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The Practice
The purpose of this page is to provide a brief overview of my background and the ethics and procedures under which I practice outpatient psychotherapy. Interim Associates is a professional limited liability company of which Patrick McFarlane is the principal. While there are other professionals who work with Interim as contractors or use this space, they are independent practitioners and do not have a legal role within Interim Associates, PLLC.
 Office hours, scheduling and communications:
Office hours in Ludington are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10-6pm with other hours by appointment. All group sessions are generally on Wednesdays. You may call 231.843.8222 anytime to leave a message. As I am a small solo practitioner, I do not have a staff or receptionist, and thus I will return your call typically within 24 hours. You may also email: patrick@interimcounseling.org regarding scheduling or questions of procedure, realizing of course that this is a less secure way of communication. I will not exchange email regarding clinical issues.
Psychotherapy and Psychological Services: Each session typically lasts 45-50 minutes. The first session, however, is an intake-assessment session, with the secondary but important purpose of becoming acquainted. At the second session, I’ll review your circumstance and with you will develop a treatment and/or referral plan based on your needs.
Appointments, cancellation and no-show policy: I know that time is very valuable, both yours and mine. Due to the nature of this work, at times I may have to address an urgent or emergency matter and may run late. I appreciate your understanding and should such a delay occur, you will still receive your full clinical time. If I am forced to reschedule or miss an appointment, I will work with you to reschedule and, of course, no charges for that session would be incurred. Interim Associates, PLLC policy requires 24 hours notice for a cancellation. There will be a charge for unkept appointments unless there was a serious emergency.
Closure and Termination of Psychotherapy Services: Therapy generally lasts until the treatment goals, determined mutually, are met. Therapy can be focused and short term, or may be more diffuse and long term depending on your goals and issues. Closure, or knowing when to end therapy is fundamentally your decision, though I reserve the right to refuse to treat anyone or to stop therapy in accord with your signed consent form and Interim policy and procedures.
Some insurance companies dictate the lengths or types of treatment they will cover, it is your responsibility to know any limits of your coverage and all costs incurred are your responsibility. There are times when ethics require referrals to tertiary care, and in extreme cases may require the therapist to petition for probate court jurisdiction. I would, of course, discuss with you any such ethical or legal requirements.
 Complete Disclosure
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