Client/Center Agreement

About our mental health/counseling services:

Thank you for coming; we are happy you are here. This office is a safe, confidential space to communicate your concerns about your mental health, relationships, families, sexual orientation, gender identity, stress, work, grief, or whatever else comes to mind.

Code of Conduct for community members:

• We do ask you to please be respectful and mindful of other clients/community members during your visit here. This includes but is not limited to: limiting the use of curse words, using appropriate pronouns and names for everyone, and being mindful of volume in the office area.

• We expect and ask you to keep confidentiality of other clients and support workshop members, because not everyone openly expresses their authentic self outside of the Annex office and Center.

• We further ask that you communicate with your assigned counseling staff member if you have any concerns or questions about your personal experience during your visit.

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* Reducing Isolation through Support and Empowerment (RISE) program:

● We provide counseling, support workshops, and therapy groups to empower the diverse members of the LGBTQ+ clients, families, and allies to achieve mental health, wellness, education, and personal goals.

● Our services are meant to help you reach goals and improve your overall satisfaction with your life. We will encourage you to find techniques that you can use to live your best life long after you have ended sessions with our counselors.

● Our counselors are employees of the Center or are clinical staff employed with Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. Counseling services are not clinical therapy, and may be unable to meet all of your needs. Our counseling staff utilizes non-clinical techniques and cannot diagnose, provide medical interventions, letters or referrals for certain types of therapy or services. We will be happy to help you locate resources that can provide these services. Type initials to acknowledge.

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* ● Our interns are students who are under the supervision of an off-site, licensed therapist. They are able to give guidance on personal, social, or psychological concerns. Type initials to acknowledge.

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* ● Our Associates, Licensed Interns, and Licensed Social Workers/Therapists have earned a master’s degree or higher, are registered under the Board of Behavioral Health and are able to diagnose, treat, and provide clinical interventions. Our Associates and Licensed interns are supervised by a Licensed therapist or a Licensed Social Worker who is contracted with The Center. Our Licensed Therapists are employed either privately or with Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. Associates, Licensed Interns, and Licensed Social Workers/Therapists are able to diagnose, treat, and provide clinical interventions and treatment. Type initials to acknowledge.

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* ● All Pre-Licensed staff are under the supervision of a Licensed Professional, in accordance to Board of Behavioral Sciences and/or the related governing board. Pre-Licensed staff are to disclose at the onset of services of their pre-licensed status, clinical supervisor’s name and contact information. Type initials to acknowledge.

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* ●      Our goal is to give each client the best care possible according to their individual circumstances and needs. To meet that goal, we will refer you to an appropriate LGBTQ+ affirming clinical care organization when it is warranted. We will support you in advocating for your needs and concerns with that clinical care organization, and you will be welcome to continue your counseling at the Center while receiving clinical care.

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