Thomas Deshler Ph.D. P.C.  Licensed Clinical Psychologist

            610 Jefferson St. Oregon City, Oregon    97045
            Phone: 503-657-7235 Fax: 503-657-7676
 
     
   

 

 
          
 
"A Safe Place To Share Your Thoughts & Feelings"
           

Getting Started With Therapy

How Do You Take The First Step?


Making the First Phone Call

Call to make an appointment at (503) 657-7235

When you call you will talk to a receptionist at Willamette Valley Family Center. You will be asked your name, address and telephone number and a general statement regarding your concerns. Insurance information is also needed as some companies require preauthorization for payment. Appointments can be scheduled Monday through Thursday (8:30AM - 9:00 PM) and Friday (8:30AM to 6:00 PM). There is an answering service available when the office is closed for emergencies.

I am usually able to schedule an appointment within a week. If your situation is immediate I will make efforts to schedule you as soon as possible. I maintain office hours Monday through Friday and am available to meet with you both during day and evening hours.

If you would like to speak to me before scheduling an appointment, leave your number with the receptionist along with a good time for me to reach you.
E-mail Contact

Please do feel free to contact me with brief e-mail messages, however telephone is usually the most direct and fastest way to reach me. I check e-mail messages once a day Monday through Friday. I often prefer to respond to messages on the phone so if you care to, please leave a phone number in your e-mail message.

Before Your First Appointment

There is some information I would like you to read along with some forms to fill out before your first appointment. You may print these forms from the links below or if you prefer we can give you these forms at your first appointment - come a few minutes early to read and sign them.

I realize filling out forms can be tedious - we request this information to assure you of your rights as a client, and to gather information that will be help me provide the best possible service to you. If you have questions about these forms we can talk about them at our first session.

1. "Client Intake Evaluation Form " (To be completed by an adult client)
2. "Child Intake Evaluation Form" (To be completed by the parent or guardian)
3. "Authorization to Release Medical Information Form"
4. " Informed Consent and Office Policies Form"
5. "Confidentiality Information Form"

What Will Happen at Your First Appointment?

When we meet for the first time I will be interested in understanding your current concerns. We will look at the things in your life's journey that have led you to therapy. What has occurred that has caused you to want to consider changes in your life? I will be interested in hearing about your current needs and what you would like to see happen as a result of this therapy experience. We will begin to think about some goals that could strengthen hope for you and that would make things better in your life.

If it is an appointment with a child, it is important to let them know why they are coming. If the child is comfortable talking about their thoughts and feelings, I begin the conversation with them. If they are shy or uncomfortable, or in some situations, have been brought against their wishes, I will talk more with the adults. Regardless, I will help you, your partner or your family explore what brought you to therapy and what you would like to achieve.

When Therapy Ends

Often before therapy ends the time between sessions is lengthened to several weeks or a month. Focus is on strengthening skills learned to prevent old patterns from reoccurring. Ending therapy is a mutual decision based on the achievement of initial goals. However, many clients find that as time goes on new situations may occur in their lives or perhaps they just want to check back with me on occasion to reinforce some of the initial things we have worked on together. I want people to know I will continue to be available to them if future needs arise.

When a person ends their work with me it is always helpful for me to receive feedback about the person's experience in therapy. At the conclusion of therapy it would be helpful if you could complete and return a client feedback form. Your responses will be valued. You may print this form from the link below.
How Much Does Therapy Cost?

Fees are based on prevailing standards in the community, and most services may be covered in whole or in part by medical insurance. I participate in most insurance provider panels. Uninsured persons may be seen on a sliding fee basis if treatment time is available.

Sessions last approximately 50 minutes.


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Thomas Deshler Ph.D. P.C.  Licensed Clinical Psychologist
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