Sexual Assault is prominent in the news right now. Because of this, many people may have intrusive memories or heightened emotions resulting from their own histories of sexual violence. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, in the U.S., 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime.
If you have a history of sexual violence and would like to obtain psychological support, please contact our office to schedule an appointment with me. If you are not comfortable discussing with office staff, please ask to speak to me directly, and I will find a time for you and I to meet. The sessions are offered in-person, or via phone or video. The first session is $80, and all follow-up sessions are $20 per 15-minute increment with most sessions lasting 30-60 minutes. If you are unsure if my style is a good fit for your needs, you can contact me for a free 15-minute consult to see if we connect.
Also, if you would like to access anonymous support, you can reach The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or via chat.
Your physical health is equally important and often overlooked when there is a history of sexual violence. Women who have experienced sexual violence often have difficulty undergoing well-woman exams and avoid the necessary screenings to maintain good health. The primary reasons for skipping the exams are loss of control or vulnerability (29%) and fear and anxiety about the test and results (30%).
If you have skipped well-woman exams and would like to discuss your options at Elevated Health, please let us know. Dr. Lucy Pun is starting on October 15, so you can now choose a female provider to perform the exam.
Additionally, male survivors of sexual violence often avoid screenings and exams and suffer substantial risk to their long-term health. Research indicates that developing a trusting, long-term relationship with your medical provider can improve both mental and physical health outcomes. All of the staff at Elevated Health are committed to restoring your faith in health care and providing a patient relationship built on trust and respect.
If you would like emotional support during any medical exam, we provide an integrated approach to care and can coordinate your appointment, so that I can be present to offer the assistance you need.
We are committed to treating your overall health and are always happy to discuss the options for your care.
About the Author
Stephanie Jacobs is a Psychologist who assists direct primary care patients in developing effective coping strategies through managing chronic health conditions to improve their overall wellness. With years of experience and training in the industry, she has worked in a number of areas including university counseling, cancer treatment, private practice, and primary medical care. Having a strong ambition to help those in need, Stephanie focuses on treating anxiety, PTSD, depression, chronic health issues, death, dying, and bereavement.
Stephanie received her doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Purdue University.