The Oak Bower, LLC
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need help?
At The Oak Bower, therapy involves introspection and growth. The initial session is reserved for information gathering and discussing the concerns that have brought you into therapy, as well as formulating an understanding of biological, social, and psychological factors that may have contributed to your current situation. Additional sessions are geared towards psychoeducation, skill development and tailoring interventions to meet your needs.
Will therapy work?
Therapy typically works. There are many forms of therapy, so it may be the case that a different therapist or treatment method may be a better fit for you than you have experienced in the past. As such, open, honest communication is encouraged, to include providing your therapist with your feedback about how you feel therapy is or is not progressing. Dr. McEachern may feel your needs are a better fit for another provider and can refer to someone more suitable to meet your needs.
Are appointments available in the evenings or on weekends?
No. Dr. McEachern is unable to accommodate evening or weekend appointments at this time. Given these constraints, Dr. McEachern works hard to make herself available during lunch and is willing to reserve space for those needing consistent time slots.
What therapy groups are available?
No groups are available at The Oak Bower at this time. This section will be updated as groups are developed.
Will Dr. McEachern see children and adolescents?
Definitely. Dr. McEachern has a long history of providing treatment services to children, adolescents, young adults, and parents. See the section for more details on her clinical training and service history.
Who will know about my mental health treatment?
In most cases, it is your right to disclose or withhold information regarding your mental health treatment. Confidentiality between a therapist and patient is of paramount importance within the fields of psychology and social work, and are upheld by federal and state laws. Treatment information can be released with your written permission, and it may be the case that your therapist recommends limited disclosures to others (for example, your physician for medication purposes). Exceptions may occur if you are under the age of 18, or if you are an imminent danger to yourself or others. Please see The Oak Bower’s Privacy Policy Link for additional details. Some insurance companies require limited information from the therapist as a condition for payment (such as diagnosis). Of course, this is not a condition for private payment. Dr. McEachern is sensitive to the importance of confidentiality and strongly encourages patients to voice their specific concerns with her. We can work together to clearly define your concerns and develop an ethical plan to address your concerns.
If I am under 18, will you tell my parents everything I say?
No. There are times when confidentiality is limited by law (see The Oak Bower’s Privacy Policy below). Dr. McEachern believes confidentiality is vitally important to the therapist-child/adolescent therapy relationship and works hard to establish this trust with the minor AND their parent(s). In fact, Dr. McEachern encourages the parent(s) to sign an agreement that outlines the limited information a parent will receive, and outlines the confidentiality a minor can expect in The Oak Bower’s Informed Assent (provided below).
If I am under 18, do I have to have my parent’s permission for therapy?
Yes, and no. If you are an emancipated minor, parental permission is not needed. If you are between the ages of 14 and 18, you can consent to treatment without parental permission. However, it is important that you understand that payment may complicate the issue, as your parents may be alerted to your treatment as the primary insurer(s).
What is the difference between a therapist, psychologist and psychiatrist?
The primary difference is in the education, training, and professional responsibilities of these providers. A therapist may have a certificate or a degree (master’s degree, a PhD, or an MD) in a field such as social work, substance abuse, psychology, or counseling. A therapist’s role may be restricted to providing therapy services or engaging in research. A psychologist has a doctoral level education (PhD or a PsyD) in psychology and is trained to provide therapy, conduct research, and provide psychological testing services. With additional education and training, a psychologist can gain prescription privileges within the state of New Mexico. A psychiatrist has education and training in medicine (typically an M.D. or D.O.) as a physician and is trained to provide therapy and prescribe medications.
Dr. McEachern has a PhD in clinical psychology, qualifying her to provide therapy, diagnostic, research, and testing services to patients. She does NOT have prescribing privileges.
Will I have to go to a facility?
No. Given the media representations of mental health and inpatient care facilities, I am not at all surprised so many people voice this fear. No. If it seems an acute stay or residential care may be beneficial for you, we would have that discussion, and it would be your choice.
Will I have to take medications?
No. Dr. McEachern is NOT a prescribing psychologist and cannot prescribe medications. If you are interested in medication management for your symptoms, your primary care physician is likely able to assist. Dr. McEachern can provide you with additional resources, at your request.
What if I don’t like my provider?
First of all, know that this is okay. If you feel safe doing so, it is generally recommended that you speak directly with the provider about your treatment concerns and potential ill fit. Your provider may be able to recommend another practitioner who would be a better fit for you when they understand your concerns and unique needs. If you feel the provider is practicing unethically, illegally, or in violation of your rights, read the next FAQ.
What if I don’t feel my provider is acting ethically, or feel my rights have been violated?
Some group practices have a Patient Advocate designated to assist with guiding you through the proper channels for making a complaint, and tracking provider behaviors within the clinic. This may not be an option with small or private practice providers. Contact with the licensing or regulatory board may be necessary. The specific board to contact will be dependent on the provider’s degree field. For mental health services, they would most likely fall under the New Mexico Board of Counseling and Therapy Practice, the New Mexico Board of Nursing, the New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners, the New Mexico Medical Board, or the New Mexico Board of Psychologist Examiners. In addition to licensing boards, each state is required by federal law to provide a Protection and Advocacy System. The New Mexico Protection and Advocacy System can be contacted at 505-256-3100.
If you feel your privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with:
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US Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights
200 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20201
Ph: 1-877-696-6775
What do I do if I am suicidal?
Call 911 immediately. If you feel safe, you may also present yourself to the nearest Emergency Room. Every ER is equipped to handle this type of emergency.
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Suicide hotlines are also available locally (505-277-3013), nationally (1-800-273-8255), and via text (text “Go” to 741741); however, Dr. McEachern strongly recommends calling 911 or presenting to the nearest emergency room immediately.
What do I do if I’m worried about a loved one committing suicide?
Talk to them, express your care for them and your concern. Suggesting resource options may be helpful, and, if you are earnest in your availability to do so, offer to assist them with initiating care.
How do I convince someone else to get treatment?
You cannot. Convincing or coercing someone to get help is rarely effective and may do more to harm your relationship with them. Dr. McEachern encourages being honest with the person about your care for them, your concerns with them, and in your support helping them. You can reduce the stigma of mental health by offering an ear to listen and helping them through the process of treatment, if they choose to partake.
How do I set up an appointment?
If you are ready to set up an appointment, please call Dr. McEachern at 505-503-1959. I may not be available to take your call right away, but please leave a message with a preferred contact number, and I will call you back as soon as I can to schedule an appointment with you. Sending detailed and personal information via email is not recommended.