Category: In Our Community

Community Resources, In Our Community, Telemental Health Services

TELE-MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

hcmart

Interested in Teletherapy? Text “teletherapy” to (651) 318-0109

or email to hello@artofcounseling.sprucecare.com

Teletherapy/Tele-Mental Health, or virtual counseling as it’s otherwise known, is the online delivery of therapy services via two-way video conferencing. Sessions are nearly identical to traditional therapy sessions with one major exception. Instead of sitting together in the same room, clients and therapists interact via live secure video conferencing.

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding teletherapy. Teletherapy is a safe and secure method of conducting therapy. There’s a vast array of HIPPA-complaint platforms that allow practitioners to implement tele-mental health for clients with ease. Art of Counseling, LLC offers tele-mental health services that utilizes HIPPA-compliant software.  

TELE-MENTAL HEALTH

ADVANTAGES

Teletherapy/Tele-mental health provides more flexibility when it comes to accessing mental health services.  Scheduling is more convenient and you can have your session in the comfort of your own private space, as long as you have access to a computer (or tablet), internet, and webcam.

RISKS

Protecting your privacy is very important.  We use HIPPA-compliant clinical software from TheraNest (Electronic Health Record)for scheduling, billing, document sharing, and email. We use Spruce Health for secure video conferencing when we conduct our teletherapy sessions.  Once you decide to begin services with one of our therapists, you will be registered as a client by asking for your email address.  Then, you will receive a secure link to the email address you provided for your TheraNest “Client Portal” of which you will have intake paperwork waiting for you to fill out. When you have completed you intake paperwork you will be assigned a therapist and that therapist will share with you their direct “Practice Link,” for teletherapy, messaging and calling.

Although, we will be using encrypted software, I cannot guarantee total privacy and security.  It is possible for there to be a breach in confidentiality by hackers or if nonsecure devices fall into the wrong hands.  As such, you will be using teletherapy at your own risk.  

We recommended that you take these additional precautions:

Do not use a public computer.

Use a private computer with a firewall to strengthen your privacy and security.

Do not share or authorize other people to use your username and password.

Recommendations:

Meet in a private space.

Wear head phones during session.

Place something that creates white noise outside door (fan or sound machine,etc)

APPROPRIATENESS

It is important to understand that teletherapy is not appropriate for everyone.  Our clinicians will assess your appropriateness and readiness for use of Telemental Health Services. Teletherapy is best suited for people with concerns that can be addressed within a relatively short amount of time (e.g., less than 3 months).  Specifically, teletherapy is most appropriate for people who have some ability to cope with stressors in adaptive ways. 

WIth that said, in the event of illness or transportation issues, as well as inclement weather or other world events that may make it difficult for anyone to physically get to their scheduled appointment, teletherapy is a good short term solution for all patients.

HOW DOES ART THERAPY WORK IN TELETHERAPY?

First let’s assess what you have at home, colored pencils, markers, pastels, crayons, watercolors, paper, glue, scissors, etc. When you first meet with your therapist you will discuss art material availability. Art therapy, with a registered Art Therapist, through Telemental Health Services are created by sharing images, written and visual journaling entries that are created during and in between sessions. Art Therapists support a client’s visual expression of therapeutic themes and skills, while honoring appropriate emotional responses through the art making process.

INFORMED CONSENT FOR TELETHERAPY/TELE-MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

“Telemedicine” means the delivery of health care services or consultations while the patient is at an originating site and the licensed health care provider is at a distant site. A communication between licensed health care providers that consists solely of a telephone conversation, e-mail, or facsimile transmission does not constitute telemedicine consultations or services. A communication between a licensed health care provider and a patient that consists solely of an e-mail or facsimile transmission does not constitute telemedicine consultations or services. Telemedicine may be provided by means of real-time two-way, interactive audio and visual communications, including the application of secure video conferencing or store-and-forward technology to provide or support health care delivery, which facilitate the assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, and care management of a patient’s health care. MN Statute Sec 256B.0625, subdivision 8 & 147.033

