Declaration of Practices and Procedures
Megan Kern, M.S., LPC-S
137 N. Clark Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
703-554-2173
megan@claritynola.com or megankernlpcs@gmail.com
Qualifications: I earned a Master of Sciences degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University New Orleans in 2013. I am an LPC (#5868) registered with the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners, 8631 Summa Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, (225)765-2515, which has approved my licensure in the State of Louisiana. In addition, I am a board-approved supervisor for PLPCs.
Counseling Relationship: I see counseling as a process in which you the client, and I, the counselor, having come to understand and trust one another, and work as a team to explore and define present problem situations, develop future goals for an improved life, and work in a systematic fashion towards realizing those goals.
Areas of Focus: I focus on individual counseling for adults ages 18 and above.
Fees and Office Procedures: Payment is currently accepted in the form of cash or check, made payable to Clarity NOLA. Insurance benefits from Cigna, Gilsbar, United/Optum, and Vantage insurance plans are considered in-network, and each client is due their individual co-pay for each session, as designated by their policy. Clients must notify counselor of any changes to their insurance prior to attending an appointment.
The private pay rate for services is $75 per one-hour session and paid directly to Clarity NOLA. Payment for services is due at the close of each session. Sling scale rates for clients with financial difficulties may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Clients will be charged a $35 no-show fee for sessions that are not attended or canceled within 24 hours of the reserved appointment time.
Appointments are typically set at the close of each session. I have morning and afternoon appointments available on Wednesday and Friday, and limited afternoon availability on Saturday and Sunday. Appointments may be scheduled, rescheduled, or cancelled from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Failure to give notice for any appointment not cancelled 24 hours in advance may result in a no-show charge for the time reserved for you.
Services Offered and Clients Served: I approach counseling from a cognitive-behavioral perspective in that patterns of thoughts and actions are explored in order to better understand the clients’ problems and to develop solutions. I see clients aged 18 and over, of all backgrounds. I do not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. If I determine that you would be better served by another mental health provider, I will help you with the referral process.
Code of Conduct: As an LPC, I am required by law to adhere to the Code of Conduct for practice as an LPC that has been adopted by my licensing board, the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners. A copy of the Code of Conduct is available to you upon request. Should you wish to file a disciplinary complaint regarding my practice as an LPC, you may contact the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners.
Confidentiality: Material revealed in counseling will remain strictly confidential except under the following circumstances, in accordance with State law:
1. The client signs a written release of information indicating informed consent of such release.
2. The client expresses intent to harm him/herself or someone else.
3. There is reasonable suspicion of abuse/neglect against a minor child, elderly person (60 or older), or dependent adult.
4. A court order is received directing the disclosure of information.
In the event of marriage or family counseling, material obtained from an adult client individually may be shared with the client’s spouse or other family members with the client’s written permission. Any material obtained from a minor client may be shared with the client’s parent or guardian.
Privileged Communication: It is my policy to assert privileged communication on behalf of the client and the right to consult with the client if at all possible, except during an emergency, before mandated disclosure. I will endeavor to apprise clients of all mandated disclosures as conceivable.
Emergency Situations: When I am unavailable to answer calls after normal office hours, you may leave a message on my voicemail and I will return your call as soon as possible. In an emergency situation when an immediate response is necessary, you may call VIA LINK at 2-1-1 or 1-800-273-8255. You may also seek help through hospital emergency facilities or by calling 911.
Client Responsibilities: You, the client, are a full partner in counseling. Your honesty and effort are essential to success. As we work together, if you have suggestions or concerns about your counseling, I expect you to share these with me so that we can make the necessary adjustments. If I determine that you would be better served by another mental health provider, I will help you with the referral process. If you are currently receiving services from another mental health professional, I expect you to inform me of this and grant me permission to share information with this professional so that we may coordinate our services to you.
Physical Health: Physical health can be an important factor in the emotional well-being of an individual. If you have not had a physical examination in the last year, it is recommended that you do so. Also, please provide me with a list of any medications that you are currently taking.
Potential Counseling Risk: The client should be aware that counseling poses potential risks. In the course of working together, additional problems may surface of which you were not initially aware. If this occurs, you should feel free to share these concerns with me.