Practice policy

1. Practice Policies are set forth as below:

2. Service a) The Service Provider shall perform "Services" as described below in accordance with this Agreement and professionally with the Client's best interests in mind. b) Psychotherapy Services will vary based on the Client's situation and goals. Specific treatment techniques and suggested interventions will depend on the therapist's training and clinical judgment. Benefits may include improved solution-seeking ability, quality of life, relationships, physical and mental health, and significantly reduced anxiety and/or distress. The Service Provider cannot guarantee any specific outcome risks that may include experiencing mild to severe uncomfortable emotions, including but not limited to sadness, anger, anxiety, frustration, or guilt. c) What to Expect: sessions are 50 minutes long. The Service Provider and the Client will communicate; the Service Provider will ask the Client questions to get to know the Client and their situation, including their needs, goals, and challenges. The Client can also ask the Service Provider questions at any point. The first 2-4 sessions are used to evaluate if the Service Provider and Client can develop a healthy therapeutic relationship and for the Service Provider to evaluate if it is within their skill set to help the Client reach their goals. Psychotherapy is an active form of therapy that involves a significant investment of time, energy, and money on behalf of the Client. The frequency of visits will be mutually agreed upon between the Parties and are typically scheduled weekly, biweekly, or monthly. The Client can choose to discontinue therapy at any time for any reason, and the Service Provider may provide a referral to another therapist or resource if requested.

3. Cancellation Policy if the Client is going to be late or not able to make an appointment please call the Service Provider with as much notice as possible if the Client cancels with less than 24 hours’ notice then the Client agrees to pay the full fee for that session, unless it is agreed upon that the absence was due to uncontrollable circumstances if the Client does not show up for a scheduled appointment ('no show') the Client must pay for the full session fee before they will be able to schedule their next appointment if the Client does not show up for a scheduled appointment the Service Provider reserves the right to cancel any future appointments with the Client if the Client arrives late for an appointment the remaining time the scheduled appointment is available for the Client to use if they have called to let the Service Provider know that they will be late if the Client arrives late for an appointment and the Client has NOT called the Service Provider to let them know that they will be late, the Service Provider may be unavailable to start the session for up to 15 minutes.

​4. Communication / Emergencies The Service Provider cannot take calls during the day due to their schedule; however, if the Client needs to contact the Service Provider, the Client can leave a confidential voicemail at 509-795-0080. The Service Provider will attempt to return calls within 24 hours during office hours. If the Client is experiencing an emergency, the Client is advised to call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room, call the local Crisis Center at 988. Do NOT wait for the Service Provider to return a call in an emergency situation.

5. Limitation of Services The Service Provider acknowledges that they do not have the skills or expertise to successfully help everyone, given the uniqueness of each individual's situation, diagnoses, goals, background, and/or experiences. The Client and the Service Provider have the right to terminate therapy at any time if one or both parties believe the therapeutic relationship is not a good fit. In addition, the Service Provider may terminate services if the Client becomes verbally or physically abusive or threatens acts of violence or harassment toward the Service Provider or other staff if there is a pattern of missed or canceled appointments by the Client.

6. Social Media Policy The Service Provider is responsible for maintaining confidentiality and privacy within a therapeutic relationship. They will, therefore, not accept any 'friend' requests via any social media sites (including but not limited to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok, and LinkedIn). The Service Provider will not interact with the Client in any fashion (likes, comments, etc.) via any social media platform.

7. Client Responsibilities The Client must inform the Service Provider of any conditions or other special circumstances the Client might have or acquire throughout the Term of this Agreement, including any form of legal involvement. If the Client, for any reason, decides not to use the services outlined in this Agreement after the Client has signed this contract, kindly inform the Service Provider as soon as possible. For the best outcome, the Client must choose to invest energy in the psychotherapy process and work actively on relevant topics during and between sessions. It is the responsibility of the Client to be upfront and honest about their situation and circumstances in order for the Service Provider to facilitate therapy effectively. The Client will treat the Service Provider and other staff respectfully, including during electronic or email communications.

8. Professional Record Keeping The Service Provider is required by law to retain treatment records for a 7-year period after the last point of contact with the Client. The Service Provider agrees to keep the Client's personal and health information secure and confidential. The Client reserves the right to read and/or receive a copy of their own record if requested in writing. The Service Provider reserves the right to charge $0.75 per page for copying and a $25 administrative charge for requested documents/records.

9. Electronic Communications Computer, email, text, and/or cell phone communications cannot be kept 100% secure. If the Client chooses to communicate sensitive or identifying information via any form of electronic communication, the Service Provider assumes that the Client understands the risk of a privacy breach by an unauthorized person or people.

10. Confidentiality The law protects the privacy of communication between the Client and the Service Provider. The Service Provider will only release information regarding the Client's treatment if the Client gives written authorization for the Service Provider to release such information to a specific person or organization. The Client reserves the right to revoke authorization at any time in writing. In the following situations, the Client's authorization is NOT required to release information. The Service Provider is responsible for reporting disclosed potential suicide, homicide, or threat of imminent, serious harm to another individual suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult disclosed prenatal exposure to cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, phencyclidine, amphetamine, or derivatives. THC, as well as excess or habitual alcohol, use misconduct of a mental health or healthcare professional if subpoenaed by the court, the Service Provider must release the Client's records obligation to share information with employer and/or insurance provider if the Service Provider has an emergency or is otherwise unable to provide services then the Client's protected health information and records may be shared with another therapist; this therapist would also be bound to the same confidentiality rules as the Client's new therapist The Client is free to discuss confidentiality at any time with the Service Provider and may also seek legal advice from an attorney if desired.