PRIVACY & POLICIES

Please be advised that Michelle is providing Tele-Therapy services only at this time.

PRIVACY

The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission. (All privacy policies are spelled out in the HIPAA document included with your intake packet).

Exceptions to Confidentiality:

•Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

•If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.

•If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety. 

POLICIES

PAYMENT

Payment for services is due the same day of service, as if you were coming into the physical office. In advance of our work together, we will discuss payment method, process and we will have agreed to the terms prior to commencement of therapy services. I accept most Credit Cards and also accept Venmo for payment.

GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE

For cash pay clients, as of January 1, 2022, it is required that all clinicians provide a Good Faith Estimate (GFE), which is a part of the “No Surprises Act”. The GFE is intended to provide clients with an estimated cost of expected mental health care for 12 months from start date. Based on the limited information that I will know about you at the onset of therapy, this will be a general estimate of your treatment length based on your shared needs and goals of treatment.

CANCELLATION POLICY 

Please cancel in advance as a courtesy to other waiting clients and to the therapists’ schedule. Cancellations are required at least 24 hours in advance to allow for someone else to benefit from that hour if needed. If you cancel within 24 hours of our scheduled session, you will be charged your full session rate, as this time has been reserved for you. You may be able to avoid cancellation charges, IF I have availability and you are able to meet for a reschedule during that same week.

TERMINATION OF SERVICES

Rapport and good fit are essential when starting a therapeutic relationship. While a consult and your questions are best discussed prior to services, it is on occasion that you as client or myself as therapist, might decide that the therapeutic relationship is not effective, and may not benefit you the client. Please bring up any concerns you may have, as it is your right and also the therapist’s right, to discontinue services if you feel that there is a conflict.