Therapy for individuals and couples in Walla Walla
Mark G. Brown
Ed.D., M.A., LMHC
I am a psychotherapist residing in Walla Walla with a thriving private therapy practice. Areas of expertise include couple work and male and female adults working through depression and anxiety, as well as through challenging life transitions.
About me & my approach
I have a Masters Degree in Psychology (Antioch Seattle)and a Doctorate in Education (Seattle University) and am licensed as a mental health counselor in the State of Washington. I served as Director of a large mental health clinic for fifteen years and was responsible for clinical supervision of a staff of fifteen. I have maintained a private practice, first in Seattle and subsequently in Walla Walla, for the past 25 years.
I believe that the therapeutic relationship itself is the key to meaningful change, and I blend cognitive work with the depth of psychodynamic exchange based on the specific presentation of each individual client. Underlying all my work is a foundation of supportive respect and genuine dialogue.
Fees & insurance
Fees
The standard fee I charge is $125 per session for an individual and $150 per session for a couple or family. I request that payment be made at each session, unless another arrangement is made. A fee may be charged for extended phone consultations.
Once a regular time has been established for sessions, this time is the client’s financial responsibility. The full standard fee for a session is charged directly for missed or canceled appointments unless I am provided with at least 24 hours’ notice.
Insurance
If insurance is covering part of the fee, the standard co-pay for the insurance plan is due at each session.
If for any reason the designated insurance will not cover the full fee after copay, the client is responsible for the full amount of the session.
I am credentialed and in good standing with the following insurance companies and their plans:
Premera
Regence
First Choice
Molina
First Choice EAP
I am open to discussing the possibility of submitting application for credentialing for additional insurance plans, but that process can take a substantial amount of time.
If I am out of a plan’s network, I can periodically provide a Service Record with dates of service for the client to submit for out-of-network reimbursement.
Contact me
Consent for treatment
Please fill out and submit this form. Alternatively, you may click on the button below for a printable PDF you can fill out and return.
Office policies
Please read these office policies carefully. Then, fill in your name and the date and click submit to agree to the terms of treatment and the insurance release. Alternatively, you may click on the button below for a printable PDF you can fill out and return.
The following information is provided as required by Washington State law to enable you to make informed decisions regarding your participation in psychotherapy as provided by me. It is important that you read all information included below and that you ask for clarification if you have any questions.
Education and Training
I have an Ed D in Educational Leadership from Seattle University and a Masters Degree in Psychology from Antioch University. I have been a Washington State licensed psychotherapist since 1990 and I have also been certified Child Mental Health Specialist in the State of Washington.
I have received specialized training in treating individuals suffering from trauma, couple’s therapy, family therapy and anger management/behavioral responsibility. I served as the director of a regional mental health clinic for children and families for fifteen years, and in that role I provided regular supervision for senior clinical staff and was responsible for all clinical work within the clinic. In addition, I have maintained a private practice in psychotherapy for twenty-five years.
Informed Consent
I view engaging in psychotherapy as a choice, and as such it is voluntary. You have the option, at any time, to discontinue treatment or change treatment providers. I encourage you to seek and engage in the form of treatment which is most suited to your needs, and I further encourage you to talk with me about your concerns or questions on an ongoing basis as needed. Although it is impossible to guarantee successful treatment, I will make a consistent effort to apply my skills to the best of my ability to assist you in meeting your goals for your course of treatment.
Therapeutic Orientation
I utilize a number of therapeutic modalities in my work. Generally, I describe my approach as interpersonal – it is client-centered and relationship-based. In addition, I often focus on family history and explore the systems and relationships in which each individual is an active participant. In addition, I explore the ways that a client’s thinking can substantially impact self-esteem and effectiveness in the world.I approach every client as a unique individual, and my treatment approach is tailored to the dynamics, strengths and challenges of each client.
Confidentiality and Exceptions
Your treatment in psychotherapy as confidential – I will not share what you tell me and what we discuss with anyone else, unless you have signed a written release for me to do so. There are, however, limits and exceptions to confidentiality as dictated by ethical and legal considerations. Those exceptions are as follows:
If you pose a danger to yourself or others
If you become gravely disabled
If the information you share involves abuse of dependent adults, vulnerable adults, children or the developmentally disabled
If your records are subpoenaed by a court of law
Record of Treatment
Under Washington State Law WAC 246-924-354 – Maintenance of Records, therapists are to document services provided. However, under Section G, a patient may request that no record be kept of treatment. If the therapist agrees to a request of that type, the request must be submitted in writing. In that case, only the following information will be kept:
Identity of the client
Service dates and fees
Description of type of service
Written request that no record be kept
Financial Information and Appointment Policy
The standard fee I charge is $125 per session for an individual and $150 per session for a couple or family. I request that payment be made at each session. A fee may be charged for extended phone consultations. Once we have established a regular time for your sessions, this time will be your financial responsibility. The full standard fee for your session will be charged directly to you for missed or canceled appointments unless you provide me with at least 24 hours’ notice. (Insurance plans do NOT pay for missed appointments). If for any reason your insurance will not cover the full fee after copay, you will be responsible for the full amount of the session.
Technology
Cell phone use is a serious distraction during sessions. I would suggest turning your phone off during sessions in order to focus. Of course, if there is an important reason for keeping it on, let me know and we will make allowances for those situations (child care, sick spouse, etc). Texting is only to apply to messages regarding scheduling. All other issues should be discussed at the next session. I may not be able to be reached via cell phone in an immediate sense. If you feel you are in a crisis and cannot reach me in a timely manner, please call the Crisis Response Line at 509-524-2920
Insurance Release
By providing my name, the date, and clicking Submit below, I request and give my permission for Mark G. Brown to communicate required information to my insurance company for purposes of billing.
Agreement
By providing my name, the date, and clicking Submit below, I have read and understand the policies described in this document and the terms of treatment, and I agree to these terms.