Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the right therapist?
Finding the right therapist is an important part of the counseling process. In addition to choosing someone with experience in the areas you’d like to address, it’s important to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable, understood, and respected.
A brief phone conversation before scheduling your first appointment can help you get a sense of Brian’s approach and whether Hood River Counseling may be a good fit for you. A strong, trusting relationship between therapist and client can play an important role in successful therapy.
How long will therapy last?
There is no single timeline that works for everyone. Therapy begins with an initial evaluation to better understand your concerns, needs, and goals.
From there, Brian and the client work together to develop a treatment plan. Some people benefit from short-term therapy focused on a particular concern, while others choose to continue therapy for a longer period of time. Progress and goals are revisited throughout the process so the treatment plan can evolve as needed.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Protecting client privacy and confidentiality is an important part of the therapeutic relationship. Information shared during therapy is kept confidential in accordance with applicable privacy laws and professional requirements.
Brian will not disclose that someone is a client or share information discussed in therapy without appropriate authorization, except in circumstances where disclosure is required or permitted by law. These may include certain situations involving abuse or neglect, serious safety concerns, or a valid legal requirement.
Brian also respects clients’ privacy outside of the office and will not initiate an interaction in public unless the client chooses to do so first.
Clients who would like information shared with a physician, family member, attorney, or another third party may be asked to complete an appropriate authorization or release of information.
Brian will review confidentiality and its limitations with clients, and questions are always welcome.
What insurance does Hood River Counseling accept?
Brian can bill many insurance plans as either an in-network or out-of-network provider. Coverage, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs vary considerably between plans.
Clients are encouraged to contact their insurance company before beginning therapy to confirm their mental health benefits and determine whether Hood River Counseling is considered in-network under their specific plan.
Which insurance companies is Brian an in-network provider with?
Brian currently participates with several insurance networks, including:
Regence BlueCross BlueShield, PacificSource, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, MODA, First Choice Health, Adventist Health, and Providence Health.
Because insurance networks and individual plans can change, clients should verify coverage directly with their insurance provider before their first appointment.
Does Hood River Counseling accept Medicare and Medicaid?
Brian accepts Medicare plans and certain Oregon Health Plan (OHP) coverage, including eligible coverage for Hood River and Wasco counties and OHP Open Card.
Hood River Counseling does not accept Medicaid plans from other states.
Because Medicare and Medicaid coverage can vary, prospective clients are encouraged to contact Hood River Counseling with questions about their particular plan.
Does Brian work with couples?
Yes. Couples counseling is one of Brian’s primary areas of practice. He has completed advanced training in the Gottman Method and primarily draws from this approach when working with couples.
The Gottman Method is a research-based approach designed to help couples strengthen their relationship, improve communication, manage conflict, deepen connection, and develop healthier relationship patterns.
