Preparing for your first visit

People come to counseling for different reasons: some at a moment of crisis, with a need to get things stabilized; others feeling stuck with a long-standing difficulty, with a need to do the work of in-depth understanding and change. Whatever your reason for coming, it may be helpful to make some mental or written notes beforehand: about what's going now, any background you think is relevant, how you've been dealing with it, and what you'd like to be different. If you've done any previous counseling, think about what was helpful and what was not about that experience.

Getting Here

Russell and Jeanine's offices are located at 239 South French Broad Avenue, Asheville, in a light-green two-storied house. (For detailed directions, click here.) Enter by the driveway on the left side of the house, and park behind the house. Our main entrance is the back entrance, off the parking lot.

Making Yourself at Home

As you enter the house, turn left and make yourself comfortable in our waiting room. Adjoining the waiting room is our group room, where you may help yourself to coffee, tea, or water from our hospitality center. There is a restroom for your use between the back door and the waiting room. We do not have a receptionist to greet you. When it is time for your appointment, we will come for you in the waiting room. Please respect the privacy of others in the building by waiting for us there.

Your First Appointment

Many people like to arrive a few minutes early, to allow time to settle in and collect themselves. Your appointment will last fifty minutes. During that time we will be working together to understand what is going on, what is most likely to help, and whether we think I am the best person to help you. You should use your intuition and be honest with yourself about whether you think we are a good fit.

Miscellaneous Logistics

Please complete the following forms and bring them with you to your first appointment. You can download them here, or be in touch with us by phone or email and we'll mail them to you.

Jeanine's Client Information Sheet

Jeanine's HIPAA Information

Jeanine's Professional Disclosure Statement

Russell's Client Information Sheet

Russell's HIPAA Information

Russell's Professional Disclosure Statement

If you want us to file your medical insurance, we can do that for you. Please bring your insurance card, or a copy of it, to your first appointment, and the following information you can get by calling your insurance company:

1. Confirmation that your insurance covers services with Jeanine or Russell
2. The amount of your copay
3. The amount of your annual deductible, the amount of your deductible you have met, the dates of your deductible year
4. The rate at which your insurance reimburses for outpatient individual or couples psychotherapy

We collect payment at each visit. Information about fees is included in our Professional Disclosure Statement. Please come prepared to pay the full fee or, if your insurance company has a different arrangement, the copay. We accept cash, personal checks, and credit or debit cards. If you need financial assistance for counseling, you can apply for subsidy through the Partnership for Pastoral Counseling, for whom we are both approved providers. They offer a sliding fee scale based on household income and household size. You can apply for assistance online at www.ppcwnc.org or by calling 828-275-7279.