Policies & Fees
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So, What is it that we actually do?
Like medical health, mental health treatment involves listening to your concerns and identifying your symptoms, measuring various aspects of your mental capacity, and assessing internal and external factors that might be contributing to the problem. While a diagnosis isn't always necessary, simply getting some feedback about what could be going on can be relieving. Then together we can strategize on how to move forward.
Do you Accept Insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider, which means that if you want to use your insurance you will need to pre-pay for your session and then submit the receipt for reimbursement from your insurance company (check with your insurance company for details). The benefit of out-of-network is that you can choose from a larger variety of potentially more specialized counselors. It also means that you will not receive a diagnosis on your medical record (required for insurance); and that I do not share any information about what we talk about with your insurance company or any other third party without your permission.
Session Times & Activities
A counseling session is 50 minutes long. Our time together is generally structured, with a prescriptive plan for making change, and homework/reading/skill-development in between our sessions. However, I can also serve as a supportive and impartial listener who will provide candid, yet supportive feedback, without the rigidity of an agenda, as long as our time together demonstrates a therapeutic benefit.
Payment, Cancellation, and No-Show Policies
I require a minimum of 72 hours (3-days) notice to cancel or change your appointment without being charged a late cancellation fee. Late cancellations will result in a $100 cancellation fee. If you do not show up for your appointment you will be charged the full session rate. All sessions are pre-paid via check, credit card, or cash at the time when you book your appointment. Those sessions are good for one-year from the time of payment.
Communication Procedures, Technology, and Electronic-Communication
I check email once daily on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. For a faster response, you can call or text me during the week. I try to respond to calls and text messages within 24 hours, but there may be times that I am unable. If you call or text over the weekend or holiday, I am usually unable to get back to you until the next business day.
Virtual Telehealth Counseling via Phone, Internet, Video Conference
I currently offer telemental health counseling in select areas. This practice is limited to client issues that are appropriate in those settings. I am happy to consult via phone or email to determine if telemental health counseling is appropriate for your situation.
Complimentary Phone Consultation
I am available for a 15 minute complimentary phone or face-to-face consultation if you are considering becoming a client and would like to discuss details about my approach and process. Current clients are also allowed complimentary phone consultation in between our sessions, limited to 10 minutes. Phone consultation for a longer period of time is available, but will be billed as a counseling session.
Confidentiality and Privacy
I take confidentiality very seriously and I am legally bound to keep everything we talk about confidential, with the exception of these four things. I cannot keep confidential anything you share that involves: 1) harming yourself, 2) harming someone else, 3) harming a minor, or 4) harming a vulnerable adult (i.e. someone with a disability or who is elderly). The records that I take from each of our sessions focus primarily on diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies. I try my best to avoid documenting any sensitive information, unless that information is essential to your treatment.
Your HIPAA Patient Privacy Rights
HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Healthcare providers are required to handle your Protected Healthcare Information (PHI) in an ethical and fair manner. You can learn more about your specific rights at this link: 
https://www.privacyrights.org/consumer-guides/hipaa-privacy-rule-patients-rights
My Non-Judgmental Philosophy
This profession requires significant humility, largely because it opens your eyes to the vast, often contrasting differences between cultures in our world. I believe that your life is yours to walk and with all of the factors that contribute to who you are, I have no right, nor interest, in judging the decisions you make. I may share with you potential consequences that may result from your choices and if you ask for my opinion I will be honest about how and why I might make a certain choice. The bottom line is, I believe that even when we are at our worst, each one of us is a human being who deserves dignity and respect.
Hours of Operation
I am currently taking new telemental health clients on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between the hours of 9:00am - 5:00pm.
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