FAQ
一般來說，法律規定並且保護個案在諮商室內所談的所有內容。在沒有您的書面同意下，諮商師不會和任何人討論您在諮商室內討論的任何內容。然而，以下有幾項例外請您必須注意：
- 如果您和諮商師表達您會傷害自己或是傷害他人，或是無法照顧自己
- 如果您所談的內容中有關於對兒童、發展障礙患者或是老年人的虐待或是忽略，不管是發生在過去或是現在正在進行中
- 法院在相關文書內有明文規定必須和法院討論與回報治療過程
Generally speaking, the law mandates and protects the confidentiality of everything discussed within the counseling room. Without your written consent, the counselor will not discuss any content of your sessions with anyone. However, there are a few exceptions to be aware of:
- If you express to the counselor that you intend to harm yourself or others, or are unable to take care of yourself.
- If the content of your discussions involves abuse or neglect of children, individuals with developmental disabilities, or the elderly, whether it occurred in the past or is ongoing.
- If a court order explicitly requires discussing and reporting the therapy process to the court.
請您至 Contact 傳送訊息或者email: emilychumft@gmail.com預約初次諮商會談時間。因為工作繁忙，不接受免費電話諮詢，請您來信詳述您的來談議題。Emily 會依照您的需求，於1~2天內聯絡您，並且提供可晤談的時間。
Please send a message through Contact or email emilychumft@gmail.com to schedule your initial counseling session. Due to a busy schedule, free phone consultations are not available. Please detail your counseling issues in your email. Emily will contact you within 1-2 days based on your needs and provide available appointment times.
諮商的長短和以下幾個要點有關聯性：來談的議題、議題的嚴重性、您的諮商動機。 Emily 大多數的諮商客戶的諮商時間大約在 3-4 個月左右，進行一週一次的晤談。之後，您可以選擇降低諮商的頻率（比如說兩週一次或是一個月一次）直到諮商師與客戶兩方共同決定結束諮商。
假設您最近有一個非常特殊的議題需要尋求 Emily 的心理諮商服務，Emily 可以為您設定一個具體並且有建設性的諮商計畫，在有限的晤談次數內完成諮商目標。假設您的人生中有一個長期的議題一直困擾著您生活中的各個層面，那麼長期的諮商可能就是必要的了。
The duration of counseling is related to several key factors: the issues brought up for discussion, the severity of these issues, and your motivation for counseling. Most of Emily’s counseling clients typically undergo counseling for about 3-4 months, with weekly sessions. Afterwards, you may choose to reduce the frequency of counseling sessions (for example, once every two weeks or once a month) until both the therapist and client mutually decide to conclude counseling.
If you have a very specific issue that requires Emily’s counseling services, she can set up a concrete and constructive counseling plan to achieve your goals within a limited number of sessions. If there is a long-term issue that has been affecting various aspects of your life, then long-term counseling may be necessary.
「無驚喜法案」下的「誠信估算權利」
根據公共衛生服務法第2799B-6節，醫療提供者和醫療設施必須口頭和書面通知那些沒有加入計劃或保險、不參與聯邦醫療保健計劃，或者不打算向他們的計劃或保險提出索賠的個人，在安排醫療項目和服務時，他們有權根據要求或在安排時獲得預期收費的“誠信估算”。
您有權獲得一份“誠信估算”，解釋您的醫療護理將花費多少。
根據法律，醫療提供者需要給那些沒有保險或不使用保險的患者一份醫療項目和服務費用的估算。
您有權獲得非緊急項目或服務總預期成本的誠信估算。這包括醫療測試、處方藥物、設備和醫院費用等相關成本。
請確保您的醫療提供者在醫療服務或項目前至少1個工作日以書面形式給您一份誠信估算。您也可以在安排項目或服務前向您的醫療提供者，以及您選擇的任何其他提供者要求一份誠信估算。
如果您收到的賬單比您的誠信估算至少高出400美元，您可以對賬單提出異議。
請確保保存您的誠信估算副本或照片。有關您獲得誠信估算權利的問題或更多信息，請查詢 www.cms.gov/nosurprises。
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises
- What is my deductible for seeing an out-of-network behavioral health provider?
- After meeting my deductible, what percentage of the cost does my insurance cover for out-of-network therapy sessions?
