Introduction to psychotherapy:

Therapy is a complex process.  It can be beneficial to many individuals experiencing a variety of emotional and/or psychological difficulties.  With your active participation, it can lead to improved relationships, solutions to problems, and overall reduction of stress.  Psychotherapy often involves discussing sensitive, personal information, which can cause you to experience unpleasant feelings at times.  There is no way to predict how you will experience therapy, but please be sure to discuss your feelings with me throughout your process.

 

Confidentiality:

As required by law, what is said during your therapy sessions and your treatment records are kept confidential.  I am not permitted to release any information about you without your written consent (or if you are a minor, the written consent of your parent/guardian).  However, if I believe that you are presenting as a danger to yourself or someone else, I am then obligated to take appropriate measures to maintain your safety, or the safety of others.  Protective actions may include discussing concerns with parents, initiating a psychiatric evaluation at a hospital, and/or warning a potential victim (if identifiable).  Further, if you disclose that you (a minor) or another child is being harmed or neglected by an adult, I am a mandated reporter and required by law to make a report to the State Central Registry. 

 

If you would like to give me permission to speak with outside providers i.e. former therapists, medical professionals, teachers, family members, etc. you will be asked to sign a consent form authorizing me to do so.

 

Appointment Policy:

Therapy is most effective when an individual participates meaningfully and actively, and when the individual attends therapy regularly.  It is important to maintain your scheduled therapy appointments.  Payment for services provided is due at the time of the session/service.  If you are unable to attend a scheduled session, please notify me at least 24 hours in advance.  Please be aware that if you do not give a full 24 hour notice, you will incur a $50 late cancel/missed session fee.  If you miss multiple appointments, I may not be able to reserve time for you going forward.  Please be aware that if you do not provide payment at the time of the session, you may be kept from scheduling future sessions until your debt is paid. 

 

Emergency Procedures:

I work as a private practitioner and there are no on-call emergency/crisis procedures available.  Should you find yourself in an emergency outside of normal business hours, please call 9-1-1 or St. Vincent’s Crisis Response Prevention Team (CRPT Serving Westchester County)- (914) 925-5959 for 24/7 telephone coverage.  Please also leave me a message so that I can respond to your emergency as quickly as I am able.

 

Telephone Time:

I am happy to provide continued care to my clients via telephone calls, emails, and texts.  I am happy to be of assistance whenever I am able.  If, however, the situation calls for an extended period of time on the phone or via text/email, please be aware that you may incur additional fees billed at 1/5 hourly rate per 20 minutes. 

 

Report Writing/Attending Meetings:

I am happy to provide telephone consultations with schools or other providers, also billed at 1/5 hourly rate per 20 minutes.  Should you require a report or any clinical documentation or if you want me to attend a meeting, please consult with me first and we can discuss whether or not I can fulfill this need.