Disclosures
Treatment Philosophy
Therapy is goal-directed, problem-focused treatment. This means that a treatment goal or several goals are established after a thorough assessment. All treatment is then planned with the goal(s) in mind and progress is made toward accomplishment of that goal(s) in a timely manner.
You will take an active role in setting and achieving your treatment goals. Your commitment to this treatment approach is necessary for you to experience a successful outcome.
Standard appointment time is 30 to 45 minutes. If you ever have any questions about the nature of treatment or your care, please do not hesitate to ask.
Limits of Confidentiality Statement
All information between practitioner and patient is held strictly confidential. There are legal exceptions to this:
- The patient authorizes a release of information with a signature.
- The patient’s mental condition becomes an issue in a lawsuit.
- The patient presents as a physical danger to self (Johnson v. County of Los Angeles, 1983).
- The patient presents as a danger to others (Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California, 1967).
- Child or elder abuse and/or neglect is suspected (Welfare & Institution and/or Penal Code).
In the latter two cases, the practitioner is required by law to inform potential victims and legal authorities so that protective measures can be taken.
All written and spoken material from any and all sessions is confidential unless written permission is given to release all or part of the information to a specified person, persons, or agency.
If group therapy is utilized as part of the treatment, details of the group discussion are not to be discussed outside of the counseling sessions.
I authorize release of information to my Primary Care Physician, other health care providers, institutions, and referral sources for the purpose of diagnosis, treatment, consultation, and professional communication.
I further authorize the release of information for claims, certification, case management, quality improvement, benefit administration, and other purposes related to my health plan.
Emergency Access
Practitioners are available after hours to handle emergencies. By calling the main office number during after hours, you will be instructed how to contact the on-call practitioner.
I have read the above disclosures and understand them.
Financial Policy and Agreement
You are responsible for obtaining prior authorization for treatment from your insurance carrier. We will bill your primary insurance; however, you are responsible for co-payment amounts and deductibles as set by your benefit plan.
We will not bill your secondary insurance (if applicable). Missed appointments are not covered by insurance, and any associated charges are your responsibility.
If you are being seen under your Employee Assistance Program (EAP), services are paid by your employer.
If you have an HMO, co-payment amounts are set by your benefit plan and are due at each appointment. The co-payment amount is determined by your insurance card and/or Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
If you have a PPO, you are responsible for deductibles and co-payments according to your benefit plan.
At any time during treatment, if you become ineligible for insurance coverage, you agree to notify the practitioner and understand that you will become responsible for 100% of the bill.
If you are without insurance or your fees are covered by an outside agency, services are provided according to The Way’s current fee schedule. Payment is due at the time of treatment unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
The practitioner will inform you of costs when services fall outside your insurance benefits. For special treatment modalities not covered by your plan, a written agreement will be required outlining fees and the expected treatment plan.
Cancellation and Missed Appointment Policy
Scheduled appointment times are reserved specifically for you. If an appointment is missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, you will be billed according to the scheduled fee or the instructions of your benefit plan.
Repeated missed appointments may result in referral back to your insurance company for reassignment to another practitioner. Insurance will not be billed for missed or cancelled appointments.
Florida law states that children under the age of 12 cannot be left unattended. Please bring only children who will be participating in treatment to your sessions.
I have read the above and agree to accept treatment and all conditions set forth herein.