Collaboration
I work with individuals, couples and families.  At times, it may be important to connect with someone outside the family.  The collaboration of all involved can improve the effectiveness of counseling.  If it does seem important to connect with others outside the family, a release of authorization of information has to be signed before I can speak with any person or organization.  If you don't want me to talk with anyone else, I won't.  What you say goes!

In-Home Option
Working with families, it can be difficult to really know the family without being in the environment they live in.  I believe it is important to truly understand what each family member goes through by experiencing a session in the home.  Consequently, I offer an option to do sessions in-home.  Drive time is included in the cost per session.  There is no need to run around, get everyone together and leave the house.  I will come to you!

Confidentiality
Any information revealed during therapy will be kept strictly confidential.  This information will not be revealed to any other person or agency without written permission, with certain limitations.  When teens are seen with out their parents, I prefer that most information be kept between the counselor and the teen.  However, the parent has the right to the information.  My preference is to guide the teen to tell the parent on their own.  It is my hope to improve the trust and connection so this information is safe and free to discuss as a family. Releases of information require the written approval of every consenting member who was present during counseling.

Limits to Confidentiality
There are certain situations that counselors are required by law to reveal confidential information.  These situations include:
1. An immediate threat of harm to yourself, the threat of you harming others or if you 
    require appropriate emergency psychiatric care.
2. Any physical abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse of children or vulnerable adults in the past
    three years.
3. Use of excessive alcohol or any illegal drug for non-medical purpose during a pregnancy.
4. Any sexual exploitation by health care professionals.
5. If State or Federal law authorizes the release of your records

Cancelled, Missed or Late Appointments
I require a 24 hour cancellation notice for any scheduled appointments, except in the case of a verifiable emergency.  Appointments canceled less than 24 hours prior to the appointment will be assessed a $50 cancellation fee, due before the next appointment.  Missed appointments or "no shows" for a scheduled appointment will result in full-session charge, due before the next appointment.  Client who are late to scheduled appointments will be charged the full-session fee. 

I am very understanding and know that life can change quite frequently.  Just let me know in time so I can adjust as well!

All client information and policies are outlined in detailed in the Informed Consent packet provided for new clients.

Counselor, Heidi Waldoch, MA, LMFT
As an "in-home" counselor for four years, I have experience working with individuals, teens, children, couples and parents.  I work with many different populations and enjoy what I do.  I have seen that not all individuals in the family are interested in coming to counseling.  I learned to work with the most difficult in the family first to make sure we can get somewhere.  Otherwise we could just keep going in circles!  I want to do my best for therapy to be effective for everyone involved. 

Through my experience, I noticed the struggle between parents and teens.  They both think they are right!  What I realized is that usually they are.  Both speak in different languages and it becomes more and more difficult to keep the connection.  I truly feel the connection between teens and their parents is important for continued family functioning.  If this bridge can be stronger, life is so much more fun!  Many teens won't admit it, but they love to be with their parents when that time is quality time. 

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  I obtained my Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary's University of Minnesota and my Master's in Counseling Psychology from Bethel University.  My Bachelor's is in Entrepreneurship and I worked as a Branch Manager at a bank.  I believe my business background has allowed me a different perspective in the counseling field.  I understand many people don't want to go to a counselor.  I blend my professional experiences together to help each client to meet the goals they come in to meet.