The following information is provided to acquaint you with my office policies and procedures:
As a licensed professional counselor, I provide counseling and psychotherapy services and specialized treatment in which I have been trained. My commitment is to assist clients with their identified mental health needs.
New Jersey law and professional ethics require that communication between the client and therapist remains confidential. However, the law requires disclosure in these cases:
- If you are in danger of harming yourself or others
- If there is evidence of child or elder abuse, past or present
- Per court order
Additionally, it is sometimes necessary to share certain information with the client’s insurance company regarding treatment authorization.
I understand and agree that all information disclosed in sessions (both individual sessions and family sessions) will NOT be released for legal purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, collecting evidence, financial settlements and evaluation, opinions in divorce and custody issues. I understand that in order for therapy to be effective, our relationship and the content of our sessions needs to be safe, confidential and protected from legal intrusions of all kinds.
Therapy sessions are made by appointment and are generally fifty minutes in length. I require notification 24 hours in advance of canceling a session, except in the event of an emergency, which will be evaluated case by case. Please understand that you will be billed if less than 24 hours notice is given when canceling.
Payment for services is required at the time of your appointment unless other arrangements have been made in advance. There is an extra charge for letters, reports or other correspondence you request/authorize and for meetings I attend at your request.
I am available in between scheduled sessions by telephone for brief consultations ten – fifteen minutes in length. Telephone sessions can be arranged if needed and will be billed according to my hourly rate. Note: that insurance companies often do not reimburse phone sessions.
Although, I do not take insurance, I will give you a receipt that you can use for your insurance company. I generally return messages within 24 hours Mondays through Fridays. If you are in need of immediate assistance, or have a clinical emergency, please call Morristown Memorial Hospital’s crisis line at (973) 540-0100, your nearest hospital or call 911.
Please discuss any questions or concerns you may have regarding these policies, or our working relationship. Please sign below to indicate your understanding and acceptance of these policies and procedures.