- How many therapy sessions am I allowed per calendar year?
- What is my deductible for seeing an out-of-network behavioral health provider?
- After meeting my deductible, what percentage of the cost does my insurance cover for out-of-network therapy sessions?
- How many therapy sessions am I allowed per calendar year?
如果您居住在矽谷以外地區，我提供Zoom或Skype的一對一諮詢/教練服務。
諮詢/教練(Consulting/Coaching)與心理治療(Counseling/Psychotherapy)工作不同，我不處理像憂鬱症、焦慮症等等這類的精神健康問題。
諮詢服務可以幫助您對於處理特定問題或建立具體的行動計劃。
諮詢服務可以是短期的、長期的或持續直到目標達成。諮詢中我們會處理特定問題或者一起建立具體的實行計劃，以協助您達成目標。一般來說，客戶會針對以下的問題進行諮詢：
- 夫妻與伴侶議題
- 親職教養議題
- 克服親密關係障礙
- 家庭關係議題
- 人生目標
- 職業發展
If you reside outside the Silicon Valley area, I offer one-on-one consultation/coaching services via Zoom or Skype.
Consultation/Coaching services are different from Counseling/Psychotherapy, and I do not handle mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
Consultation services can assist you in addressing specific problems or in developing concrete action plans.
Consultation can be short-term, long-term, or continue until your goals are achieved. During the consultation, we will deal with specific issues or together develop concrete implementation plans to help you reach your objectives. Typically, clients seek consultation for issues related to:
- Couples issues
- Parenting Guidance
- Overcoming Intimate Relationship Obstacles
- Family Relationship Issues
- Life Goals
- Career Development
『心理諮商所』是心理諮商師或是婚姻與家庭治療師 (Marriage and Family Therapist, Psychologists, or mental health counselors) 的開業場所，以會談或是遊戲治療等方式來服務，主要是處理人際關係、生活壓力調解、增加適應技巧、情緒困擾、心理創傷等個人或是家庭的問題。
醫院的精神科和一般的身心科，主要是由精神科醫師（Psychatrist）開立，或是仿間獨立職業的稱為『身心診所』，他們以開立處方簽、提供藥物的方式給看診病患為主，處理病人因心理或其他因素而導致的生理病症。
簡言之，前者是心理師開業，以會談為主，不開藥; 後者是精神科醫師，以開藥為主。
A “Psychological Counseling Center” is a practice established by Marriage and Family Therapists, Psychologists, or mental health counselors. They provide services through counseling or play therapy, mainly focusing on interpersonal relationships, life stress mediation, enhancing adaptability skills, emotional distress, psychological trauma, and other individual or family issues.
Hospital psychiatric departments and private psychiatric clinics are primarily established by Psychiatrists (MD). Their main approach is prescribing medication to patients, dealing with physiological diseases caused by psychological or other factors.
In summary, the former is operated by mental health professionals focusing on counseling without prescribing medication, while the latter is managed by psychiatrists, focusing primarily on medication.
有些華人會認為，心理疾病治不好是因為藥物沒有效，所以需要換醫生去改不同的藥來吃，其實，許多有心理疾病的患者，除了遵照醫囑按時看診與服藥之外，可以藉由心理諮商師的協助獲得心理上的支持，同時有人可以傾聽、陪伴，並且還可以同時進行策略性的處理。
許多臨床研究都顯示，心理疾病在藥物與諮商同步進行下，比單獨的藥物治療更為有效。
Some Taiwanese/Chinese people might think that if a mental illness isn’t improving, it’s because the medication isn’t effective, and therefore, they need to change doctors to try different medications. In reality, many patients with mental illness, in addition to following medical advice and taking prescribed medication, can benefit from the psychological support provided by psychotherapists. They offer someone to listen and accompany them, as well as to implement strategic interventions.
Numerous clinical studies have shown that the treatment of mental illnesses is more effective when medication is combined with counseling, compared to medication alone.
