’t work well at all. If I meet one person in a family before meeting any other, there will be a natural bias set up from the start. This is not optimal for anyone who is not at the initial meeting. I would rather meet you all at the same time, or simply see one of you as an individual, then find someone else who can help your family.

Q: What happens if I make an appointment and don’t show up for it?

A: The first time this happens is understandable. You should feel free to call me back and reschedule, because all of us have unpredictable things happen to us. I typically will charge clients for cancellations that are shorter than 12 hours. However, if missing appointments becomes a pattern, this indicates deeper issues than just logistics, and there are better options than simply making and breaking appointments.

Q: I’m a professional masseuse / dentist / plumber. Can I barter with you for my skilled trade?

A: Unfortunately, no. Because counseling is about relationships (with yourself and everyone else) counseling requires a relationship that must remain free of all other relationships.  Barter puts another layer of relationship over the professional counseling relationship, which makes the work of counseling way more difficult than it needs to be for both of us.

Q: Do you host group therapy sessions?

A: No, no yet. I stay abreast of current groups in our area, and will try to refer you to a suitable group.

Q: Do you host classes or workshops?

A: Yes. Look under the Services tab.

Q: Do you supervise pre-licensed counselors?

A: Yes. Please make contact via email to sujvary@comcast.net.