Client Rights, Ethics & Fees

Client Rights
Seeking and selecting a counselor can be an intimidating process. As a client, you have the right to:

• Select a professional counselor who meets your needs.
• Receive specific information about your counselor’s qualifications, including education, experience, national counseling certifications, and state licensure.
• Obtain a copy of the code(s) of ethics your counselor must follow.
• Receive a written explanation of services offered, time commitments, fee scales, and billing policies prior to receipt of services.
• Understand your counselor’s areas of expertise and scope of practice (e.g., career development, adolescents, couples, etc.).
• Ask questions about confidentiality and its limits as specified in state laws and professional ethical codes.
• Receive information about emergency procedures (e.g., how to contact your counselor in the event of a crisis).
• Ask questions about counseling techniques and strategies, including potential risks and benefits.
• Establish goals and evaluate progress with your counselor.
• Request additional opinions from other mental health assessment professionals.
• Understand the implications of diagnosis and the intended use of psychological reports.
• Obtain copies of records and reports.
• Terminate the counseling relationship at any time.
• Share any concerns or complaints you may have regarding a professional counselor’s conduct with the appropriate professional counseling organization or licensure board.

Code of Ethics
As a professional who is registered with the National Board for Certified Counselors, I abide by the Code of Ethics.

As a client of a therapist you have the following rights:
-To expect that a licensee has met the qualifications of training and experience required by law.
-To examine public records maintained by the Board and to have the Board confirm credentials of a licensee.
-To obtain a copy of the Code of Ethics.
-To report complaints to the Board.
-To be informed of the cost of professional services before receiving the services;
-To be assured of privacy and confidentiality while receiving services as defined by rule and law, with the following exceptions:

1) Reporting suspected child abuse.
2) Reporting imminent danger to client or others.
3) Reporting information required in court proceedings or by client’s insurance company, or other relevant agencies.
4) Providing information concerning licensee case consultation or supervision.
5) Defending claims brought by client against licensee;
-To be free from discrimination because of age, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, national origin, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or socioeconomic status.

Disclosure of Fees
Our first counseling session will be referred to as an intake or assessment, and will be used to discuss your health history and overall goals for counseling. Intakes are billed at $250 for 55 minutes and individual sessions are billed at $175 for 50 minutes. Couples sessions are billed at $250 for 50 minutes. If you need to cancel or reschedule please do so within 48 hours. If you do not give a 48 hours notice there will be a 100% charge for the missed session. If you accrue three instances of no shows, missed session or a last minute cancellations, your file with me will be closed. Please be aware that a 9% credit card service charge has already been added to the session rates.

I can provide a super bill/invoice for insurance reimbursement purposes. It is the responsibility of each client to determine what their individual insurance company provides for repayment.

Each month I can provide a set number of sliding scale therapy sessions. I offer discounted rates for BIPOC/LGBTQIA clients, and clients with income restrictions.
In the event of an emergency please contact the Mental Health Crisis Line at 988 or call 911.