Terms & Conditions

In general, the confidentiality of all communication between a client and mental health provider are protected by law. Thus, I can only release information about our work to others with your written permission. However, there are some important exceptions to note. In most judicial proceedings, you have the right to prevent me from providing any information about your treatment. However, in some circumstances, such as child custody proceedings and proceedings in which your emotional condition 1S an important element, a judge may require my testimony if he/she determines that a resolution of the issues before him/her demands it. In these situations, my case records may be subpoenaed. There are some situations in which I am legally required to take action to protect others from harm, even though that requires revealing some information about a client's treatment. If I believe that a child, an elderly person, or a disabled person is being abused, I must file a report with the appropriate agency. If I believe that a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another, I am required to take protective action; which may include notifying the potential victim, notifying the police, or seeking appropriate hospitalization for the client, including contacting family members or others who can help provide protection. I may occasionally find it helpful to consult with other professionals regarding a case. I belong to a sand play consultation group, which meets monthly. I may present pictures taken of the sand trays created during the therapy process to this group. Specific identifying client information is not shared with the group and presentations are made solely for training purposes. Consultants in this group are also legally bound to keep the information confidential. While this written summary of exceptions to confidentiality should prove helpful in informing you about potential problems, it is important that we discuss any questions or concerns that you may have at our next session. As you might suspect, the laws governing these issues are complex. an attorney, thus; should you need specific advice, formal legal counsel may be desirable.

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 healthcare 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.