華人文化是一個『集體文化』的社會，很在乎群眾，深怕自己和周圍的人不一樣，怕丟臉，在乎自己還有家人的『面子』，所以即使有一些困擾或是問題，總是關起門來試圖自己解決，或是找家人朋友解決，鮮少向外求助。也是因為這樣的因素，造成沒有好好處理的問題越趨嚴重，影響個人身心健康、家庭生活與工作。
輔導與諮商服務有時候會被污名化就是因為上述原因。其實心理健康和身體健康一樣重要，就像我們平常感冒時會去醫院看醫生吃藥一樣，當我們覺得心理不舒服的感覺持續了很長一段時間卻不見好轉，這就是一個很好的時間點去尋求心理諮商。
許多人以為接受心理諮商的人，就是有問題的人或是都是患有精神疾病的人。其實不然，在我們的人生中，從小到大或多或少都會遇到一些生活上的壓力或是心理困擾，尤其是華人移民在適應美國文化上，總是會遇到一段比較艱辛的過程。有的人自己解決，但也有人無法自行解決，遇到的問題也不好向家人朋友啟齒（或是親近的家人朋友在海外，很難理解我們在美國所經歷到的問題），這時就得求助專業人員，透過諮商來獲得舒緩。
每一位踏入諮商室求助的當事人都很勇敢，因為要打破這些既定的刻板印象不容易。所以諮商師對於願意進入諮商的每一位當事人往往都會熱烈歡迎他/她的出現。有時候想想：是問題獲得解決重要？還是面子重要呢？此外，許多人過度擔心有人會看見自己去求助，其實絕大多數的諮商診所的出入口都很單一且隱密，個案都是依約定時間前來，並不會像是大醫院看病一樣。運用專業諮商來解決心理困擾、心理壓力、適應問題、是現代人很自然且常用的方式。
Chinese culture is a “collectivist” society, where there is a strong concern for what others think, and a fear of being different or losing face. This extends to caring about one’s own and family’s “face” or reputation. Therefore, even when facing troubles or problems, people often try to solve them privately or with the help of family and friends, rarely seeking external help. This tendency can lead to unresolved issues becoming more serious, affecting personal well-being, family life, and work.
Counseling and therapy services are sometimes stigmatized for these reasons. In reality, mental health is as important as physical health. Just like we visit a doctor and take medication when we have a cold, it is a good time to seek psychological counseling when we feel persistently mentally uncomfortable without improvement.
Many people think that those who receive psychological counseling are problematic or mentally ill. However, in our lives, we all encounter various forms of stress and psychological troubles, especially for Taiwanese/Chinese immigrants adapting to American culture, which can be a challenging process. Some people resolve these issues on their own, but others cannot and may find it difficult to discuss them with family and friends (or those close to them might be overseas and unable to understand the issues faced in the US). In such cases, professional help is sought through counseling for relief.
Every person who steps into a counseling room for help is brave, as breaking these stereotypes is not easy. Therefore, counselors often warmly welcome each client willing to seek counseling. Sometimes it’s worth considering: what’s more important, solving the problem or saving face? Additionally, many people worry excessively about being seen seeking help, but in reality, most counseling clinics have discreet, single entrances, and clients visit by appointment, unlike large hospitals. Utilizing professional counseling to resolve psychological distress, stress, and adaptation issues is a natural and common approach in modern times.
許多人會混淆諮商和聊天，其實，雖然諮商和聊天都是透過口述的方式陳述自己的狀況，對談過程中也都可以達到初級的同理效果，但其實諮商是不等同於聊天的。
Emily 在晤談的過程中，會用客觀的角度來協助來談者進行探索和澄清，以了解問題的狀況。在無條件接納的前提底下，來談者能夠感受到自己是真正被接受與了解的。除了對話諮商之外，Emily 也會運用其他的媒介來幫助來談者探索與處理內在的問題或是練習正向的伴侶溝通，例如：內在對話、角色扮演、象徵物件、伴侶對話練習等等，不管是用何種方式，都是經過很長的專業訓練才能做的工作，所以和一般的聊天是不能等同視之的。
聊天與諮商對大的差異在於，前者是以情感支持與交換心得為主，而後者則是以來談者帶來的議題為主，是有目標還有方向的去進行諮商。
During counseling sessions, Emily assists clients from an objective perspective to explore and clarify their issues, helping them understand their situations better. Under the premise of unconditional acceptance, clients can feel genuinely accepted and understood. Beyond dialogue-based counseling, Emily also employs various mediums to aid clients in exploring and addressing internal problems or practicing positive partner communication, such as internal dialogues, role-playing, symbolic objects, and partner communication exercises. Regardless of the method used, all these require extensive professional training and thus are not equivalent to ordinary chatting.
