Welcome to my psychotherapy and counseling practice.
My desire is to bring out the best in you.
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My supportive approach and proven techniques will help you reduce stress, resolve conflicts, develop confidence, and change your life.
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Whether this is your first time seeking a therapist or you are returning, in my practice you can discuss issues openly and we'll work together to achieve your goals.
LOCATION
CLIENT FORMS
Please download and bring completed copy of Disclosure-Intake Form to first appointment.
INSURANCE
FEES
SERVICES OFFERED
PSYCHOTHERAPY is based on medical necessity; it is for clients who need treatment for diagnosable mental health conditions. An example is any combination of the following: a previous or existing mental health diagnosis, current psychotropic medication, and history of suicidality would all be considered medical necessity.
COUNSELING is a process of healing and change not based on medical necessity; it encompasses my years of clinical psychotherapy practice experience combined with coaching techniques. Because counseling can’t be billed to insurance it is completely confidential.
WHO DO I TREAT?
My areas of specialty include:
ADULTS • COUPLES • FAMILIES
Please note: I offer professional services for the primary purpose of counseling and psychotherapy, not for the primary purpose of preparing for litigation. If you are seeking services for preparation of litigation or other legal action, I can help you find a referral to a forensic expert. I do not normally serve as an expert witness, however, for those cases I do choose to participate in, my fee for appearing as an expert witness at trial is $350 per hour. My rate to appear as a fact witness in any trial, deposition, or other legal or administrative process is $200 per hour.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
GINA PALUMBO, M.A.
About Me
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Washington (LH 60183272). I received my B.A. in Psychology from Sonoma State University and completed my M.A. in Counseling Psychology at
St. Martin’s University.
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In addition to my training and years of experience in community mental health, I have been an adjunct faculty member at St. Martin's University, teaching classes in the Master's of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MAC) program. I also have a professional background in physical training and am interested in lifestyle issues and the relationship between physical and mental health.
INDIVIDUALS
Prospective clients often ask if I have a specialty. Because of my training and work in community mental health, I consider myself to be a general practitioner. I have experience working across a wide client spectrum. Anxiety and depression, self-criticism, suicidality, substance abuse/addiction, sexuality, life transitions (including relationships, work, and grief) are common issues in my practice.
COUPLES
I work with romantic relationships of all kinds and configurations. Couples seek therapy for a variety of reasons including recurrent conflict, communication issues, infidelity crisis and repair, parenting concerns, or sexual/desire difficulties. All of the above may be topics of discussion at some point during treatment, even if they are not presenting concerns. It is my practice to inquire about them and encourage frank discussion. This kind of “adult” conversation may cause discomfort initially yet ends up bringing relief and feeling beneficial.
Please note: many clients assume couples therapy will be reimbursed by their insurance provider when they have insurance benefits which include mental/behavioral health. Unfortunately this is rarely the case. Most insurance plans require both medical necessity and individual treatment in order for benefits to apply. According to most insurance plans, marital issues typically do not meet either of those criteria. Please consult your individual insurance coverage for more details.
CLINICAL SUPERVISION AND THERAPY FOR THERAPISTS
I meet the requirements of the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to offer supervisory services to licensure candidates. In addition to being a pathway to obtaining licensure, clinical supervision plays a vital role in professional growth, including continued development of competency. Clinical supervision supports and protects trainees and their clients.
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I believe every therapist benefits from personal therapy. In addition to being a deeply useful form of self-care, therapy can also provide enhancement of skills. Assisting other professionals is a facet of my work that is important and gratifying to me.
COUNSELING
Individual, Couple or Family appointment
$120.00 • 60 minute appointment
$180.00 • 90 minute appointment
$240.00 • 120 minute appointment
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Billed to Insurance
$200.00 • 60 minute intake appointment
$140.00 • 60 minute subsequent
treatment appointment
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IN-NETWORK PROVIDER FOR:
Cigna
First Choice Health
Kaiser Options PPO
Premera
If you do not see your plan listed then please contact your insurance company to clarify your out-of-network benefit/reimbursement.
Please contact your insurance company to learn about your coverage and financial responsibility.
The following questions may be useful to ask:
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What are my mental health insurance benefits?
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Do I have an annual deductible which applies to services and has it been met?
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What is my co-payment or co-insurance per therapy session?
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How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
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Is a referral required from my primary care physician?
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Does plan include couples therapy?
NEW CLIENTS
There’s currently a waiting list for new clients: please contact the office at (253) 209-2661 0r use the CONTACT ME/WAITING LIST form to be added to the list.
EXISTING CLIENTS
Existing clients: please contact the office at (253) 209-2661 or ginapalumboma@gmail.com for appointments and scheduling calendar access.
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Pages 1-2 are my disclosure statement for you to keep. Pages 3-5 are consent and intake forms to complete and bring to first appointment. For couple clients, each person should complete pages 3-4; page 5 may be completed individually or collaboratively.
STREET ADDRESS
2412 North 30th Street
Suite 102
Tacoma, WA 98407
Parking lot in front of building, covered garage under building, or free street parking on N. 30th
OFFICE HOURS
Tuesday 1:00-6:00
Wednesday 1:00-6:00
Thursday 4:00-8:00
Friday 1:00-6:00
Saturday 11:00-4:00