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FAQs

What is a first session at Crosswind Associates like?
How do I set up my first appointment?
Who will be able to find out that I’m in mental health treatment?
Where can I go to find a support group?
What do I do if I have a concern about how a psychologist or other mental health professional is conducting business?
What if I don’t feel my provider is the right fit for me?
How do I find a good counselor in the community?
What do I do if I’m feeling suicidal or am worried about a loved one taking their life?


What is a first session at Crosswind Associates like?

  • Please either complete the electronic forms online and return via email. Login to the virtual platform at your scheduled appointment time and Michelle will initiate the call.

  • The first session will heavily focus on who you are, what your concern is, your background, and what you hope to accomplish in treatment. This session is designed to efficiently gather a lot of information. Ideally, your provider will propose a game plan before the end of the first session. 

  • You will be given the opportunity to ask questions, state preferences, and address concerns.

  • Subsequent sessions are more like what we traditionally think of when we think of therapy.


How do I set up my first appointment?

  • Call Michelle at (505) 361-1958 or email info@crosswindassociates.com. She may be in session when you call, so you are encouraged to leave a voicemail with your contact information. How quickly she returns your call will vary based on patient care and other obligations, but she will make every effort to return your call expeditiously.


Who will be able to find out that I’m in mental health treatment?

  • Generally, your treatment status and information are only available to the people you disclose it to. Exceptions include:

    • When a patient reports intent to harm themselves or someone else

    • When a patient reveals abuse to a vulnerable population (e.g., children, elderly, disabled)

    • When there is a court order, subpoena, or other lawful demand

  • Except for the situations above, your mental health provider is not authorized or permitted to release any information about you without your written permission.

  • Your mental health information is protected by the federal Privacy Act of 1974 (5 USC § 552a), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, and the HIPAA Privacy Rule.

  • Some employers, graduate schools, professional boards, or regulatory agencies may ask you for counseling records. It is the patient’s decision to acknowledge whether he or she has received therapy.

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Where can I go to find a support group?


What do I do if I have a concern about how a psychologist or other mental health professional is conducting business?

  • If both possible and safe, you should first speak directly to your provider about your concerns, as mental health professionals are trained to expect and respond appropriately to patient feedback.

  • If speaking to your provider is not possible or turns out to be ineffective, you can consider requesting another provider (i.e., if your provider is in a group practice) or speaking to the agency’s Patient Advocate. If your provider is a solo practitioner, you might be best advised to seek another provider in the community.

  • If you feel your provider is conducting business unethically, engaging in inappropriate billing practices, or violating your rights, contacting their licensing or regulatory board might be the next best step. (Links to these boards are provided in the question above about different types of mental health professionals.)  

  • If you’re not sure about whether you should be concerned, you might take the time to review the Ethics Code of your provider. The Code will vary based on which type of professional you see, but their respective Ethics Code should be easy to find on the internet.

    • Michelle, for example, is held to the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics.

  • Additional resources for concerns are included below:

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  • If you feel your privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the agency below:


What if I don’t feel my provider is the right fit for me?

  • The quality of the therapeutic relationship is the single best predictor of therapy effectiveness, which means that how well you fit with your provider can significantly impact your response to treatment. If you believe that your provider is not a good fit for you, you should talk with them about seeing someone else. Providers are trained to help and support patients in this situation and will refer you to another provider and/or modify their own approach to meet your needs.


How do I find a good counselor in the community?

  • Given the importance of the fit between you and your provider, finding the right provider is paramount.

  • You can ask trusted friends and family members. The right therapist for them might not be the right therapist for you. Nevertheless, members of your inner circle know your personality and may know of a provider that would be a good fit.

  • You can ask your primary care doctor or another professional source. These professionals are likely well-connected to the local professional community and generally have experience referring patients to mental health providers. Your primary care doctor can be a vital hub for recommending tried-and-tested specialty professionals.

  • You can check with your insurance company to get a list of covered (i.e., in-network) mental health providers. From this list, you can research the professional’s online reviews, website content, and other information available.

    • The provider’s website content can be critical for determining if they would be a good fit for you. From reading the site, what do you think about what they have to say? Do their approaches and philosophies fit what you need?

  • If you contact a provider who isn’t currently taking new patients, consider asking them:

    • If they have a waiting list

    • If they can recommend another provider

  • Perhaps most importantly, don’t settle. If you meet with a new provider that isn’t the right fit, continue your search. You have to be actively engaged and motivated in therapy. A poor therapeutic fit can derail your engagement and motivation.


What do I do if I’m feeling suicidal or am worried about a loved one taking their life?

  • Michelle does not provide emergency services. If you are experiencing an emergency, use an appropriate option listed below.

  • Seek immediate assistance.

  • You can call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room.

  • Albuquerque residents can also call:

    • AGORA Crisis Center (505) 277-3013

    • Bernalillo County Crisis Line 1-855-NMCRISIS (1-855-662-7474)

    • New Mexico Statewide Crisis Line 1-866-HELP-1-NM (1-866-435-7166)

    • US National Suicide Hotline 1-800-784-2433

    • US National Crisis Hotline 1-800-273-8255

  • You can text:

    • Crisis Text Line by texting “Go” to 741741

First Session
Set up first appt
Who will find out...
Concerns about professional
Support Group
Right fit
Find a good counselor
Crisis

Crosswind Associates

PO Box 52211

Albuquerque, NM 87181

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info@crosswindassociates.com

 

Tel: 505-361-1958

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© 2018 by Crosswind Associates.

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