I understand I have the following rights with respect to teletherapy:

  • I have the right to withhold or withdraw consent at any time without affecting my right to future care or treatment. 
  • The laws that protect the confidentiality of my personal information also apply to teletherapy. As such, I understand that the information released by me during the course of my therapy sessions is generally confidentially. However, there are both mandatory and permissive exceptions to confidentiality, which are discussed in detail in the general Informed Consent for Psychotherapy and Office Policies I received with this consent. 
  • I understand there are risks and consequences from teletherapy, including, but not limited to, the possibility, despite reasonable efforts on the part of Art of Counseling, PLLC that: the transmission of my information could be interrupted or distorted by technical failures and/or the transmission of my personal information could be interrupted by unauthorized persons. I understand that I am responsible for providing the necessary computer telecommunications equipment and internet access for my teletherapy sessions, the information security on my computer, and arranging a location with sufficient lighting and privacy that is free from distractions or intrusions for my teletherapy session. 
  • In Addition, I understand that teletherapy based services and care may not be as complete as in-person services. I understand that if my therapist believes I would be better served by another form therapeutic services or interventions I will be referred to a professional who can provide such services in my area. I also understand that there are potential risks and benefits associated with any form of psychotherapy, and that despite my efforts and efforts of my therapist, my condition may not improve, or may have the potential to get worse. Finally, I understand that I may benefit from teletherapy, but that results cannot be guaranteed or assured. 
  • I understand I will attend the first session in-person (when at all possible) at Art of Counseling, PLLC in order to gather information, go through paperwork, process, and questions. I understand that I will be asked to periodically attend an in-person session at Art of Counseling, PLLC if so many miles from the office and/or my therapist sees a benefit. 
  • While teletherapy is a great way to get help with many of life’s challenges, overwhelming or potentially dangerous challenges are best met with in-person professional support. I understand that teletherapy is neither a universal substitute, nor the same as, in-person psychotherapy treatment. I accept the distinctions made using teletherapy vs. in-person psychotherapy. In particular, I accept that teletherapy does not provide emergency services. I agree that certain situations including emergencies and crises are inappropriate for teletherapy based psychotherapy services. 
  • During our first session, Art of Counseling will discuss an emergency response plan. If I am experiencing an emergency situation, I understand that I can call 911 or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency room for help. I understand that an emergency situation any include thoughts about hurting or harming myself or others, having uncontrolled psychotic symptoms, if I am in a life threatening or emergency situation, and/or if I am abusing drugs or alcohol and are not safe. If I am having suicidal thoughts or making plans to harm myself, I can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for free 24 hour hotline support. 
  • I understand that while email and phone calls may be used to communicate with Art of Counseling, confidentiality of those communication services cannot be guaranteed. 
  • I understand that I have a right to access my personal information and copies of medical records in accordance with HIPAA privacy rules and applicable state law, discussed in detail in the general Informed Consent for Psychotherapy and Office Policies I received with this consent. 
In Our Community

Practice Updates for – COVID19

hcmart

Good afternoon,  

With the state of Minnesota closing schools starting Wednesday, March 18th, to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we want to ensure you that Art of Counseling therapists will continue to be available through in-person and telemental health services.  

Because staying connected to the community is important for our mental health, we will be respecting the “social distancing” guidelines and continuing to offer emotional support and continuation of treatment goals. 

Current basics as of 3/17/2020: 

  • Scheduled individual therapy sessions will continue. Please reach out to your individual therapist with concerns before your session:
    • + If you are interested in telemental health for your scheduled appointment.
    • + If you have any symptoms of illness (cold, flu or COVID-19, etc.)
  • This week, our individual therapist and group facilitators will be reaching out to you over the phone or in person to survey the readiness of telemental health services.
  • For those that are coming in for individual sessions, please do not bring unnecessary additional people to wait in the waiting, when at all possible. Our waiting room is small.  Help us keep a safe space for people who need to or prefer to continue in person therapy

Ways to quell the anxiety around the coronavirus:

  1. First, you are not alone. 
  2. Manage your media diet.  Reduce social media and rely on trusted forms of communication, such as the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization
  3. Stick to a routine.  For example, work or do school work during your regular hours if possible even if from home.
  4. Support each other. Volunteer in “social distancing” spaces to help those hardest hit by the outbreak.

