Compassionate, Evidence-Based Therapy for Children, Adolescents and Adults
Laura Petersen, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
Clinical Social Worker, Certified EMDR Therapist
Contact Information
Laura Petersen, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
901 S. Rogers Street, Suite 202
Bloomington, IN 47403
812.369.7683
What to Expect:
Initial Contact:
When you contact me, I will be interested in learning about what you would like to accomplish in therapy. I will be happy to talk with you over the phone and answer any questions you may have.
First Appointment:
Prior to coming to your initial appointment, I will send you forms to complete. At your first appointment, I will listen to your concerns, assess the impact that your concerns are having on you and obtain some background information. By the end of this session I will give you an idea as to what I believe will be helpful for you. We will develop a preliminary plan.
Bringing your Child or Adolescent:
If you are bringing your child or adolescent, I most often meet jointly with you and your child or teen for much of the first session. Then I will spend at least one session with just your child or adolescent and one session with just you. After that, I will talk to you about whether your child or teen will best be served individually, through family therapy or a combination of both individual and family therapy. While children and adolescents do have the right to privacy, parents also have the right to be a part of treatment planning and be informed of significant concerns, particularly safety issues. I am a big believer in empowering parents in their relationship with their children and therefore always try to work collaboratively with you.
Length and Frequency of Therapy Sessions:
After the first session, we will work together toward defining goals and approaches to meeting your goals. Therapy sessions last between 45 and 70 minutes, depending on your needs and what type of therapy is useful for you. EMDR therapy generally requires at least 60-70 minute sessions. Most of the time, it works best to schedule weekly sessions, as we develop a relationship more easily this way and you are able to make progress more quickly. Some issues may be addressed in just a few sessions, while others may require more time.
Confidentiality and Privacy:
As your therapist, I am bound ethically, legally and morally to protect your privacy and confidentiality. Other than in the rare event that I am ordered by a court to release your records, I will not share records or identifying information about you with anyone, and I will keep your records secure. Nobody else will have access to them without your permission. If you decide you would like me to work collaboratively with someone on your behalf such as a physician, other therapist or family member, I will be glad to do so provided you grant me written permission. Even then, I share what only is necessary to accomplish the task at hand. Therapists do have an obligation to prevent their clients from harming themselves and others, as well as reporting suspected abuse and neglect of children, adolescents and disabled individuals. If I believe I need to take such action, I will make every effort to do so in a way that preserves your dignity.
Fees:
Initial Evaluation: $150
Subsequent Sessions: $92- $135
Insurance:
I am a network provider for many insurance companies, including Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, IU Health, Intecare, Encore, United, Optum, SIHO, Sagamore, Caresource, some HIP plans, and Medicare. Therapy sessions usually get combined with medical expenses to count toward your deductible. Then, once you reach your deductible, you will likely have a co-pay or co-insurance due each session. If I am not a network provider for your insurance company, you may find you are still entitled to reimbursement for a significant portion of my services. You can find this out by calling the phone number for member services on the back of your insurance card.
Payment Method
You may pay by cash, check, credit card or HSA card.
Financial Hardship
It is my hope to make services as accessible as possible. If you have special circumstances that makes payment difficult, please feel free to discuss this with me.
Missed Appointment Policy
You are responsible for the appointments you schedule with me. When it is necessary for you to miss a scheduled appointment for reasons other than illness or an emergency, I require at least two business days notice to avoid an unnessessary fee. Insurance companies do not pay for missed appointments.
I look forward to speaking with you!
812.369.7683