Rachel Saffer (she/her/hers) earned her Masters of Social Work from Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Starting as an office volunteer at Austin Grief, Rachel quickly grew to be an integral part of our team.
Rachel has experience in providing counseling to adults, teenagers and children who have experienced significant trauma in both group and individual settings. Rachel utilizes various interventions in her practice including therapeutic yoga, EMDR, and traditional play therapy. She believes in providing every client with a welcoming and safe environment so that they can work towards healing on their own terms.
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
In an effort to best serve the current, changing needs of our community, The Austin Center for Grief & Loss will be offering telehealth services to support people in our community coping with additional stress resulting from concerns regarding the coronavirus/COVID-19. These services will be conducted by licensed (or license-eligible and clinically supervised) mental health providers via a secured and encrypted video platform.
The Austin Center for Grief & Loss utilizes the TheraNest telehealth platform, making it possible for clients to complete assessment, individual and family sessions, and secured credit card billing remotely from the comfort and safety of their homes. Clients can use a home computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone to receive services.
If you or a loved one are experiencing difficult thoughts or feelings, changes in sleeping or eating patterns, or other symptoms* related to adjusting to current disruptions to everyday life or fears regarding the future, please call us at 512-472-7878 to schedule an online assessment or learn more about telehealth counseling services. Fees for The Austin Center for Grief & Loss services begin at $115 per hour for individuals and $140 for families, and are subject to a sliding fee scale based on household income and financial need.
We understand the growing concern surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) across our community. The health and safety of our clients, therapists, and staff is our top priority. Based on current guidance and due to shelter in place orders, we are currently exclusively scheduling telehealth video sessions.
Please call the office at 512-472-7878 and our staff will schedule your telehealth appointment.
City of Austin Resources
The City of Austin has shared the following resource page to the Austin Community. Please visit The City of Austin website for updates on COVID-19 resources.
Currently Known COVID-19 Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure and can include:
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Fever
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Fatigue
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Dry Cough
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Shortness of breath
The severity of COVID-19 symptoms can range from very mild to severe. If you are experiencing any level of these symptoms, please see a medical doctor. If you do wish to continue counseling services while experiencing symptoms, please call 512-472-7878 to arrange secure, confidential telehealth services in the safety and comfort of your own home. The Austin Center for Grief & Loss is even able to bill remotely.
Please additionally note, these medically-recommended, everyday precautions:
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Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
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Stay home when you are sick.
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Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
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Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
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If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
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Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
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Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, bedding and other household items if you’re sick.
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Clean and disinfect surfaces you often touch. Stay home from work, school, and public areas if you’re sick.
For further questions or concerns related to medical symptoms and risk, please call your doctor or a local hospital.
*Please note that the Austin Center for Grief & Loss does not provide crisis, psychiatric services. In the event of a psychiatric emergency please call 512-472-HELP or 911. Persons assessed with a need for longer-term mental health support may be referred to longer term support services in the Austin area. At the conclusion of this immediate season of community concern and closures regarding coronavirus/COVID-19, The Austin Center for Grief & Loss will return to the provision of onsite support group, individual, and family services. Any ongoing telehealth service provision will be considered on a case-by-case basis in response to prohibitive geographic issues or physical disabilities which cause a direct barrier to attending services. All services are subject to availability of counselors and scheduling of service appointments.