Give Mindfulness a try. A great way to do that is to use meditation or other mindfulness exercises, which encourage you to notice what’s happening with your feelings in the moment in a nonjudgmental way

  • Find other things to talk about!

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/13/how-to-stay-calm-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-anxiety-relief-tips.html

Ways to stay connected and activities that are “social distancing” friendly:

  • Call to say hello to family and friends.  
  • Call or message those that maybe experiencing extreme isolation.
  • Create a pandemic free private group on social media for friends and family that what to stay in contact. 
  • Send a card or letter via snail mail to let others know you are thinking about them.
  • Play games with your children and reduce talk about the outbreak.
  • Go for a walk, bike ride, do yard work, listen to music or the songs birds, connect with nature.
Community Resources, In Our Community, Other News

ZagZum – Visual art by artists who have a lived experience with a mental or physical disability.

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ZagZum

Visual Art Exhibition | Conference | Reception | Sale

Visual art by artists who have a lived experience with a mental or physical disability.

EXHIBITION
Saturday | September 10, 10:00 AM until 9:00 PM. Admission is Free

RECEPTION
Saturday |September 10, 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM, Must RSVP at Eventbrite

CONFERENCE
Visual art by artists who have a lived experience with a mental or physical disability.
Saturday |September 10, 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Must RSVP at Eventbrite

Where
Minneapolis Convention Center – 1301 2nd Avenue South | The Seasons, Minneapolis, MN 55403

ART SUBMISSION
Wednesday | September 7, 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM, Suite 204A 
ZagZum Call for Visual Art Submission Form

In Our Community, Other News, Qoutes

“Minneapolis, I am home.”

hcmart

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Remembering Prince.

“I have written a song that says: If you ever lose someone dear to you, never say the words, “They’re gone,” and they’ll come back” – Prince

Prince dead at 57: Legendary musician found at Paisley Park

Worldwide grief over sudden death of musical genius
By and Star Tribune
April 22, 2016 — 7:49am
Read the entire article click here…

“Growing up in Minneapolis

The son of a social worker mother and jazz pianist father, Prince Rogers Nelson grew up playing music at home. His father, John Nelson, led the Prince Rogers Trio. His mother, Mattie Shaw, sang, as does his younger sister, Tyka Nelson.

A huge crowd came out to downtown Minneapolis on Thursday night and into Friday morning to remember and celebrate Prince.

Prince formed his first band with friends at age 13 and over time became the driving force behind the “Minneapolis sound,” a hybrid mix of funk, rock, pop and new wave.

He became known for shunning interviews, creating his own mystique and controlling his image with a team of stylists, publicists and lawyers. Even after becoming a global superstar, he stayed close to home, recording at Paisley Park and appearing often at late-night concerts and dance parties there.

Born on June 7, 1958, Prince had a thing for the number 7. On 7/7/7, he held three concerts at three venues in downtown Minneapolis, telling the crowd at one show, “Minneapolis, I am home.””

Community Resources, In Our Community, Other News

Start by Believing: A Community Dialogue

hcmart

Ramsey County Hosts –  Start by Believing: A Community Dialogue

Start by believing is a public awareness campaign uniquely focused on the public response to sexual assault.  Because a friend or family member is typically the first person a victim confides in after an assault, each individual’s personal reaction is the first step in a long path toward justice and healing. Knowing how to respond is critical—a negative response can worsen the trauma and foster an environment where perpetrators face zero consequences for their crimes. ….  More local Start by believing office news   Start by believing national office news

When

Date
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Time
7-9 p.m

Location

Hamline University Sundin Music Hall
1531 Hewitt Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55104

