The following policies and agreements are offered to support our work together. The goal is to have minimal interruptions in your therapy as well as respecting the commitment we both make to your process. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this information.

BENEFITS, RISKS, AND ALTERNATIVES TO TREATMENT

Most people benefit from psychotherapy. Success can vary depending on particular problems and the uniqueness of each person. Self-exploration, gaining understanding, finding ways of working with your inner life, dealing with challenges and complexities, as well as learning new skills, are helpful and contribute to change.

Most of us experience uncomfortable feelings in the course of therapy such as unhappiness, anxiety, anger, guilt, and frustration. These experiences are a natural part of therapy and can help lead to change and growth if you stay with it. You may decide to make important decisions in the course of treatment, and although these decisions will benefit you, someone with whom you have a close relationship may view them negatively.

There are no guarantees; please let me know if you require additional or alternative supports so I can provide you with referrals.

SESSIONS

I have a weekly therapy model meaning I save the same spot for you each week. Please provide 24-hour notice of cancellation. Note that you will not be charged for up to 3 cancellations in a year. If you provide less than 24-hours notice of cancellation, or exceed the maximum of 3, you will be charged for the missed session, unless it is made up within the week.

MESSAGES

You may leave messages on my voice mail, and I will call you back as soon as I can. Calls after 5PM will generally be returned the next working day. If you are experiencing a crisis please call Marin General Hospital at (415)499-6666 or call 911.

I usually charge for phone calls that last over 10 minutes on the basis of your hourly fee.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Our sessions are confidential and in general a signed release is required before I may discuss anything about you and your therapy process.

There are some exceptions mandated by law. I may be required to give a verbal or written report in suspected cases of child abuse, elder abuse, and threats of harm to yourself and others. If you raise issues about your emotional or mental condition in court actions or to the Board of Behavioral Sciences, your ability to maintain confidentiality may be limited. When you sign an insurance release of information form you authorize me to give information about your problems, progress, or my treatment plan. I will always discuss this with you prior to releasing any information.

FEES

I prefer payment at the beginning of each session to avoid distraction before you leave. My hourly fee is currently $210 for a 50-minute session, and $270 for a 75-minute session. Fees may be raised on a yearly basis. I will give you 1-month notice of any changes. If you request an adjusted fee please be prepared to discuss your financial situation with me.

INSURANCE

If you plan to bill an insurance carrier, I will provide a paid invoice for you to remit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Reimbursement is between you and your insurance company.

EMAILS AND TEXT MESSAGES

Regarding the use of email and text messages: Although my phone and computer are password protected, my communications are not encrypted; therefore, I cannot guarantee confidentiality of communications by email or text. For this reason I limit email and text to scheduling issues and not for clinical work. If you choose to communicate confidential information with me by email or text, I will assume that you have made an informed decision, and I will view it as your agreement to take the risk that the communication may be intercepted. Please be aware that text or email are not an appropriate vehicle for emergency communication.

ENDING THERAPY

You also have the right to end therapy at your discretion. If either of us decides to end therapy, I recommend that you participate in several sessions, depending on the length of your therapy, to provide a positive closure and reflect on the work we have done together. I will also provide a smooth transition to another therapist if necessary.