Our Patients

The first time you visit us at Elizabethtown Partners, we will take some time to get to know you. 

You will be given initial paperwork that explains our privacy policy and our professional services, or you can access them through this site. Completing the necessary paperwork ahead of time will save you time on your first visit. 

We will also ask that you complete demographic information, insurance information, and sign that you understand your Privacy Rights and our Service Agreement and that you consent for therapy services. After the initial paperwork you will meet with your therapist to complete what is called an intake assessment, also known as a psychosocial assessment. 

Your therapist will collect information about your concerns and your reason for seeking therapy along with relevant personal history. Once the intake assessment is complete your therapist will provide you with recommendations to include what type of therapy, how often and possibly how long. You and your therapist will agree on recommendations that best fit your lifestyle and needs.

Click the button below to schedule your next appointment.

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The connection between self-care and mental health

  • Self-care is linked to improved mental health, self-esteem, self-worth, and optimism.
  • Self-care involves valuing ourselves enough to make our health, well-being, and happiness a priority.
  • We often don’t take enough care of ourselves, which can have long-term effects on well-being.

Self-care and energy

Self-care revolved around caring for—and maximizing—our four sources of energy: the food we eat, our sleep, our breath (our physical activity levels), and our state of mind. Many experts frame tending to these four aspects of life as the four pillars of quality self-care. Integrating quality self-care into our lives is a powerful way to reconnect and reinvigorate ourselves, mind, body, and soul.

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HIPAA & Client Privacy Practices

Confidentiality of Member Information & Release of Records Medical records should be maintained in a manner designed to protect the confidentiality of such information and in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations.

All consultations or discussions involving the member or his/her case should be conducted discreetly and professionally in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws, including the HIPAA privacy and security rules and regulations, as may be amended.

All provider practice personnel should be trained on HIPAA Privacy and Security regulations.

The practice should ensure there is a procedure or process in place for maintaining confidentiality of members’ medical records and other PHI; and the practice is following those procedures and/or obtaining appropriate authorization from members to release information or records where required by applicable state and federal law.

Procedures should include protection against unauthorized/inadvertent disclosure of all confidential medical information, including PHI.

Every provider practitioner is required to provide members with information regarding their privacy practices and to the extent required by law, with their Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP).

Employees who have access to member records and other confidential information are required to sign a Confidentiality Statement.

All personal and/or protected health information as defined under the federal HIPAA privacy regulations, and/or other state or federal laws.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law that required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued the HIPAA Privacy Rule to implement the requirements of HIPAA. The HIPAA Security Rule protects a subset of information covered by the Privacy Rule. For additional details visit https://www.cdc.gov/phlp/publications/topic/hipaa.html

Articles of Interest

This publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced or copied without permission from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The article was retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/index.shtml and has not been altered. The publication is reproduced on the Elizabethtown Partners in Counseling, Inc. website as an effort to improve public health.

Depression Basics

Introduction

Do you feel sad, empty, and hopeless most of the day, nearly every day? Have you lost interest or pleasure in your hobbies or being with friends and family? Are you having trouble sleeping, eating, and functioning? If you have felt this way for at least 2 weeks, you may have depression, a serious but treatable mood disorder.

What is Depression?

Everyone feels sad or low sometimes, but these feelings usually pass with a little time. Depression—also called “clinical depression” or a “depressive disorder”—is a mood disorder that causes distressing symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, symptoms must be present most of the day, nearly every day for at least 2 weeks.

What are the different types of depression?

Two of the most common forms of depression are:

  • Major depression —having symptoms of depression most of the day, nearly every day for at least 2 weeks that interfere with your ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy life. An episode can occur only once in a person’s lifetime, but more often, a person has several episodes.
  • Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)—having symptoms of depression that last for at least 2 years. A person diagnosed with this form of depression may have episodes of major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms.

Some forms of depression are slightly different, or they may develop under unique circumstances, such as:

  • Perinatal Depression: Women with perinatal depression experience full-blown major depression during pregnancy or after delivery (postpartum depression).
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): SAD is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons, typically starting in the late fall and early winter and going away during the spring and summer.
  • Psychotic Depression: This type of depression occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false fixed beliefs (delusions) or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations).
  • Other examples of depressive disorders include disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (diagnosed in children and adolescents) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Depression can also be one phase of bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depression). But a person with bipolar disorder also experiences extreme high—euphoric or irritable moods called “mania” or a less severe form called “hypomania.”

You can learn more about these disorders on the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)’s website (www.nimh.nih.gov)

What causes depression?

Scientists at NIMH and across the country are studying the causes of depression. Research suggests that a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors play a role in depression.

Depression can occur along with other serious illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Depression can make these conditions worse and vice versa. Sometimes medications taken for these illnesses may cause side effects that contribute to depression symptoms. For more information on ongoing research on depression, visit: www.nimh.nih.gov

What are the signs and symptoms of depression?

