FAQs

Frequently asked questions?

What should I expect when I visit for the first time?
During the first couple of sessions, the counselor will primarily listen, review assessments, and ask questions to determine the best course of action. For clients who prefer a process oriented approach, the counselor primarily listens, affirms, and gently directs. For those who prefer a more directive approach, the counselor provides feedback, initiates treatment goals, and provides recommendations for resources and/or homework between sessions.

What kinds of counseling do you offer?
We offer a full range of counseling services including and not limited to: individual, marital, premarital, family counseling. Joe has experience in working with church hurt, depression, anxiety, grief, anger, self-esteem, addictions, and more. He also address a variety of issues that impact marriages and families including: relational conflict, stepfamily life, parenting, and adolescent issues.

Can counseling really help?
Counseling can be a great help many people, but of course, no one can guarantee what it may do for everyone. Research has shown that counseling is generally helpful when clients feel comfortable and safe with his/or her counselor and are ready to make changes in life.

How often will I need to see the counselor?
Your counselor will discuss the frequency and treatment plan that will best meet your needs. Normally each client is seen once a week for a 50 minute session. Occasionally a client’s needs may require more than one session a week, and for other clients, every two weeks is best. In many cases, the presenting issue can be effectively addressed in 4-12 sessions.

What if my counselor and I don’t seem to get along?
The degree to which counseling is helpful is often based on the quality of the client-counselor relationship. Occasionally, there may not be a good fit. If this occurs, we encourage you to communicate your concerns to the counselor to see if the issue can be worked through, or if a referral option would best meet your needs.

Will my name and information be kept in confidence?
Absolutely. All communications with a licensed or professional counselor associate mental health practitioner in the state of Oregon are privileged and may not be disclosed to anyone without your written consent, except as required by law (a list of exceptions is provided in Joe Puentes Counseling’s informed consent document).

How is confidentiality affected in couples or parent/adolescent counseling sessions?
Information revealed in marital counseling is kept confidential and requires the permission of both parties to release. Our Informed Consent Form explains this in great detail. However, we invite you to discuss this with your counselor.

For adolescent counseling, our counselors will meet with parents and/or guardians during the initial session and encourage a collaborative relationship throughout the process. However, in order to maximize the effectiveness of the therapeutic relationship between the counselor and adolescent, some degree of confidentially is helpful (excluding harm, danger, or illegal activity).

What do I do if I need marriage counseling, but my spouse will not come in?
Come by yourself! On many occasions we have seen when one spouse begins to change and make individual improvements, it can lead to the other spouse to become more open to pursuing relational counseling.

Do you accept insurance?
No. Unfortunately, i cannot accept insurance at this time.

What hours is counseling available?
Our office hours are Monday to Thursday from 9:30am. to 5:00pm.

How much does counseling cost?
Our private pay rate is $125 for an individual counseling session and $155 for couples/family counseling session. We also offer a sliding scale based on family size and income level and scholarship availability. Upon qualification, we have hourly rates ranging from $90 per individual counseling session and $115 for couples/family counseling session.

How do I make an appointment?
Please call 541-699-1525 or visit our Client Portal.

Can you prescribe medications?
No. Only physicians can prescribe medications. If you already have a relationship with a physician your counselor will be happy to consult with them in support of your healthcare needs.

What kind of training does your staff have?
Joe has a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and is licensed in the state of Oregon as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Joe is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Find out more about joe’s qualifications here: Client Portal

Do I have to be a Christian to use your services?
No. Joe Puentes Counseling services are available to everyone. Although he is a Christian, he gives all client’s the opportunity to communicate their desire for what role, if any, spirituality will play in the context of counseling. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with your counselor at the initial session.