The key difference between chatting and counseling is their focus. Chatting primarily revolves around emotional support and the exchange of experiences, while counseling is centered around the client’s issues, being goal-oriented and directional in approach.
傳統的諮商皆在諮商診所內或是線上工作，理由是為了要讓當事人有安全的感受，而固定的會面也同時會讓當事人感到安穩。但其實心理諮商師並不一定只限於在諮商室內工作，心理諮商師也可以到需要他/她的地方工作，比如說：學校、醫院、機構、甚或是家庭，像是有些行動不便、有障礙、或是課業繁重的兒童或是青少年，都可以由諮商師到府去做諮商輔導的服務，如同以前的醫師出診一樣。
到府的諮商服務可以讓 Emily 更了解家庭內各成員的互動，還有實際觀察家庭成員的互動問題來進行建議或是指導(coaching)，因為在令人安心的場所 – 家中進行諮商，有時候這樣的諮商效果會比在諮商室內的效果更好更顯著。
如果您住在矽谷南灣地區，請向Emily詢問是否還有位子接受到府服務，每英里會收取$1美金的交通費。費用為：$260/小時, $345/初次90分鐘會談。
Traditional counseling is usually conducted within counseling clinics or online, as it is meant to provide a sense of safety and stability to the client through regular meetings. However, psychotherapists are not limited to working only within counseling rooms. They can also work in places where they are needed, such as schools, hospitals, institutions, or even homes. For instance, counseling services can be provided at home for children or teenagers who are immobile, disabled, or heavily burdened by schoolwork.
Home visit counseling services allow Emily to better understand the interactions among family members and observe interactional issues for providing suggestions or coaching. Counseling in the comfort of one’s own home – a reassuring space – can sometimes be more effective and impactful than in a counseling office.
If you live in the Silicon Valley South Bay area and are interested in home visit services, please inquire with Emily about availability. A transportation fee of $1 per mile will be charged. The therapy fees are: $260 per hour, $345 for the initial session/90 mins.
加州婚姻與家庭治療師皆有碩士以上學歷，平均花費2-4年完成學習，學習過程中會接受系統的課程訓練（內容包含人類發展、諮商倫理、諮商理論、諮商技術與實務、兒童與青少年諮商、婚姻與家庭諮商、團體諮商、心理測驗與評鑑、精神藥物藥理學、精神疾病診斷、家庭暴力等等）。修業過程中，包含了一年的兼職實習經驗，依據個諮商師的個人專業興趣，會選擇在當地不同的機構接受實習（如診所、醫院、社區心理諮商中心、或是學校諮商中心、菸毒勒戒所等等）。
完成研究所的課程以後，每位婚姻與家庭治療師 (Associate Marriage and Family Therapist )會進入相關機構工作，而該機構會有合格治療師擔任督導，給予尚未考照婚姻與家庭治療師專業指導。當尚未考照的婚姻治療師完成3000小時的臨床工作時數，並通過加州行為科學署 (California Board of Behavioral Sciences) 的考試，方可成為持照婚姻與家庭治療師。每位持照婚姻與家庭治療師有義務定期接受訓練並且和加州行為科學署更新自己的執照。
California Marriage and Family Therapists have a master’s degree or higher, with an average of 2-4 years to complete their education. The learning process involves systematic course training, covering topics such as human development, counseling ethics, counseling theories, counseling techniques and practice, child and adolescent counseling, marriage and family counseling, group counseling, psychological testing and evaluation, psychopharmacology, psychiatric diagnosis, domestic violence, and more. During their studies, they undergo a year of part-time internship experience, choosing to intern at different local institutions (such as clinics, hospitals, community psychological counseling centers, school counseling centers, drug rehabilitation centers, etc.) based on their professional interests.
After completing their graduate studies, each Associate Marriage and Family Therapist enters related institutions for work, where qualified therapists act as supervisors, providing professional guidance to unlicensed marriage and family therapists. When an unlicensed marriage therapist completes 3000 hours of clinical work and passes the exam by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, they become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Every licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is obligated to receive regular training and update their license with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