Sadness is only one small part of depression and some people with depression may not feel sadness at all. Different people have different symptoms. Some symptoms of depression include:

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or activities
  • Decreased energy, fatigue, or being “slowed down”
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
  • Appetite and/or weight changes
  • Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts
  • Restlessness or irritability
  • Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment
Does depression look the same in everyone?

No. Depression affects different people in different ways. For example:

Women have depression more often than men. Biological, lifecycle, and hormonal factors that are unique to women may be linked to their higher depression rate. Women with depression typically have symptoms of sadness, worthlessness, and guilt.

Men with depression are more likely to be very tired, irritable, and sometimes angry. They may lose interest in work or activities they once enjoyed, have sleep problems, and behave recklessly, including the misuse of drugs or alcohol. Many men do not recognize their depression and fail to seek help.

Older adults with depression may have less obvious symptoms, or they may be less likely to admit to feelings of sadness or grief. They are also more likely to have medical conditions, such as heart disease, which may cause or contribute to depression.

Younger Children with depression may pretend to be sick, refuse to go to school, cling to a parent, or worry that a parent may die.

Older children and teens with depression may get into trouble at school, sulk, and be irritable. Teens with depression may have symptoms of other disorders, such as anxiety, eating disorders, or substance abuse.

How is depression treated?

The first step in getting the right treatment is to visit a health care provider or mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Your health care provider can do an exam, interview, and lab tests to rule out other health conditions that may have the same symptoms as depression.

Once diagnosed, depression can be treated with medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. If these treatments do not reduce symptoms, brain stimulation therapy may be another treatment option to explore.

Medications

Medications called antidepressants can work well to treat depression. They can take 2 to 4 weeks to work. Antidepressants can have side effects, but many side effects may lessen over time. Talk to your health care provider about any side effects that you have. Do not stop taking your antidepressant without first talking to your health care provider.

Please Note: Although antidepressants can be effective for many people, they may present serious risks to some, especially children, teens, and young adults. Antidepressants may cause some people, especially those who become agitated when they first start taking the medication and before it begins to work, to have suicidal thoughts or make suicide attempts. 

Anyone taking antidepressants should be monitored closely, especially when they first start taking them. For most people, though, the risks of untreated depression far outweigh those of antidepressant medications when they are used under a doctor’s careful supervision.

Information about medications changes frequently. Visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website for the latest warnings, patient medication guides, or newly approved medications.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy helps by teaching new ways of thinking and behaving, and changing habits that may be contributing to depression. Therapy can help you understand and work through difficult relationships or situations that may be causing your depression or making it worse.

Brain Stimulation Therapies

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and other brain stimulation therapies may be an option for people with severe depression who do not respond to antidepressant medications. ECT is the best studied brain stimulation therapy and has the longest history of use. Other stimulation therapies discussed here are newer, and in some cases still experimental methods. For more information on these treatment options, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/health. To find clinical trials, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

How can I help myself if I am depressed?

As you continue treatment, you may start to feel better gradually. Remember that if you are taking an antidepressant, it may take 2 to 4 weeks to start working. Try to do things that you used to enjoy. Go easy on yourself. Other things that may help include:

  • Trying to be active and exercise
  • Breaking up large tasks into small ones, set priorities, and do what you can as you can
  • Spending time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative
  • Postponing important life decisions until you feel better. Discuss decisions with others who know you well
  • Avoiding self-medication with alcohol or with drugs not prescribed for you
How can I help a loved one who is depressed?
  • If you know someone who has depression, first help him or her see a health care provider or mental health professional. You can also:
  • Offer support, understanding, patience, and encouragement
  • Never ignore comments about suicide, and report them to your loved one’s health care provider or therapist
  • Invite him or her out for walks, outings, and other activities
  • Help him or her adhere to the treatment plan, such as setting reminders to take prescribed medications
  • Help him or her by ensuring that he or she has transportation to therapy appointments
  • Remind him or her that, with time and treatment, the depression will lift
Where can I go for help?

If you are unsure where to go for help, ask your health provider or check out the NIMH Help for Mental Illnesses webpage at www.nimh.nih.gov/findhelp. Another Federal health agency, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), maintains an online Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator at https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/. You can also check online for mental health professionals; contact your community health center, local mental health association, or insurance plan to find a mental health professional. Hospital doctors can help in an emergency.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, get help quickly.

  • Call your or your loved one’s health professional.
  • Call 911 for emergency services.
  • Go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
  • Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TYY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889).

