Therapeutic Updates and Information
The messages below are intended to provide continued updates regarding therapeutic care with Cedar Creek Counseling during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any information described below, please call 406-595-6478.
5/27/20: Telehealth sessions to continue through Phase Two of re-opening.
Good morning everyone,
Thank you in advance for your time and attention to the matters below:
Tele-health Sessions to continue through Phase Two: The continued re-opening of the federal, state, and local governments brings possible excitement, possible relief, and also feelings of possible trepidation. The current restrictions and mitigatory measures being advised and enforced in public settings may continue to effect the therapeutic process and potentially interfere with other important aspects of therapy. At this time, with these many different variables and factors in mind, it seems more prudent and beneficial to continue tele-health sessions throughout the second phase of re-opening.
By continuing to provide tele-health sessions throughout this second phase of re-opening, I can professionally mitigate many of the variables described above, that would otherwise be outside my control if we were to return to in-person sessions at this time. This decision did not come without much thought and deliberation regarding these important variables and providing you the best therapeutic care possible. I strive to return to providing in-person sessions as soon as possible, while also ensuring a secure, consistent environment where your physical, relational, and mental health is prioritized. Please also know, I continue to monitor and research data, consult with professional organizations, and consult with other professionals regarding this decision and make every effort to keep abreast with the current state of public health and wellness.
Please trust that any questions, concerns, or thoughts you may have regarding this decision will be met with understanding and acceptance. Again, this is a very confusing time and all of us have to make difficult decisions with the information we’ve been given and within our parameters of responsibility. Every day, we continue to face new information with optimism, strength, and resiliency. Whether we are meeting in-person or not, we are all experiencing this ever-changing environment together. Soon enough, I trust we will be standing side-by-side, looking proudly at what we have overcome thus far. Your continued courage to face the unknown, remain grounded, and be present for yourself and loved ones is astounding, awe-inspiring, and profound in more ways than words can describe.
New TherapyPortal Features: Each of you created a TherapyPortal account when you began therapy with Cedar Creek. This TherapyPortal has been updated with important new features. With one set of login credentials, the TherapyPortal now allows you to: Engage in tele-health sessions, view and request any available appointment times 3 weeks in advance, and allows you to view/share/e-sign important therapeutic documents in a secure manner. The TherapyPortal web address is https://www.therapyportal.com/p/cedarcreekcw/. (I highly recommend bookmarking or saving this web address for future reference).
Lastly, I have the ability to once again receive standard text messages (SMS). Please restrict any discussions through SMS to scheduling concerns only, as it is not a secure method of communication. Furthermore, please be advised, SMS texts are unreliable in whether they have been sent or received. Please take this into consideration if making schedule changes or cancellations via text. During business hours, I often respond within 24 hours or less to any text I have received.
Please continue to be well,
Nicolais Cuyle, MS, LCPC
4/27/20: Telehealth Sessions to continue through May 31st.
Good afternoon everyone,
Thank you for your time and attention to the matters below:
Telehealth Sessions to continue through May 31st: With the “re-opening” of state businesses, I feel it remains important to be mindful and vigilant of each one of my client’s and their family’s overall health. Thus far, Telehealth counseling has enabled many clients to continue to receive consistent mental health care, while also maintaining physical health of themselves and their loved ones. Again, my overall hope and desire is to return to in-person sessions when it is most appropriate to do so. Ideally, when in-person sessions re-commence, everyone will be able to engage in therapy with decreased fear and anxiety regarding social spaces. As stated in previous posts the importance of consistency, routine, and structure are very important principles to Cedar Creek Counseling. Therefore, at this time, all therapy sessions will continue to be completed via Telehealth through the month of May. As always, if new information or directives are provided this decision will re-assessed and you will be notified in advance with any changes to this plan. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to address them with me during our next scheduled session.
Please continue to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy. Find time to take care of yourself each day; even if it is only for a few minutes each day. Find areas of peace and engage in activities you find fun and enjoyable. Overall, please know that you are facing a very challenging time with bravery, strength, and fortitude…and know that you are not alone.
Be well,
Nicolais Cuyle, MS, LCPC
4/3/20: Telehealth Sessions to continue through April 30th.
Good afternoon everyone,
Thank you for your time and attention to the matters below:
Telehealth Sessions to continue through April 30th: While my hope and desire is to return to in-person sessions as soon as possible, I recognize the importance of consistency, routine, and structure in moments of uncertainty (especially as it relates to you and your loved one’s schedules). In order to provide as much consistency as possible with your therapeutic care amongst an ever-changing landscape of new information and recommendations regarding preventative public health measures, I will be conducting continued Telehealth sessions through the month of April. Throughout the month of April, I will frequently assess the ability to provide in-person sessions and keep you informed if it is deemed appropriate to return to in-person sessions sooner than the currently projected May 1st timeline. Please know, when that time comes, I will provide you with ample time to assess and coordinate your desire/availability to meet in-person or via Telehealth appointment. Either way, you will have the option of and be able to plan for continued, uninterrupted therapeutic support. As I’m sure you understand, I am unable to provide any guarantees on a set date in returning to in-person sessions. I will continue to make decisions based off governmental and health care professionals recommendations, health forecasts, and in consideration of what is in the best interest of my current client population’s health and safety.
