4384 Laurel Drive, Saint Joseph, Michigan 49085, United States
Download FAQ
While all files are generally printable, the files located under our "Documents (PDF)" section, are created in a Portable Document Format. For handwriting/filling in client information, PDFs best capture through an electronic image, all elements of the document in proper format. This cannot be altered on the computer; therefor, it is best to use only if it is intended to be handwritten/filled in and scanned or mailed back to the facility.
Docx
The files located under the "Telebehavioral Health (Docx)" section are created in Microsoft Format. For users who have access to Office 365 and similar products; this file type makes it possible for users to edit the file via typing directly in the space provided.
IOS
For individuals utilizing IOS products, please call the facility if none of the above methods are viable. While some have been successful previously, we recognize not every case is the same for every person. Therefore, we have staff that can troubleshoot with you to assist in providing you accessibility to any applicable document and file desired. Nevertheless, we appreciate your patience and understanding as we've transitioned to an electronic mode of exchange.
Telehealth Info
As of 3/24/2020, residents in the state of Michigan have been ordered to remain home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. During this trying time, we at FTDC have implemented an electronic protocol to be able to continue seeing our clients. We understand that during this crisis, information may be confusing, difficult to remember, or simply overwhelming. We are here to help!
If you have a scheduled appointment with your provider please do the following:
1.) Using a tablet, phone, or computer; go to "doxy.me" in your web browser.
2.) Depending on who your provider is continue typing "/provider"
3.) The following providers along with their links should look like this:
Providers:
- Dr. Donarski - https://doxy.me/drjdonarski
- Jene Hamilton - https://doxy.me/jene
- Shannon Groh - https://doxy.me/shannongroh
- Lydia Pongo - https://doxy.me/lydiapongo
- Brittany Hill-Morales- https://doxy.me/bhillmorales
- Edwin Vergara- https://doxy.me/edwinvergara
- Kimberly Bay- https://doxy.me/kimberlybay
- Dr. Robert Gerl- https://doxy.me/drrgerl
Testers:
- Allyse Donarski- https://doxy.me/ftdctester2020a
- Jaimi Bray- https://doxy.me/ftdctester2020j
4.) It will prompt you to type in your name and "check in"
5.) Check in 10 - 15 min prior to your scheduled time and your provider will access the virtual room on their end to speak with you.
- Note: Due to connection, time of day, equipment malfunctions, etc. you may experience problems. Nevertheless, we have a support team that can help you troubleshoot.
6.) Prior to the appointment, you will need to read & fill out the "Telebehavioral health informed consent document" located above.
7.) If you are a new client seeking treatment, Great! The methods stay the same with the exception of the following:
- You will need to fill out the proper intake forms above regarding your child/adolescent or the adult.
- The ones labeled for telehealth are Microsoft Word friendly. If you do not have a printer, please type in the information and forward the document/s to "jdonarski@comcast.net" Please put "New Client" in the header.
- In the event you have a printer, the PDF is best. Please fill out as best as you can!
8.) Scan, e-mail, or mail your documentation to the locations given under our "contact us" tab. (Warning: Understand that there are potential risks when sending your information electronically; if you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office.
While we do have minimal staff in our office, the majority of us are at home as well so please be patient as we continue this transition to an electronic platform. While it will not be a permanent change, it will serve us to help you through the difficulties we're experiencing.
During the call: please limit distractions, find a designated private area, illuminate the room, and use headphones or a microphone if applicable.
Patient Information
Additional Information
To help save you time at your appointment, you can now download the necessary patient information forms from our website and bring them with you to your scheduled visit. By having you complete these prior to your visit, we are able to provide you with faster patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Telehealth/Telemedicine?
TeleHealth/TeleMedicine is the delivery of behavioral health services using interactive technologies (use of audio, video or other electronic communications) between a practitioner/therapist/ psychologist and a client/patient who are not in the same physical location.
Why should I use Telehealth services?
In the event the preferred face-2-face method is not accessible, Telehealth provides clients and providers the ability to meet/speak virtually.
Are there any risks?
