Hoarding and Chronic Disorganization

“Real progress happens when practical help and emotional support work together. Organizing without behavioral health support is like treating symptoms without treating the cause.”

-Jill Yesko Diana
Certified Professional Organizer

Hoarding & Chronic Disorganization Support: How We Work

At Discover Organizing, we understand that living with chronic disorganization or hoarding tendencies is emotionally complex, often overwhelming, and never something to be judged. Our role is to help you feel safe, supported, and respected while making meaningful progress toward a healthier home and a better quality of life.

Because these situations involve deeper behavioral patterns, we use a collaborative, clinically informed approach that ensures you have the emotional support you need from the very beginning.

Why Our Process Includes a Therapist or Behavioral Health Professional

Extreme clutter and hoarding are rarely “just an organizing issue.” They are usually connected to stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, neurodivergence, or other life experiences. Having a therapist or behavioral health provider involved protects your emotional wellbeing and helps the work move forward in a healthy, sustainable way.

For this reason, a therapist or clinical support person must be present during the initial assessment—either your own therapist, or our Clinical Consultant who specializes in chronic disorganization and hoarding behaviors.

This ensures that:

You feel grounded and supported during the assessment
We understand your needs through both a practical and clinical lens
Your goals, limits, and comfort level guide the plan
We work at a pace that feels safe, not overwhelming
You have ongoing support throughout the process

If you do not have a therapist, we can connect you with a behavioral health professional who understands this work.

What to Expect During the Assessment

Your assessment is a low-pressure, respectful visit with a Professional Organizer and our Clinical Consultant. Together, we will:

Walk through your space at a pace you’re comfortable with
Use a Clutter Quality of Life Scale and Clutter-Hoarding Scale from the Institute of Chronic Disorganization to identify safety issues, access issues, and stress points
Talk about your goals, your vision for your home, and where you’d like to start
Identify any urgent risks (such as health concerns, utilities access, or mobility barriers)
Create a clear written plan with steps, timelines, and needed supports

This session is all about understanding you, not judging your home.

Assessment Fee: $250

Once we perform an initial assessment, we can help you to understand how long the project might take at our hourly rate of $95 for organizing services. Clinical services are billed separately afterwards, once you identify a therapist of your choice.

How Our Hands-On Work Supports You

Once the assessment is complete, we move into hands-on sessions at a pace that protects your emotional and physical wellbeing. Our work together may include:

Gentle, structured sorting and decision-making
Organizing and storing items you choose to keep
Skill-building to help you maintain progress
Coordinating cleaning companies, movers, haulers, and other vendors
Managing donations, recycling, and environmentally responsible disposal
Wearing appropriate protective gear when needed

Hourly Rates:

Daytime sessions: $95/hr
Evenings/Weekends available at adjusted rates

All materials such as garbage bags, bins, and PPE, like masks and gloves are billed as they are used.

Your Role in the Process

To keep the work safe and productive, we ask that clients:

Be present for sessions unless pre-arranged otherwise
Have your therapist or ours participate in the assessment and be available as needed
Communicate openly about what feels comfortable or overwhelming
Give 48 hours notice to cancel or reschedule
Avoid leaving minor children unattended during sessions
Understand that administrative tasks like vendor coordination may be billed when they exceed 15 minutes

A Compassionate, Clinical, and Respectful Path Forward

Our goal is to help you reclaim your home in a way that honors your emotions, protects your well-being, and supports long-term change. You deserve dignity, kindness, and a team that understands the complexity of this journey.

If you’re ready to take the first step—or if you’re not sure where to start—we’re here to guide you.

Call us today at (412) 344-3450
Visit our Contact Page to schedule your assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a therapist or behavioral health professional involved?

Hoarding and chronic disorganization are not just “stuff” issues—they are connected to emotional, cognitive, and behavioral patterns. Without clinical support, the process can become overwhelming, unsafe, or ineffective. A therapist helps you stay grounded, manage anxiety, and work through the emotional layers that naturally arise during organizing.

For your well-being, we require a therapist or our Clinical Consultant to participate in the assessment and remain involved as needed throughout the project.

Can I use my own therapist?

Yes. If you already have a therapist or behavioral health provider, they are welcome to participate. We will coordinate with them in advance so they understand the process and can support you fully.

If you do not have a therapist, we can provide our own Clinical Consultant who specializes in chronic disorganization and hoarding behaviors.

What does the assessment include?

Your assessment is a joint session with a Professional Organizer and a Clinical Consultant. We will:

Walk through your home respectfully
Use standardized scales to understand safety and function
Talk about your goals and daily challenges
Identify immediate risks
Develop a written plan that outlines next steps and pacing

This is a supportive, nonjudgmental visit designed to help you feel understood and prepared.

What if I feel embarrassed or ashamed?

These feelings are extremely common and understandable. You are not alone, and we approach every home and every circumstance with compassion. Our work is confidential and judgment-free. Your courage in seeking support is a meaningful first step, and we honor that.

Can you work without me present?

Most clients remain present during sessions because decision-making is central to your progress. In some cases we can work independently for limited tasks, but this must be planned in advance and supported clinically.

How long does the process take?

Every situation and client is different. After the assessment, we will create a personalized plan that considers your emotional capacity, safety needs, home environment, and goals. We move at a pace that feels safe, not rushed.

How much does it cost?

Assessment & written plan: $250
Daytime organizing sessions: $95/hr
Evening/weekend sessions: available at adjusted rates
Materials are billed as used

You only pay at the end of each session unless you choose a retainer package.

Do you remove items from my home?

Yes, when appropriate. We can coordinate haulers, cleaning services, donation pickups, and recycling partners. You will always make the final decisions on what stays or goes unless safety hazards require special handling (e.g., biohazardous waste).

What if I’m not ready to start right away?

That’s okay. Many clients need time to prepare emotionally. You can begin with a basic assessment and decide next steps when you feel ready.

Important Disclaimer

Discover Organizing only provides hoarding intervention and chronic disorganization services using an integrated behavioral health model.

Because of the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral factors involved in these situations, I do not offer assessments or hands-on organizing without the involvement of a therapist or clinical consultant.

This requirement exists because:

Organizing alone is not effective or sustainable for hoarding conditions
Clients often experience stress, panic, or emotional overwhelm without clinical support
Ethical practice requires us to ensure your safety and well-being
Long-term progress depends on addressing both the practical and behavioral sides of the work
My 20+ years of experience show that projects without clinical involvement almost always stall or become distressing for the client

If you do not have a behavioral health provider, we can connect you with our Clinical Consultant or help you find a therapist experienced in this work.

This approach ensures that you receive the care, support, and long-term strategies you deserve.