For those who haven’t already done so, I continue to highly recommend checking in with your insurance to make sure Telehealth is covered under your insurance plan. During this time, if you have decided to not engage in Telehealth counseling for your continued care, please give me a call at 406-595-6478 as soon as possible to discuss important details regarding your continued care and support.
Friendly Reminder regarding Reinstatement of Late Cancellations fees: As of Monday, March 30th, 2020, the late cancellation/no-show terms signed at the time of your intake have been fully reinstated. For more information please read the post dated 3/26/20 below.
Again, with the many changing variables we are all facing, it is important to have moments of consistency, routine, and structure. The plan above (to provide Telehealth counseling through April 30th, 2020) is currently being made in order to limit possible concerns or questions regarding scheduling or consistency with Cedar Creek Counseling throughout this month. I recommend finding other areas/moments in your life where you can feel a sense of consistency, routine, and structure. (Even a small sense of consistency, routine or structure in your day/week can go a long way for your wellness). As always, please remember to continue laughing, dancing, watching funny movies, playing games, enjoying the sunshine, taking moments to breathe the fresh air, and staying connected with loved ones in health conscious ways. If you are needing extra support or have questions between sessions, please do not hesitate to reach out. If I am unavailable or away from my phone and you have to leave a message, I will return your call/message within 24 hours during normal business hours (Monday through Friday). If you are in crisis and needing immediate support, please call the HELP Center at 406-586-3333.
Thank you and continue to be well,
Nicolais Cuyle, MS, LCPC
3/26/20: Tele-health sessions & reinstating late-cancellation fees
Good afternoon,
This message is intended to provide updates regarding therapeutic care with Cedar Creek Counseling. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any information described below, please call 406-595-6478.
Telehealth Sessions to continue through April 10th: In order to continue supporting medical professionals, maintain the health/safety of clients and their families, and in accordance with the recent shelter-in-place order issued from Governor Bullock this afternoon, I will be continuing to provide tele-health sessions through April 10th. Many of you have had success with tele-health sessions thus far and we have been able to continue care and progress in treatment. If you have any continued questions or concerns regarding tele-health or would like to set-up tele-health sessions for continued care and support, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 406-595-6478. Importantly, if you haven't already, I highly recommend checking with your insurance provider to make sure tele-health benefits are covered for your specific plan. Throughout the next two weeks, I will continually assess the ability to provide in-person sessions after April 10th and will keep clients and families informed in advance of any changes. Please be aware, at this time, I am unable to provide any guarantees of returning too in-person sessions after April 10th.
Reinstating Late Cancellations fees: Due to the numerous ways to contact Cedar Creek Counseling regarding any cancellations desired/needed and with many clients expressing increasing comfort with their transition to future tele-health sessions, the late cancellation/no-show terms signed at the time of your intake will be fully reinstated on Monday, 3/30/20. Please note: If you, or a family member who needs support, is sick or becomes ill, and therefore unable to make it to your appointment, the late cancellation fee will be waived. I politely request to please call, text, secure message, or email me as soon as possible if you are unable to make your scheduled appointment. If no notice is given regarding your absence from your previously scheduled appointment, the no-show fee will be charged. Likewise, if you late-cancel your appointment and do not specify that you are sick, or supporting someone who is sick, the late-cancellation fee will be charged. If someone is needing to late-cancel their session, I will trust each person to be honest with their reasons for doing so.
There is no doubt that this is a very difficult and uncertain time for all. Please continue to practice being mindful of what is within your personal control and practice discerning what is outside of your ability to control. Be kind and compassionate to yourself throughout this process and continue practicing breathing and grounding exercises. As one day passes we are all one day closer to this being over. As I stated before, please continue to find moments of happiness, fun, and relaxation. If you are needing support or have questions between sessions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
With continued support,
Nicolais Cuyle, MS, LCPC
3/20/20: Tele-health sessions to continue through week of 3/23/20.
Good afternoon!
This is a message to all my clients and their loved ones intended to provide updates regarding future session plans for Cedar Creek Counseling:
Due to the continued concerns surrounding COVID-19, Cedar Creek Counseling will continue conducting secure tele-health sessions through the week of March 23rd. I will be continually assessing the need to continue tele-health sessions throughout next week and will keep all my clients/their families updated as we go. I have either contacted or attempted to contact all of my clients/families via phone call. If you have not already confirmed or cancelled your session for next week, please reach out to me via text, secure message, email, or phone call.
Please note: Unless I hear otherwise from you, I will continue to keep you scheduled at your regularly scheduled time in order for you to have support available. Unless I receive notice of your intent to cancel the session, prior to your session time, all no-show fees will still be applied. If you are needing additional support prior to your scheduled session time, please don't hesitate to reach out, and we can look into the possibility of scheduling an appointment earlier.
Also, as of the date of this post, many insurance companies are expanding benefits to include tele-health sessions. If you haven't already, I highly recommend checking with your insurance provider if they have tele-health benefits available for your plan, or if they have expanded benefits for your specific plan to include tele-health. Again, secure tele-health sessions are super easy to set-up and I'm here to answer any questions, and/or walk you through every step of 2 minute or less setup process.
Please continue to practice individual and relational wellness. Please continue to practice deep-breathing and grounding exercises. Most of all, please continue to find moments of happiness, fun, and relaxation. If you are needing support or have questions between sessions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
With continued support,
Nicolais Cuyle, MS, LCPC
406-595-6478