Becoming Client

Becoming A Client

Michael is a private practitioner who works as a part of the group practice of Carroll Counseling Center – Severna Park Clinic (formerly, Bay Area Behavioral Health).  Michael sees children, adolescents, adults, and seniors (4½ and older) and provides individual psychotherapy for adult clients and individual psychotherapy and/or family therapy sessions for children and adolescents (see About > Brief Biography).

With the onset of the pandemic, teletherapy sessions have become a part of the mental health landscape. At present, Michael provides all services through HIPPA-Compliant Teletherapy Service (Doxy.Me) though hopes to offer in-person between October 2021 and January 2022. (See Teletherapy).

How To Schedule The Initial Intake Session

It is not a difficult process to become a client. It begins by contacting our clinic office phone number and leaving a message for our intake coordinator.  Generally speaking, the clinic intake coordinator will reach out to prospective clients within 24-48 hours.  It is important to understand that the Carroll Counseling Center – Severna Park Clinic is not an emergency clinic and does not have walk-in services.  In addition, Michael is typically booked with clients so he cannot take unscheduled walk-in clients. With that said, clients are welcome to call ahead to see when he had an available appointment which may turn-out to be the same day. In addition, clients are welcome to visit the clinic for business matters such as to make payment, pick-up paperwork, and other office-related matters.

If a client is having a psychiatric emergency or is in crisis, please use the following links: Crisis Resources or Emergency Services.

Missing An Initial Intake Session

It is essential that a new or returning client attend their intake session as it demonstrates their commitment to treatment and normally is not subject to a no show fee.  In order to reschedule after missing an their initial intake a client must demonstrate an emergency situation that prevented their attendance (e.g., life-or-death emergency, sudden illness documented by physician’s note, etc.,). Otherwise, Michael will not to see such a perspective client.

Returning Clients

When clients complete their treatment, are discharged, or stop attending treatment for more than 90-days, the client’s case will be closed.  Consequently, a returning client will need to be readmitted for treatment which means the client will need complete all of the new client paperwork again even when their concerns are a continuation of their previous treatment.