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Patient Support Counseling

We offer free and confidential patient support counseling. Our qualified counselors are here to help you short-term with:

  • Stress, Sadness, Worry or Anxiety
  • Coping Skills
  • Relationships
  • Life Transitions
  • Gender Affirmation
  • Sexuality
  • Grief or Loss
  • Family Issues

Our counselors can also help you navigate complicated processes like changing your legal name or filling out forms. Additionally, they can connect you to community resources, including:

  • Free or low-cost legal help
  • Financial, housing, transportation, or food assistance programs.
  • Primary care providers in your area
  • Providers for substance use treatment, mental health care, LGBTQ support, and intimate partner or sexual violence programs.
  • And more.

Appointments can last anywhere from 15 minutes up to an hour.

We believe you are the expert in your own life; our Patient Support Counselors will work respectfully and confidentially with you to get you the resources you need. Although they cannot serve as your therapist long term, they are a safe space to talk with you in the moment and help you figure out next steps.

This program is available at all our Vermont health centers and in Portland, ME. We hope to expand to our New Hampshire health centers in the future.

Who can talk to a patient support counselor?

Any patient of PPNNE who has had an appointment within the last three years can utilize this program.

How much does it cost to talk with a Patient Support Counselor?

This service is free for our patients who have had an appointment with us in the last three years. If it’s been longer than that or if you are a new patient, you will first need to make an appointment. All normal charges associated with an appointment would apply.

How long are appointments?

Appointments can last anywhere from 15 minutes to up to one hour.

Are appointments in-person only?

We can see you in-person or through our Telehealth program, where you connected to us through video or phone.

Is there an intake process or waitlist?

No.

Can Patient Support Counselors prescribe medicine or diagnose?

No, they cannot prescribe medicine or diagnose. Our patient support counselors are licensed clinical social/mental health counselors who can listen, help you navigate tough situations, and connect you to community resources.

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