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Paul D. Dalton, MS, LPCC-S, LCADC
Handling the Challenges of Covid-19 and Staying Mentally Healthy
The Covid-19 pandemic is creating a new way of living for many of us. If your mental health is suffering during this time, you are not alone. Maybe it is causing increased anxiety, depression, fear or panic. Whatever you are feeling, it is valid and you are not alone. Our offices are open and ready to help the residents of KY get through this challenging time. We are offering Telehealth and limited in person therapy!
If you choose in person therapy, please rest assured that we are following the CDC recommendations and guidelines. We are sanitizing furniture, door knobs, chairs, etc. between each client. Hand sanitizer is accessible in all areas of our buildings. Offices are thoroughly cleaned each day. Office furniture has been moved to ensure that therapists and clients are at least 6 feet apart. Additional options are available to ensure your health and safety including waiting in your car in our parking area. Your therapist will contact you to come inside when they are available to begin the session (please let them know if you plan to do so).
Our Telehealth option is extremely easy and convenient for all levels of technology users. Below are instructions and details on how this option can work for you. Click here for details.
New Clients
1. Complete the Telehealth informed consent form. This will be sent to you via email by your therapist or you may click here and complete-Telehealth Consent.
2. If you are a new client, you will also need to complete our new client paperwork here-New Client Paperwork. Both will be sent automatically to your provider.
3. Prior to your first Telehealth session please make sure you have a good WIFI connection and are using one of the following browsers: Safari 11+, Chrome, or Firefox. In some cases, you may pull into our office parking lot and use ours.
4. It is recommended to try to develop a clinical space for your session. This can include: going to a safe space (car, bedroom, office, parking lot, etc.) or turning on a fan, sound machine, music, or wearing headphones to help ensure privacy and comfort.
5. Your therapist will send a link via email or text that will connect you to your session prior to your scheduled appointment. You can expect this a few minutes before your session begins. In most telehealth platforms being used, you will not need to set anything up and will only need to provide your name and or email address. If you clinician is a little behind, that might be normal. Feel free to call/text/email them and or communicate by whatever means they have established. If you have not received any communication 10 minutes after your scheduled time, please call the main office number for that location. You can find that here-Office Phone Numbers.
6. Sessions are subject to your normal in person copay or deductible, which is due at the time of service. Length of sessions will be 53 mins to 1 hour. Check with your insurance to make sure your services are covered.
As a practice, we are taking every necessary precaution to ensure the health and safety of our clients and staff. For nearly 20 years we have been helping people reach their goals and we are whole heartily committed to this, and are finding new ways to ensure we are providing quality care to our clients during this time.
We hope you continue to stay healthy and find methods to react and cope to the uncertainty in positive and healthy ways. Below are a few of our suggestions in coping with Covid-19 anxieties to help find calm in the chaos.
Self care and Coping Strategies
1. Develop a stable routine. This can include going to bed and waking up around the same time each day, organizing/structuring hobbies throughout the week, and creating a workspace for yourself.
2. Move your body daily, for at least 30 minutes. If you are uncomfortable being outside, search YouTube, Google, or the app store for applications available.
3. Stay connected with friends and loved ones via FaceTime, Skype, emails, text messages, etc. Reach out daily to your support network.
4. Practice gratitude daily. This can include making a list of things you are grateful for, going on a walk and stating gratitude lists or positive mantras, as well as focus on the scenery around you (what you feel, see, smell, hear), write a letter to someone you are grateful for, etc.
5. Feed your body, mind, and soul with positivity. This can be done by ensuring you are staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet, journaling thoughts and emotions, and reconnecting with any spiritual and or religious beliefs.
6. Limit social media and Covid conversations. It is important to stay informed but limiting news or overconsumption of negative news is equally important.
7. Engage in positive self hygiene strategies. Continue to shower, get dressed, and maintain a regular positive hygiene routine. Dress up for you and your loved ones.
8. Find the lesson. This crisis can seem sad, senseless, and frustrating. Despite this, it is beneficial to find meaning in it all. Ask yourself what might need to change in ourselves, our homes, our communities, and our world.