Distance Counseling Services for Individuals, Couples and Families

 To set up Appointments: 800 880-1605 x7

or e-mail Renee@LactCorp.com

Renee D. Murphy (Hughes), M.A., LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor 

Hello!  I am Renee D. Murphy (Hughes), M.A., LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor, and I specialize in providing educational and counseling services to people all over the country and world.  I’d like to thank you for expressing an interest in my services!  Please let me explain a bit about Distance Counseling and the services I provide. 

What is Distance Counseling?

Distance Counseling is counseling provided via telephone or internet, and has become increasingly popular since 1995.  It is recognized by the American Psychological Association and the National Board of Certified Counselors, as well as other mental health licensing boards and associations.  Its effectiveness has been studied and validated for many mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and social phobia. It shares many things in common with traditional counseling, such as:

 All counselors providing these services are to provide the same standards of care and are bound by the same rules and ethics of confidentiality as if the sessions were taking place in a traditional office setting. ** (The exceptions  to all mental health providers in any setting on confidentiality are also the same: In the event of suspected child or elder abuse, In the event of threat of suicide or homicide, and/or In the event of a valid court subpoena ordering me to appear in court and produce records)

However, there are also many advantages over traditional counseling, such as:

-  Sessions take place from the comfort of your own home or other convenient location.   You save time and money, since there isno travel time,  and no need to pay for gas or parking.  

-  Complete privacy - no waiting rooms,  receptionists,  or visibility to the public.

-  Flexible scheduling times, including evenings and weekends.   Distance counseling allows for customization to your schedule far more easily than is possible with traditional office appointments. Reduces need to reschedule.

-  Perfect for care-givers and families with young children as it eliminates the need to hire babysitters or other care providers.  This saves on cost and hassle, and reduces the need to cancel or reschedule appointments.

-  No transportation is required.  All that is necessary is a telephone or a computer with internet access.  Microphone and/or Webcam are optional.  Excellent option for helping people to become less dependent on others if they are without a driver's license, a vehicle, or for those who live in rural areas and would need to drive long distances to access a counselor.

-  Sessions are a full 60 minutes – rather than the standard 50 min time slots available at most counseling offices.  Family sessions are a full 75 minutes.

About Me

I have been a professional counselor for over 25 years and have worked with a very diversified population in many settings.  In addition to individual counseling, I specialize in:

Couples counseling

Parenting issues, including children’s behavioral problems

Family focused therapy

Marital and relationship issues (especially related to couples transitioning to parenthood)

Anxiety

Clinical depression of several different origins including:  Postpartum depression, Childhood or adult trauma including PTSD, Alcohol and other substance abuse in families, Complicated grief issues, such as the sudden death or loss of someone close.

I offer counseling, education, guidance and support using a combination of cognitive-behavioral, family systems, interpersonal, and humanistic/existential approaches to therapy, based on your specific needs and personality.  

SERVICES 

Services can be provided using a variety of  methods depending on your preferences and the number of people who are participating in the counseling session.   These options include:

Telephone sessions, using our 800 toll-free number (or)

 Computer sessions, using Skype in either manner:

-Web Cam with Voice/ Chat   (allows for most effective full-range communication) (OR)

-Voice/ Chat  Only

 *All options include hand-outs, supplemental materials, and homework through e-mail exchange at no additional cost.*

SESSION FEES

Level I

Individual Sessions:

• Individual Session – 60 minutes – Telephone = $60.00


• Individual Session – 60 minutes – Skype – voice/chat only =$65.00


• Individual Session – 60 minutes –  Skype –  Video and chat supplement = $75.00

Level II

Couples Sessions:

• Couples Session – 60 minutes –Telephone (Tele-conferencing) =$65.00


• Couples Session – 60 minutes – Skype – voice/chat only =$70.00


• Couples Session – 60 minutes – Skype –  Video and chat supplement = $80.00

Level III

Family Sessions*:

• Family Session* – parents and 1 child participating – 75 minutes =$90.00


• Family Session* – parents and 2 or more children participating- 75minutes =$100.00     

            (*Family Sessions MUST use a webcam to provide full-range of communication*)

Payment information is collected prior to sessions,  but final payment will be processed after your session. Payments may be made using: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or PayPal

**There is a $30 minimum charge**

All counseling clients will need to sign a Consent to Treat and a HIPPA Privacy Practices form.  At time of registration, these forms will be sent to you via e-mail to be signed, and can either be faxed or mailed back prior to your first counseling session.  

(If time does not allow for their return,  they may be returned within 5 days.  However, in the interim,  your Consent, receipt of the HIPPA form and understanding of it all may be ascertained by a phone audio recording.)  

*You must be at least 18 years old to schedule counseling services.   Children involved in counseling sessions must have signed parental consent, and specific age requirements will be discussed prior to initial session.*

PLEASE NOTE THAT NONE OF THESE SERVICES ARE MEANT FOR EMERGENCY PURPOSES INCLUDING PEOPLE WHO ARE SUICIDAL, HOMICIDAL, OR HAVE THOUGHTS OF HURTING THEMSELVES OR OTHERS. IF YOU AR FEELING THAT WAY AT ANY TIME, YOU AGREE TO GO TO YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY ROOM, PREFERRABLY AT A HOSPITAL THAT HAS A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH UNIT, OR CALL 911, OR AN AMBULANCE FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE. YOU CAN ALSO CALL 1-800-273-TALK OR 1-800-SUICIDE.

@By Renee D. Murphy (Hughes), M.A., LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor