8 Things to Consider When Scheduling Your First Counseling Appointment

When scheduling their first counseling appointment, firefighters may want to consider the following things:

1. Confidentiality:
   Ensure that the counseling service you choose maintains strict confidentiality. Firefighters may have concerns about privacy and the potential impact on their career, so it's important to find a counselor who adheres to professional confidentiality guidelines. At Elbow Tree Cooperative, every clinician is deeply committed to maintaining the strictest of confidentiality. This is specifically addressed through the intake documentation you complete and sign. Confidentiality and the Limitations of Confidentiality are both discussed immediately within the first few minutes of your first counseling appointment before a client shares any specifics of their current situation. {Florida Statute concerning limitations of confidentiality}.
   
   Bottom line, with the exception of certain limitations of confidentiality, no one will ever know you are seeking counseling services unless you tell them. That would only be your right to share it, but most certainly not ours unless you specifically have signed a Release of Information requesting that we speak with someone on your behalf. . 
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2. Specialization:
   Look for a counselor who has experience or specialization in working with first responders or individuals in high-stress occupations. They will likely have a better understanding of the unique challenges faced by firefighters and can provide more targeted support.
   
   Every Elbow Tree clinician is committed to deepening and strengthening their professional cultural competency working with fire rescue personnel. On August 17-19, 2023, our team of Elbow Tree clinicians (along with others from around the region) will be attending the Florida Firefighter Health and Safety Collaborative's "Cultural Competency for Clinicians" 2-day training event in St. Augustine, Florida. This event is held in partnership with UCF Restore's director, Dr. Deborah Beidel. 100% of our 16 clinical team members are trained in EMDR which is an evidence based modality of therapy specifically designed to help individuals recover from trauma and distress .  
   
   
3. Availability:
   Consider the counselor's availability and whether their schedule aligns with yours. Firefighters often work irregular hours, so finding a counselor who can accommodate your shift schedule is crucial.  
   
   THE ELBOW TREE PROCESS:
   
   STEP 1: 
   When you make first contact with Elbow Tree, you will want to first call our 24/7 Live Operator (904.877.4750) who will gather the necessary information for helping you get linked to an Elbow Tree clinician. They will confidentially pass along your information to our "New Client Coordinator". 
   
   STEP 2: 
   Our "New Client Coordinator" will work behind the scenes to help get you linked with an Elbow Tree clinician. In some instances, the "New Client Coordinator" will reach back out to you directly to clarify some information if they have additional questions to explore how to best get you linked up with an Elbow Tree counselor who might best can serve your needs.
   
   STEP 3:
   You will be matched with a specific counselor who will reach back out to you to get you scheduled. Every counselor, will make contact with you within 24 hours of receiving the initial message from the "New Client Coordinator." 
   
   BOTTOM LINE: 
   Our goal is to get you scheduled for an appointment and seated in our offices within 7-10 days from the time we receive your initial inquiry. NOTE: If you ever experience any issue or delay in getting an appointment scheduled, we want to know.
   
   You are not only welcome but encouraged to contact Hayne Steen directly at 904.290.6822. Hayne will personally reach back out to you to help streamline the process, should that ever be needed. 
   
   
4. Location:
   Choose a counseling service that is convenient and accessible for you. Consider the distance from your workplace or home, transportation options, and any potential travel time constraints.
   
   Elbow Tree has three locations; St. Augustine, Jacksonville Beach, and Mandarin. Not every Elbow Tree counselor sees clients in every location. If location is most important to you, then we will do our very best to help link you with a counselor in that specific location. 
   
   
5. Cost of Services: 
   Every SJCFR personnel member is eligible to confidentially access counseling services at no cost to the employee. 100% of your individual counseling OR couples counseling sessions are paid for through the contracted partnership between SJCFR and Elbow Tree. In order for counseling services to be covered, the qualifier for eligibility is "the fire rescue personnel member must be in the room." Children and individual spouses/partners of fire rescue personnel are not eligible to have the cost of individual counseling services to be covered under the current contract. They are welcome to access services at Elbow Tree, but those would need to be covered out of pocket (cash, check, credit/debit/HSA card) as Elbow Tree clinicians are not paneled with any insurance companies.. 
   
   
6. Peer Support:
   Inquire if there are any peer support programs specifically tailored to firefighters within your organization. Sometimes, these programs offer specialized support and understand the unique challenges firefighters face.
   
   Elbow Tree works closely with peers in St. Johns County and communicate regularly with the Chaplain to explore opportunities for further debriefs of local critical incidents. 
   
   
7. Trust and Connection:
   It's important to feel comfortable and have a good rapport with your counselor. Trust and connection are crucial for a successful counseling relationship, so consider scheduling an initial consultation or phone call to assess whether you feel at ease with the counselor.
   
   Each Elbow Tree counselor avails themselves to provide these kinds of professional consults prior to your first session. Do not hesitate to ask for this but most likely every counselor will initiate this as a part of their intake process. 
   
   
8. Emergency Procedures:
   Discuss with the counselor their emergency procedures or protocols in case of a crisis or urgent situation. It's important to know what support is available during critical times.
   
   

Remember, seeking counseling is a courageous step towards prioritizing your mental health and well-being. Take the time to find a counselor who meets your specific needs and can provide the support you require as a firefighter. We look forward to serving you at Elbow Tree. 

Don't ever hesitate to reach out to directly Hayne Steen at hayne@elbowtreecooperative.com.