People seek counseling for many reasons:

• Feelings of anger, confusion, fear, sadness
• Disruptive thoughts of the trauma that won’t go away
• Avoiding things and situations that are trauma reminders (and sometimes more)
• Problems at work or school
• Growing concerns about a child’s challenging behaviors
• Relationship conflicts
• Sleep disturbance and other health concerns

In order to make a referral, call the SARA office at 540-345-7273 or the hotline at 540-981-9352. Staff in the SARA office will schedule an appointment for counseling services.

To schedule a counseling appointment (in person or over the phone) you will be asked:

• Name
• Phone Number
• Age
• Brief description of counseling needs
• How were you referred to services

SARA staff will work with you to identify an appropriate day and time for your first counseling session.

What happens when I come for my first counseling appointment?

Individuals will be asked to fill out an “Intake Information Form” and a “Consent for Treatment Form”.
Individuals will receive a “Client’s Rights Form” and a “Notice of Privacy Practices Form”.
Individuals will meet with counselor to begin to identify the goals of the counseling sessions.

COVID-19 Response: What to Expect When Arriving For Your Appointment

When arriving for your scheduled appointment, you’ll need to come to the front door of the SARA Administrative Office and ring the doorbell upon your arrival. You’ll need to wear a mask, but if you do not have one, we’ll give you one as soon as you arrive. If you require mobility assistance, please let your counselor/advocate know when scheduling your appointment so that we can guide you through the ADA access point for our administrative office.

A SARA staff member, wearing a mask and gloves, will greet you at the door and take your temperature using a no-touch thermometer held in front of your forehead. You will then be asked to remain on the covered front porch to complete a brief COVID-19 screening form and liability waiver, which you’ll need to complete each time you come to our office. This form asks three (3) questions related to possible symptoms and/or exposure to the coronavirus and informs you of the increased risks of treatment in person. We’ll also record your temperature on the form as well as your name and phone number. This form is a confidential form that will be used only to track necessary information in the event a client tests positive for COVID-19.

Once all necessary intake and screening forms are complete, we’ll take your forms and disinfect the clipboard, pens, and all touch points. Hand sanitizer will be available for everyone to use at all times. Our waiting area will not be open, so anyone that comes with you will need to wait in a vehicle.

During your appointment, both you and your counselor will be wearing masks and seated at least 6 feet apart. After your appointment, your counselor or advocate will escort you out the front door in an effort to keep you from having to touch doors. SARA staff will then take steps to disinfect all touch points and office areas before another scheduled client arrives.

If you’re not ready to meet with SARA staff in person, that’s okay! We are still available to schedule appointments by phone.