The Counseling Centers at PCHAS

You and your therapist will make a plan based on your personal goals for therapy, but most people see their counselor weekly for at least six weeks.

Most counseling sessions will be about 45 minutes long, but the times may differ based on the plan you develop with your therapist. Longer counseling sessions may be available for an additional fee. Please talk to your counselor if you would like to arrange for more time.

You and your counselor will work together to identify the areas where you need help and set goals for what you want to see change. Therapists cannot guarantee outcomes, but most people experience some improvement when they commit to working through issues and trying new strategies. Your participation during the counseling session and throughout the week in your everyday life is key.

Therapy is a process intended to help you personally and in your relationships with others. You may sometimes finish a counseling session feeling empowered or refreshed and able to easily identify your progress. On other occasions, progress may seem slow or non-existent and you may carry with you the weight of deep and focused conversation. You and your therapist are working together to reach your goals. It's important for you to communicate with your therapist about how you are feeling throughout the process so they can work at a pace that suits you.

All PCHAS therapists have a graduate degree and license in the state where they work.

Texas Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) have a master's degree in counseling or a counseling-related field, pass the National Counselor Examination or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination and complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised counseling practice. Texas LPC's are licensed and regulated by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors and adhere to the code of ethics.

Texas Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) have a master's degree in social work from an accredited university, pass the Association of Social Work Boards licensing exam and complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. Texas LCSW's are licensed and regulated by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners and adhere to the code of ethics.

Missouri Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) have a master's degree in counseling or a mental health discipline, pass the National Counselor Examination and complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised counseling practice. Missouri LPC's are licensed and regulated by the Committee for Professional Counselors - Missouri and adhere to the code of ethics.

Missouri Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors (PLPC) have a master's degree in counseling or a mental health discipline and pass the National Counselor Examination. PLPC's may begin serving clients under the supervision of a Licensed Professional Counselor. Missouri PLPC's are licensed and regulated by the Committee for Professional Counselors - Missouri and adhere to the code of ethics.

Because minors do not have the legal right to start or end counseling services, their legal custodian(s) must complete the intake process and sign all paperwork on their behalf. Where legal custody has been established in situations like divorce, documentation of legal custody may be required.

Counseling for all people, including children, requires trust. PCHAS therapists will communicate with parents and guardians to provide guidance and suggestions to help a child continue working on their goals outside of the counseling session, but the counselors will not typically provide a detailed accounting of the entire time together. When possible, the therapist may have the child share pertinent information with their parent/guardian, with support.

Confidentiality is of the utmost importance where the client-therapist relationship is concerned. It is important you be able to trust your private communication will be kept confidential.

There are certain, rare, exceptions that supersede the confidentiality of the client-therapist relationship and require licensed therapists to disclose information without your authorization. These include:

• if you communicate an explicit threat of serious physical harm with the apparent intent and ability to carry out the threat
  
• if a counselor believes there is an imminent or high risk you will physically harm yourself
• if a counselor becomes aware of abuse or neglect of minors, elderly or disabled persons
• if a counselor becomes aware of abuse, neglect and unprofessional or unethical conduct in a health care facility
• if a counselor becomes aware of sexual exploitation by a mental health provider
• if a court of law subpoenas counseling records

In any of these circumstances, the therapist will be required to notify the proper authorities.

PCHAS offers virtual counseling, when appropriate, for residents of Missouri and Texas.

Virtual counseling sessions usually last around 45 minutes. Though you will be able to participate from a location convenient for you, we encourage you to ensure there are no interruptions. It is also a good idea to block a little time before and after so you do not feel hurried.

You can join your session on a computer, laptop, tablet or phone. You will need to have a working camera, microphone and speakers. If you are using a tablet or phone, it is best to have a stand or way to hold the device steady at a comfortable distance.

Your space will need to be quiet, confidential and free of distractions. Our counselors cannot meet with you if you are in a public place like an office cubicle or coffee shop or if other people are present. You need to be able to talk openly, and others should not be able to hear what you or your counselor say during the session.