Get directions

Ages

Adults

Start by Believing Logo2

Art Therapy, Art Therapy for Social Action, Community Resources, In Our Community, Other News

Creative Art Therapies Week, 2016!

hcmart

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“Sharing Discoveries” Analog Instant Film, 2014 ©Heather Matson

In honor of Creative Art Therapies Week, March 13-19, 2016, I would like to spotlight Art of Counseling, pllc, whose mission is to create a unique specialty using Creative Art Therapies to foster emotional healing, encourage internal resiliency, enhance personal relationships and give a unique perspective to human storytelling and expression. Art of Counseling is a psychotherapy group practice located in Saint Paul, Minnesota that provides mental health services to clients in the metro area.  We have clinicians that are Registered Art Therapists (ATR & ATR-BC); trained in movement, play and poetry therapies; licensed or on track for Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) or Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC); trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and intertwines a trauma-informed therapy model in our clinicians’ individual theoretic model of therapy.

Clients that have been attracted to our unique approach have been those who struggle with feeling stuck, depressed mood, anxious, nightmares and sleep issues, trauma, dissociation, self-harm and risk taking, shame and guilt, childhood issues, anger, addictive behavior, eating and body image issues, sex and sexuality, cultural exploration, blended family situations, couples and marriage counseling, abandonment, grief and loss, etc.  Even though we in-network for some insurances, Art of Counseling is proud to say that our clinicians’ dedicate a percentage of their case load to individuals on a sliding-fee-scale or pro bono, to help bridge the gap for affordable mental health services.  We recognize Creative Art Therapies Week honors the importance of how the arts can heal, enhance and help us all to grow.

Art Therapy, Community Resources

Art Therapy: What is it?

kristinceline

Art Therapy: It’s Not Just an Art Project

Art therapy, in all cases, is a purposeful, relational intervention.

Cathy Malchiodi PhD, LPCC, LPAT

image for blog
Source: © 2015 Photograph by Cathy Malchiodi, PhD

In “Art Therapy’s Achilles Heel” [April 2014], I explained that it is not surprising that uses of art making for self-help, self-regulation and self-exploration are ubiquitous. In part, this reflects the natural inclination of humankind to find reparation through creative expression throughout history not only in the form of visual arts, but also through movement and dance, music and sound, dramatic enactment and performance and imaginative play. But this aspect of human evolutionary biology also brings up the question, “Are there circumstances where art itself is the proverbial ‘therapist?’ This is a question that continues to rankle the profession called “art therapist” as well as those who are trying to establish a clearly defined scope of practice for the field. This question magnifies what is a painful and somewhat glaring vulnerability within the profession—that unless there is a clear, unified definition of “what is art therapy,” it is difficult at best to articulate a profession as separate from what is a widely used self-help approach.

According to this longstanding definition, art therapy consists of a continuum of practice, with “art as therapy” at one end and “art psychotherapy” at the other end. Despite the existence of this and other similar definitions, one does not have to look very far into current social media to see how easily art therapy has been morphed into just about any “feel-good” art project on the grid. A good example of what is currently being called “art therapy” is the adult coloring book phenomenon. Coloring book fanatics proclaim that filling in pre-made designs is even a form of mindfulness and meditation that brings about benefits far beyond mere relaxation or diversion. While coloring books are not mindfulness practices in the true sense of the word, the responses [and millions of coloring book sales] anecdotally reflect that many people do “feel better” when coloring in pre-made designs.

