Privacy & Policies
Confidentiality
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It is crucial that you feel safe in sharing about yourself in counseling. Laws strictly protect the relationship between a client and a therapist, and information cannot be disclosed without your written permission. I legally cannot and will not share any of your information with anyone, including the fact that you are a client, unless you allow it.
However, there are several specific circumstances in which I cannot ethically or legally guarantee complete confidentiality:
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If I believe you intend to harm yourself or someone else.
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If you share that a child, elderly or disabled person has been or will be abused or neglected.
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If disclosure of your information is court ordered.
Even in the above circumstances, only essential information will be revealed and if possible, you will be informed before any information is disclosed. Otherwise, I will not inform anyone about your treatment, diagnosis or any personal information without your full awareness and written permission.
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Disclosure of Diagnosis
If you choose to use insurance, most insurance companies require that a clinical diagnosis of your symptoms be made in order to approve treatment and payment. This diagnosis comes from the DSM-5-TR* categories for mental health and will become part of your medical record. We can discuss your diagnosis together before this information is provided to your insurance company.
*The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and offers a common language and standard criteria for the classification of mental disorders such as Generalized Anxiety, Major Depressive Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder, among many others.
Referrals
Certain client issues and concerns will be best supported by clinicians specifically trained in those areas. In this case, we will discuss your needs & options and I will work to refer you to other specifically qualified professionals so you can get the most fitting treatment possible.
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Privacy
Notice of Privacy Practices - HIPAA notification document about how your confidential information is guarded. *HIPAA is the Healthcare Insurance Portability & Accountability Act that exists since 1996 to protect your confidential health information. All healthcare providers are bound by and expected to follow this law.
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Internet Privacy Practices - document explaining how your private information is managed when you access this website and interact with me electronically.
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Internet Connection & Privacy Tips - handout of ideas for clients receiving online therapy to improve internet connectivity and help protect personal confidential information.
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Cancellation Policy
I respectfully ask for your cooperation with maintaining scheduled appointments. Please inform me of any need to reschedule or cancel an appointment at least 48 hours prior to the appointment time. If 24-hour notice is not provided prior to canceling, you will be assessed a missed appointment fee of $95, which will be charged to your account on file.
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Ethics & Complaints
I provide counseling services in a professional manner and abide by the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics. If you have any concerns, I encourage you to please discuss these with me so we can address them. If you feel I am in violation of any of the ACA ethical codes, please let me know immediately. If you remain unsatisfied, complaints can be filed with the following organization:
North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
PO Box 77819 Greensboro, NC 27417
phone: (844) 622-3572 or 336-217-6007
fax: (336) 217-9450
https://www.ncblcmhc.org/Complaints/
email: complaints@ncblcmhc.org