Fees and sessions

Each Counseling session can take place as a phone call, an email journal or in a chat room.

A typical scenario is for the prospective client to send back the form below noting in as much detail as she needs, what problem brings her to this website. There is no charge for this initial interview and there is no charge for my response.

Once it has been established that the problem at hand is one that is appropriate to this modality, that the client understands the advantages and disadvantages of on line counseling (see disclaimer below) and that the counselor feels she can be of help, the modes of future communication will be established. (Occasionally, if the client lives in a nearby location, I will meet for a face-to-face session).

In most cases, the first session is best held on the phone. After that, the client sends email journals to explore issues that were previously discussed on the phone or in a chat room. (Email journals usually alternate with either chat room sessions or phone calls.) An appointment will be made in advance for all communication; Chat room visits and phone calls or when I should expect to receive an email journal from you. (Appointments will be made at the end of every chat room session or phone call).

There is no charge when I read your email journal. There is a charge of $35 for a substantial email response from me. The length of our phone calls can be 20 minutes, 30 minutes or 45 minutes (fees are $15, $25 and $35 respectively.)
The fee to talk in a chat room for 20 minutes, 30 minutes or 45 minutes are the same as the phone charges.

Fees must be paid in advance by check, money order or by using your credit card through Pay Pal (which is preferred).

My cancellation policy is as follows: We both reserve the right to cancel appointments within 4 hours of a scheduled on-line session in case of illness or emergency. If the situation is not an emergency I would appreciate knowing the problem via email as soon as possible but at least 24 hours before our appointment. We can also exchange phone numbers for cancellations.

Disclosure statement

I understand that phone and email sessions have limitations compared to in-person sessions, among those being the lack of "personal" face-to-face interactions, the lack of visual cues in the counseling process, and the fact that most insurance companies will not cover this type of counseling. I understand that although attempts will be made to secure phone and email sessions there can be no assurance of their security.

I understand that phone/email counseling with Cora Schwartz is not a substitute for medication under the care of a psychiatrist or doctor. I understand that phone sessions and email counseling sessions are not appropriate if I am experiencing a crisis or having suicidal or homicidal thoughts. If a life-threatening crisis should occur, I agree to contact a crisis hotline, call 911, or go to a hospital emergency room.

I understand that privacy will be maintained in counseling with Cora Schwartz except in those situations where confidentiality will be breached if Cora Schwartz determines there is a significant risk of hurting myself or someone else.

By clicking the "I agree to the terms" box, I agree to the above disclosures and will access a free, secure online information form to be sent to Cora Schwartz.

I agree to the terms

Name:

Age:

Phone:

Email:

Address:

Briefly describe why you are interested in this method.

What types of psychotherapy and/or spiritually oriented therapy have you experienced ?

What are the major challenges in your life at the current time?