Yes, it is important to “feel-good” and as a professional, that is what I want for each and every child, adult, family or group I see in my expressive arts therapy practice. I want each and every client to be able to use creative expression to feel better [aka resolve challenges] on a regular basis and hopefully not need my services ever again. However, the deeper experience of “art therapy” is not only based in pleasurable creative expression, it is grounded two basic concepts. First, it involves the application of a purposeful, meaningful art-based intervention in contrast to an art activity or art “project.” While some think the idea of “intervention” is not part of the art therapeutic relationship, intervention is the necessary specific, focused action that is taken to achieve or support change within any therapy of any kind. Applying interventions is a central component of any helping professional’s role and is predicated on the second aspect– relationship. It is the right-hemisphere-to-right-hemisphere, attuned, interpersonal qualities of the art therapy relationship that support art’s reparative powers. Ultimately, humans as a species have always repaired, recovered and healed within relationships, whether through social support or community or through relationships found in the formal services of a mental health or healthcare professional. So while art expression may bring about a sense of wellness in some sense, it’s the relational aspects that are at the center of reparation and recovery through well-targeted interventions– this is what defines and differentiates “art therapy.”

Granted, there will always be those who find art’s healing forces on their own, often in times of trauma, crisis or loss, or simply as a means to reduce stress. Most who are passionate about art therapy “the profession” discovered our calling because we have had our own transformative experiences with art. But without both the clear articulation of purposeful art-based interventions and specific relational dynamics that support these interventions, “art as therapy” and “art psychotherapy” are explanations without traction– leaving the public to come to its own conclusions about “what is art therapy” and defaulting to “it’s an art project” as the definition.

Be well,

Cathy Malchiodi, PhD, LPCC, LPAT, ATR-BC, REAT

© 2015 Cathy Malchiodi

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/arts-and-health/201507/art-therapy-it-s-not-just-art-project

Other News

Introducing our newest clinician!

hkleese

Introducing our newest clinician Hannah Kleese, MA, AT. Now accepting new clients. Hannah specializes in art therapy and utilizes meditation, various art mediums, and writing in her work with clients. Areas that Hannah has worked with include clients that struggle with PTSD, depression, life transitions, grief/loss, anger management, codependency, Anxiety, Autism, and dual diagnosis. Hannah uses a strength-based approach and is supportive of each individuals specialized needs towards healing.

Read her profile below to find out more!

Hannah Kleese MAprofilpic-adjusted, AT

Email Hannah

Direct Line: (651) 318-0109 ext #702

Fax: (651) 344-5015

Hannah brings warmth and compassion to a therapeutic process that promotes a cooperative journey between client and therapist. Hannah believes that clients have the capacity to be the master of their own experience. She creates an environment that supports everyone’s unique quest for healing and balance.

Hannah uses a blended approach that includes visual art, writing, meditation, and talk therapy. Through self understanding and a strength-based approach Hannah will assist to unearth personal strengths in order to find coping strategies for outside of therapy. She welcomes adults, adolescents, and children from all walks of like to come and see if her approach is a good fit for the therapeutic process that they seek.

Hannah received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Printmaking, Papermaking, and Bookmaking from The Minneapolis College of Art and Design and a dual Masters of Arts degree in Art Therapy and Clinical Counseling from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM. Hannah is currently working towards her licensure as a Licensed Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and a registered Art Therapist (ATR).

Profile can also be found at our website

 

 

 

Community Resources, In Our Community, Other News

World Suicide Prevention Day 9/10

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DayOfPost

It’s World Suicide Prevention Day, Take 5 to Save Lives. Join the movement by visiting www.take5tosavelives.org and updating your status with this message.

Join the virtual Facebook event as your Pledge to Take 5 to Save Lives on World Suicide Prevention Day. Invite others to join!

Community Resources

Open Paths Psychotherapy Collective – low cost mental health options

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We just joined the Open Path Psychotherapy Collective in an effort to bridge the gap for affordable mental health services.  Check it out!  Heather’s profile is complete and offering 4 spots with 3 of 4 spots currently available.  Keep on the look out for other therapist’s from Art of Counseling on Open Paths.

“What Is Open Path?

Open Path is a collective of therapists who have generously agreed to provide in-office treatment for $30 to $50 a session. Open Path clients pay a one-time membership fee to work with an Open Path therapist at a significantly reduced rate. Because the rate is so low, clients gain back their membership fee after just one session. Open Path is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Many of our therapists also provide sessions online. Begin your search today.”