Similarly to any risk when utilizing the internet, transmitting information over technology may include, but is not limited to, breach of confidentiality, theft of personal information, and disruption of service due to technical difficulties. (Note: it is advised to take the proper precautions with keeping up to date malware software and to not open or send any information to an unrecognized person/entity.
Where should I send my information regarding Telehealth?
While our mailing address can be found under our "contact us" tab, Dr. Donarski's business e-mail can receive client information at jdonarski@comcast.net
(For any questions or concerns, please contact our office during normal business hours)
Why should I go to a therapist?
Not all therapy experiences are alike, nor should they be. Going to a therapist can be a worthwhile growing and stabilizing experience, at times when you have specific problems, interpersonal problems, or generally feeling down. You can go to a therapist once, for a few months, or embark on long-term therapy — each depends on different expectations and goals.
Most people go to see a therapist during a crisis; when your life is threatened, you are in danger, suicidal, or generally not functioning in a normal productive manner. This can happen after the death of a loved one, following a relationship breakup, depression events, or if you are engaging in self-injurious behaviors or been a victim of violence. The main goal of therapy at this point is to stabilize your life so that it is not in any immediate threat.
Other times people come to therapy for a specific non-crisis issue, such as insomnia, procrastination, low grades, anxiety, or even feeling depressed.
People also attend for personal psychotherapy in order to work on problems which are meant for personal growth. An example might be a couple who has been together for years who are dealing with an affair; someone is dealing with being abused; difficulty handling being in foster care or adopted; having intimacy problems; having difficult family dynamics which has led you to engage in negative behaviors (e.g., overeating, avoidance behaviors) or to have poor boundaries.
You don't need to have a "major" problem to engage in counseling. Just feeling unable to deal, feeling overwhelmed, or feeling unhappy makes you a good therapy candidate.
How do I pay for therapy?
Family Therapy & Development Centers and Neuro-Psychology Consultants accepts most Insurances.
You may call our office at (269) -982-3832 to ask specifically about your insurance company.
Typically there is a deductible and/or copay that is your responsibility to pay for services rendered.
We do accept Medicare and most Medicaid programs.
If you do not have insurance, Family Therapy & Development Centers and
Neuro-Psychology Consultants does offer a “sliding scale” based on income. Please ask our office staff about this benefit if needed.
How can just talking make problems disappear?
A professional in mental health talk therapy is trained and has helped many others with problems similar to yours.
Your Family Therapy & Development Centers therapist is trained to help you see the patterns in your life that have led to your unhappiness or difficulties.
In therapy, the main work is to help you recognize those patterns, and then discuss options of therapy and self-help techniques that you may decide to use to try to change them. Sometimes a client will need a combination of "talk" therapy and medication to assist with their particular issue.
Why would neuropsychological testing be done?
Why would I choose psychological testing?
What kinds of neuropsychological or psychological testing is done?
Most of the tests involve answering questions or performing tasks. You may be taking some of the tests on a computer, using pencil and paper, or using other objects. Here are some examples of brain functions and some tests that check them: Tests for attention span and memory. You might be asked to:
- Repeat a series of numbers, letters, or words
- Look at some simple drawings and then draw them from memory
Tests for language and speech skills. You might be asked to:
- Name pictures that the examiner shows you
- Point to a picture named by the examiner
- Name as many words as you can think of that begin with a certain letter or are in a certain category (for example, animals or fruits)
Tests for reasoning, planning, and organizing skills. You might be asked to:
- Sort cards according to colors or shapes on the cards
- Use a pencil to connect a series of numbered or lettered dots on a sheet of paper
- Stack colored discs in a certain pattern
Tests for personality. You might be asked to:
- Answer a multiple choice or true/false questionnaire about yourself
- Look at cards with pictures on them and tell what you see
It may take several hours to take all the tests. But you may not have to take all of them at once.
Learn More
Accepted Insurances
We do our best to make sure this list is current as our contracts with insurance companies continue to grow.
(All insurances are being reviewed for the 2020 year; for any questions related to insurance, please contact our office administrators for assistance!)