Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to contact me?
The best way is my office phone at (503) 784-8813.
I am often not immediately available by telephone. I do not answer the phone when I am with a client. When I am unavailable, my telephone is answered by voicemail that I monitor frequently. I will make every effort to return your call on the same day you make it, with the exception of weekends and holidays. If you are difficult to reach, please inform me of some of the times when you will be available. If you would like to e-mail me my address is richardsansom@comcast.net. Since I only check this once or twice a day, if your need to speak with me is urgent please call my office phone.

If you are in crisis and cannot reach me please call 911 or the Multnomah County Crisis line at (503) 988-4888.

Where is your office located?
My address is 123 East Powell Blvd., Suite 302 Gresham OR 97030.
This is in the Historic Downtown Gresham area. I am in the Benjamin Franklin Building which is a 3 story brick building with what looks like a white light house on top. It is across the street from Main City Park.

What happens if we run into each other outside of the counseling office?
Since the East County area is not that large, it is possible that we may run into each other in public. Since counseling is confidential and you may not want others to know you are in counseling, I will understand completely if you choose to ignore me. If you do decide to say hello, I recommend that we keep our interaction brief. I do not expect you to introduce me to people you are with. It is important that we respect each other's privacy.

Is counseling confidential?
Yes, it is. I cannot reveal information about you without your written permission. However, there are several situations that I and all medical professionals are required by law to report. If you are a danger to yourself or others, such as a direct threat to hurt yourself or another person, I must report this for your own safety. Also, when child abuse is occurring I am required to report that for the safety of the child.

If you decide to pay for counseling through your health insurance, I will be required to share some information with them. Please see the section about heath insurance privacy under "fee information".