NCC’s Response to COVID-19
We are living through unusual times.
Our physical, mental, spiritual, and financial health is being tested daily. As a client of The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center (NCC), we want you to know we are walking with you as we all navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to share with you how we can continue to work with you, and what additional resources we are offering. Some details may change as we learn more, but our commitment to you will not waver, no matter what the physical circumstances.
To ensure our staff and clients are safe, we have implemented the following procedures:
– Our therapists are working with clients primarily over phone and/or video appointments. If that is not possible, we are holding in-person counseling sessions on a limited basis. Please do not come into the office if you have had flu-like symptoms in the last 24 hours.
– If you do come into the office, we are requiring all staff, clients, and visitors to wear cloth face coverings in public areas of the office and where social distancing is more challenging. Additionally, we strongly encourage clients to use face shields during session as well. If you don’t have a mask or a face shield, we’ll give you one to keep!
– If you (or a child) require something special and high-touch for therapy, like a stuffed animal or crayons, please bring your own from home and take it with you when you leave.
– There are many tele-therapy options available. Talk with your therapist and decide which method and tool works best for you. Beyond the telephone, we can use Google Hangouts and Zoom for video therapy.
– We are regularly sanitizing our office spaces, including the lobby, therapist couches, doorknobs, and keys.
– We have expanded our waiting room to increase physical distance by creating a second waiting area in our office suite to allow everyone to stay six feet apart.
– All magazines, books, and toys have been removed from the waiting rooms. Please bring something of your own to read or occupy your (or your child’s) time. If you pick up a pamphlet or newsletter to read from the rack, please take it with you.
– We’ve removed candy, tea, sugar, and cups (both tea and water) from public areas. If you would like something, please ask a staff member.
– Staff are regularly washing their hands, and hand sanitizer is available throughout the office. Clients are encouraged to utilize the hand sanitizer and regularly wash their hands while in our office.
NCC is following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Oregon state guidance about offering more in-person care. NCC has detailed plans for increased disinfection in office spaces, social distancing in therapy offices and waiting areas, and the requirement that all clients, staff, and visitors wear face coverings. We will update our website as plans are implemented.
If you don’t come into the office, you can pay your fee by phone at 503-253-0964 or on our website. We use PayPal to securely process payments, but you don’t need to have a PayPal account to do that; you can check out as Guest. Your therapist can also process a payment for you over the phone. And the old-fashioned way works too – mail a check to 8383 NE Sandy Blvd. Set #205, Portland, OR 97220.
If you have been laid off from your job, lost hours, or are experiencing financial difficulties, please don’t hesitate to talk with your therapist. We will work with you so you can continue therapy.
The following messages have been sent to constituents as part of our organizational response:
- English: March 13, 2020 Communication with Clients
- Spanish: March 13, 2020 Communication with Clients
- English: March 30, 2020 Communication with Supporters
- English: May 7, 2020 Communication with Clients
- English: May 7, 2020 Communication with Supporters
- Spanish: June 4, 2020 Communication with Clients
When a crisis hits, it can make things harder and overwhelming. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and feelings of distress are common impacts and normal responses in times like these, when we are enduring the COVID-19 pandemic. Brief support can make a huge difference in having someone help you navigate through intense feelings and stressors. NCC offers such support with Short-term Crisis Counseling. This counseling is designed as an immediate and limited (4-8 sessions) form of care to support stabilization, coping skills, and relief. There is an option to continue longer, if you choose.
NCC can bill most insurance companies and we offer a sliding scale fee that is designed to meet all financial situations whether high deductibles/copays or no insurance. We believe professional mental health care is a right and not a privilege.
Call 503-253-0964 to get the process started.
The need for financial support for mental health care is greater now more than ever.
If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation to help us continue our services to anyone in need, please use the “donate” button below. We appreciate your support.
