APPOINTMENTS

• – All office visits are by appointment and may be scheduled through the counselor directly or online.
• – Please arrive on time, as you use up your own time when you arrive late for an appointment. The usual length of an appointment is 45 minutes.
• – Late cancellation: Sessions not cancelled 48 hours before scheduled session will be charged the full amount.  Sessions cancelled less than 24 hours before and/or no-show appointments are billed to the client for the full amount.
• – Cancellation: Please leave a message if you get voice mail. In the case of illness, please notify us no later than 9:00 a.m. the day of the appointment. Insurance companies will not pay for no-show charges or late cancellation charges or for telephone consultations. You are encouraged to reschedule your session when possible.

• – Lateness: If you arrive late to your session, you will still be charged the full amount for your session. On some occasions, I may be able to still meet with you for your full session time. This is not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to arrive to your sessions on time.

 

FEES

• – Fees are discussed and agreed upon before the initial consultation.
• – You will be expected to pay for each therapy session at the time it is held, unless a payment plan has been previously arranged. You may pay in cash, or debit/credit card. In circumstances of financial hardship, a fee adjustment or payment plan may be arranged.

• – Except in the case of minors or when other arrangements are made, the person receiving the counseling service is financially liable.
• – Any change in my financial situation I will discuss with my therapist. In the event you find it necessary to change mental health providers and require records to be sent, your account will need to be paid in full.

• – My fee may increase periodically, no more than once per year. I will inform you in advance of any changes in fees.

 

INSURANCE

• – Your health insurance may help you recover some of your counseling costs. Please verify with your company the amounts of coverage for outpatient psychotherapy by licensed professionals. If your policy requires preauthorization to receive services, it is your responsibility prior to your first visit.

• – Insured clients are expected to take care of their fees (co-pay) as services are rendered. You will receive a statement each month reflecting any balance due on your account. This office cannot accept responsibility for collecting your insurance claims or for negotiating a settlement on a disputed
• – You will be charged for unpaid fees for respective sessions not covered by your insurance or third party reimbursement agency for treatment received.
• – I am considered “Out of Network” by most insurance companies. At your request, I will be happy to provide you with a monthly statement of fees paid so that you can seek reimbursement for “Out of Network” care. It is your responsibility to contact your insurance company to make sure you understand their policies and procedures about coverage

 

COUNSELING SESSIONS

Rights and Risks:

• – You may ask questions about any aspect of the counseling process.
• – If you have been referred by a court or state agency, you have the right to divulge only what you want to be included in a report.
• – Therapy is most effective when you are open and can speak honestly about your emotions and experiences.
• – Therapy may include talking about emotionally provoking subjects and scenarios.

 

Confidentiality:

• – Information shared by you in session will be kept confidential.
• – Information will not be released without your written consent, except for professional consultation if needed and unless required by law.
• – I am required by law to disclose information pertaining to suspected child abuse, the inability to care for one’s basic needs for food, clothing or shelter, and threatened harm to oneself or others.
• – The court may subpoena counseling records.
• – It is understood that information regarding treatment and diagnosis may be provided to an insurance company.
• – You may want to discuss further limits or exceptions of confidentiality.