Privacy Policy

Your client record or PHI (Personal Health Information) is confidential. Client information can only be released by the signature of the person legally in charge. If you wish for me to speak to another health care professional (individual, couple or family therapist(s), psychopharmacologist, psychiatrist) I will need written authorization to do so.

I do not bill insurance directly. Upon request, I will issue you a receipt for services which you may submit for reimbursement from your provider. Every possible effort is used to protect files including several levels of pass codes and security precautions. If we meet in the context of couple or family therapy it is my policy to not withhold information from any member of the treatment unit. It is my belief that a “no secrets” policy is the most effective way to promote a safe and secure environment from which to do conjoint work. Therefore, any information relayed to me will be part of the clinical work for all parties being treated.

Confidentiality

All interactions between us will remain confidential unless you request, in writing, the release of information. There are certain exceptions to this: I am required by law to report suspected incidents of child abuse, elder abuse or the abuse of dependent adults. If someone is in physical danger from you, I am required by law to notify that person and the applicable police agency. If you threaten suicide I will take whatever action is appropriate and necessary under the circumstances to ensure your safety, including the notification of others. Additionally, if a court of law issues a legitimate subpoena, I may need to supply information stated on the subpoena, or disclose certain information if a client is in therapy or being treated by order of a court of law.

Occasionally I may need to consult with other professionals in their areas of expertise in order to provide the best treatment for you. Information about you may be shared in this context without using your name.

If we see each other accidentally outside of the therapy office, I will not acknowledge you first. Your right to privacy and confidentiality is of the utmost importance, and I do not wish to jeopardize your privacy. However, if you acknowledge me first, I will be more than happy to speak briefly with you.

Electronic Communications

I cannot ensure the confidentiality of any form of communication through electronic media, including email and text messages. If you prefer to communicate via email or text messaging for issues regarding scheduling or cancellations, I will do so. While I try to return messages in a timely manner, I cannot guarantee an immediate response and request that you do not use these methods of communication to discuss therapeutic content and/or request assistance for emergencies. While I have taken reasonable steps to protect privacy and confidentiality, it is acknowledged that there are risks to privacy in using this method of communication that you understand and accept.

Telehealth

The video conferencing technology or audio that will be used in our telehealth appointments will not be the same as a direct client/health care provider visits due to the fact that we will not be in the same room. Telehealth appointments have potential benefits including easier more flexible access, and the convenience of meeting  from your home or office. There are also potential risks to this technology, including interruptions by unauthorized persons, unauthorized access to transmitted and/or stored confidential information, technical difficulties, and decreased availability for me to help in the event of a crisis. Though we may be in direct, virtual contact through telehealth, I am unable to provide any medical or healthcare services or advice including, but not limited to, emergency or urgent medical services. Telehealth is not an Emergency Service and in the event of an emergency, you agree to use a phone to call 911. Either you or myself can discontinue the telehealth visit if it is felt that the video conferencing connections are not adequate for the situation. To maintain confidentiality, you agree not share your telehealth appointment link with anyone unauthorized to attend the appointment.

Fee & Cancellation Policy

Your agreed upon scheduled therapy appointment time is held specifically for you. Occasionally a session may have to be canceled. I will only charge you for a missed session if you don’t notify me 24 hours prior to our agreed upon appointment time. We agree to meet for 50 minutes. The fee is payable upon completion of each session by: Venmo, Zelle, check, credit card or cash. Should you be late for a session, you may lose some of the session time.

Emergencies & Contacting Me

I routinely check my email, text and voicemail messages. On weekends and holidays, I check messages less frequently, and return calls as my schedule permits. If a situation cannot wait until our next meeting, please leave a message on my voicemail. I will attempt to return your call as quickly has possible. If I cannot be reached or do not respond in case of a crisis or urgent situation, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Informed Consent

The therapeutic relationship is uniquely personal, and at the  same time it’s a contractual agreement. Given this, it is important for us to reach a clear understanding of how our relationship will work and what each of us can expect. Feel free to discuss any of this with me.

Termination

Ending a therapeutic relationships can be a sensitive process, therefore it is important to establish clear communication regarding this decision. We will discuss termination of treatment  at any time either party deems it appropriate. If therapy is terminated for any reason or you should request another therapist, I will attempt to offer you names of other qualified psychotherapists. You may also choose someone on your own or from another referral source. Should you fail to schedule appointments for multiple consecutive weeks, unless other arrangements have been made in advance, for legal and ethical reasons, I will consider our professional relationship discontinued.

Good Faith Estimate Notice

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.