Reprints

This publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced or copied without permission from NIMH. Citation of NIMH as a source is appreciated. We encourage you to reproduce it and use it in your efforts to improve public health. However, using government materials inappropriately can raise legal or ethical concerns, so we ask you to use these guidelines:

  • NIMH does not endorse or recommend any commercial products, processes, or services, and our publications may not be used for advertising or endorsement purposes.
  • NIMH does not provide specific medical advice or treatment recommendations or referrals; our materials may not be used in a manner that has the appearance of providing such information.
  • NIMH requests that non-Federal organizations not alter our publications in ways that will jeopardize the integrity and “brand” when using the publication.
  • The addition of non-Federal Government logos and website links may not have the appearance of NIMH endorsement of any specific commercial products or services, or medical treatments or services.
  • Images used in publications are of models and are used for illustrative purposes only. Use of some images is restricted.


If you have questions regarding these guidelines and use of NIMH publications, please contact the NIMH Information Resource Center at 1-866-615-6464 or e-mail nimhinfo@nih.gov.

For more information

For more information on conditions that affect mental health, resources, and research, go to MentalHealth.gov at www.mentalhealth.gov, or the NIMH website at www.nimh.nih.gov. In addition, the National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus service (www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/) has information on a wide variety of health topics, including conditions that affect mental health.

National Institute of Mental Health
Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications
Science Writing, Press, and Dissemination Branch
6001 Executive Boulevard
Room 6200, MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
Phone: 301-443-4513 or 1-866-615-NIMH (6464) toll-free
TTY: 301-443-8431 or 1-866-415-8051 toll-free
Fax: 301-443-4279
Email: nimhinfo@nih.gov
Website: www.nimh.nih.gov

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
NIH Publication No. 19-MH-8079
Revised 2016

Other Articles of Interest

Protests, Racism and Our Children: Helping Kids Cope | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA

Teletherapy During the Coronavirus Pandemic – AARP

Elizabethtown partners in Counseling Covid-19 Statement

To meet health and safety standards for re-opening businesses, reduce risks, and fulfill obligations to the community, payors, regulators, and grant allocators, the following guidelines are outlined for Elizabethtown Partners in Counseling, Inc.

Recommendations are taken from the KY Phased Gradual Opening of Businesses guidelines of the Governor’s “Healthy at Work” procedures. This is a phased approach to reopen Kentucky’s economy. Healthy at Work is based on criteria set by public health experts and advice from industry experts.

Per Governor’s Office statement on Telehealth-In all phases, health care practitioners should still maximize telehealth rather than in-person services. Continuation of telehealth as the main form of service delivery is strongly suggested through December 31, 2020. As information and recommendations for health and safety guidelines change, Elizabethtown Partners in Counseling will adapt service delivery as required.

Telehealth and Telemedicine service delivery offer less risks than in-office visits. However, clients and therapist may prefer or require face to face in-office services. In-office sessions are permitted though may be modified due to standards of sanitation and social distancing practices required for Elizabethtown Partners in Counseling to facilitate in the office services.

Elizabethtown Partners in Counseling COVID-19 Personal Protective Measures

We have a supply of masks to accommodate clients/therapist/team members who need masks. Hospital-grade sanitizer has been purchased and will be placed in each office room. As a team, Elizabethtown Partners in Counseling will work towards reducing risks to ourselves, clients, and others. Below are several procedures that are being implemented to minimize in-office exposure and to create a safer environment for us all.

Prior to Appointments

The Office Manager confirms appointments and inform clients of in-office safety/health procedures. Masks, temperature checks, wellness screen, waiting in the parking lot until contacted, no visitors, etc.

1. During phone reminders, we will inform clients who choose in-office sessions that wearing a mask will be required in the office unless prohibited due to a medical condition. If a client does not have a mask, upon entry into the building the client one will be provided a mask.
2. We will inform clients of temperature check and general health screening questions to be answered.
3. We will inform client that no visitors are allowed inside the office unless approved due to exceptional circumstances (case by case need) by the therapist.
4. We will inform clients they will need to wait in the parking lot and will be contacted when they may enter the building.
5. We will sanitize the office regularly and in between office visits.

Office Entry Process

1. Clients will need to wait in the parking lot until they are contacted to enter the building.
2. Clients (unless approved by the provider) are not to bring visitors into the office.
3. The client will be contacted to enter the building via text, phone or by office personnel.
4. Upon entry into the office, individuals will be given masks if needed.
5. Individuals are asked to wash hands and have temperature checked.
6. Temperature check, hand washing, and general health status for clients will be documented by the Office Manager or other personnel.

How we are working together to stay safe and healthy:

1. We sanitize each office before and after use.
2. We are washing our hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
3. We are keeping the office tidy, clean, and sanitized.
4. We are sanitizing the bathroom after each use, cleaning frequently touched/used items regularly, and cleaning offices between face-face sessions.
5. We are using plastic barriers for face-face encounters in the main office.
6. We are staying at home if we are sick, have been near someone who is sick, or believe we may have been exposed to Covid-19.
7. We are maintaining social distancing, keeping people at least six feet apart in all possible settings, wearing masks, and employing other steps to minimize direct contact between individuals.

Payments Accepted

EPIC accepts self-pay, Medicaid, and Medicare, and most commercial health insurances.