How do I start counseling?
Simply contact us and we will do an intake to help determine if Azimuth is a place that can meet your therapeutic needs. You will be contacted after the intake is reviewed and there is a therapist available that best meets your needs. You will then be offered a time for your first appointment and directed to our website and asked to fill out more detailed history forms prior to your first appointment.
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Is Azimuth a Christian Counseling Center?
Azimuth is an organization that was started due to the financial generosity and vision of Essex Alliance Church, a Christian church. Although Azimuth is not a Christian counseling center, it is run by the “Golden Rule”- a biblical principle that is woven into the fabric of our culture.
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Our assessment forms ask if you wish to incorporate a religious belief system or practice into your therapy. We do this because, at Azimuth, we seek to engage the mind, body and soul in the treatment of each individual who engages in counseling. If your response is “yes,” our therapists will do this according to the American Counseling Association (ACA) standards. If you do not desire to do this, your therapist will honor that. Your therapist will disclose that he or she has a faith practice but will not impose this on you. Azimuth therapists give the same high quality mental health care to all who seek our services regardless of their religious beliefs.
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What kind of training does your staff have?
Each of our clinicians has either a Master’s or Doctoral degree in counseling or psychology and is registered by the State of Vermont to practice counseling. Each of our clinicians have specialized advanced training in specific areas. Please review each counselor’s bio for more information regarding their specialized advanced training. Our interns are advanced students enrolled in a graduate program in counseling and are also under the supervision of a licensed therapist.
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What is an NCC?
The term NCC stands for National Certified Counselor and means the therapist has passed the National Counseling Exam (NCE). The purpose of the NCE is to assess knowledge, skills and abilities viewed as important for providing effective counseling services. The NCE is intended to assess cognitive knowledge which should be known by all counselors regardless of their individual professional specialties.
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How does counseling work?
People seek counseling for many different reasons: a crisis, a loss, a major life change, to sort things out to have a happier life, or to improve relationships. Counseling begins with an initial meeting with the therapist to gather information and history in order to develop a plan to meet each individual’s/family’s needs. Counseling may include individual, group and/or family sessions.
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Who do you work with?
We have counselors with specialized training to work with adolescents, adults, individuals, couples, and families.
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How long does it take?
Each session lasts typically up to 60 minutes. Your therapist will establish with you a regular schedule based on your specific need. A person may come to counseling once or twice or may choose to continue counseling until they have met their goals for life improvement. Always discuss this with your therapist.
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Will what I share be kept private?
All of your conversations with the counselor are completely confidential (except where mandated otherwise by law, as in the case of child abuse and/or elder abuse, or imminent danger to yourself or others).
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Do you offer services to teenagers?
Yes. Teenagers are often helped by having individual sessions, participating in a group, or by family therapy.
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Do you work with children 8-13?
Yes, but a parent or guardian must always be available during the session.
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I am in a same sex relationship. What should I expect? How will I be treated at Azimuth?
You will be treated the same as any individual or couple is treated, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
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All individuals and couples will be assessed, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, to see if there is a mental health condition that is able to be treated by the therapist. If your therapist finds there is any therapeutic concern that needs to be addressed by someone with more expertise, you will be informed and offered a referral.
For example, if a heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual individual or couple comes in for counseling a full assessment will be done. If, in the assessment, the therapist determines there is a therapeutic concern that needs treatment by a therapist with more expertise, the therapist will inform the individual or couple and offer to refer them out to a therapist with more expertise in that therapeutic area of concern, just as the clinician would with a heterosexual couple.
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How much does counseling cost?
Each individual session costs $120 which is collected at the time of service. Our groups are typically $45 per session. Most insurances are accepted by our therapists. If your therapist doesn’t, you are encouraged to see if you qualify to use our sliding scale discount.
How do I apply for payment assistance?
Print and complete this Application for Reduced Fee form. Mail or bring to the Azimuth office.
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What agency licenses Professional Counselors?
The practice of both licensed and unlicensed persons in the field of psychotherapy in Vermont is regulated by the Secretary of State office of Professional Regulations. See vtprofessionals.org for details.
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Do you have a Psychiatrist?
Yes. Dr. Gary Keller, our consulting psychiatrist, sees individuals working with an Azimuth therapist.
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What is a Psychiatrist?
A Psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor (M.D.) who has had specialized postgraduate training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders. Psychiatrists are the only mental health professional licensed to prescribe medication. Board-certified psychiatrists have passed national oral and written examinations after completing a residency program in psychiatry.
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Are your tax returns available for public viewing?
Yes. As required by the Internal Revenue Service, Azimuth makes our annual tax returns for the past three years
available to the public. You may download and view the following returns in pdf format:
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Other questions? Don't hesitate to give us a call!