Initial appointments are dedicated to assessment and information gathering that I consider to be imperative to providing quality treatment and an appropriate treatment plan. These sessions are typically between 60 and 90 minutes. However, sometimes one session with the patient and/or the parent(s)/caregiver(s) is not enough time, depending on the situation. If not, another session will be scheduled.
Payment is expected at the beginning of each session.
Be on time
Please be on time for your appointment. Your session will end on time no matter when you arrive. However, if after 15 minutes you have not arrived, the session will be cancelled and considered a no-show. The no show fee will then occur. There is no guarantee that it will be rescheduled that week.
Cancellations
There is a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment, then you will be charged half the amount of the fee for that appointment. No further sessions will occur until that fee is paid. Any previously scheduled appointment(s) will be forfeited until payment is made.
If you simply do not show up to an appointment (a no-show), you will be charged the entire amount of the fee for that appointment. No further sessions will occur until that fee is paid. Any previously scheduled appointment(s) will be forfeited until payment is made.
Three (3) consecutive no shows can result in termination of therapeutic services. After four (4) or more non-consecutive no shows, termination of therapeutic services may also result.
Any unpaid fees may result in going to collections. Let’s not even go there, though. Just pay what you’ve committed to.
Who is allowed at the session
The parent(s) or caregiver(s) is/are expected to remain on the premises the entire time the child is in session. If you leave the premises or “drop your child off,” it is considered a safety concern and a violation of the therapeutic expectations. There are also reasons specific to your child’s therapy that I may also need you there. If this becomes an issue, termination of therapeutic services may be considered and references to other child therapists will be offered that are more conducive to your needs and expectations.
Although you, the client, own the right to confidentiality, please be thoughtful as to who should be at the session. It is typically inappropriate for other children or adults to “come along.” Please find other child care arrangements for children not part of the therapy session. I know that can be difficult! But it’s important for a variety of reasons. Adults who do not have legal guardianship need to have a Release of Information signed by the legal guardian of the child if they are to be included in a therapy session BEFORE the intended session.
Contact Me
Contacting me between sessions is absolutely appropriate if there is an important issue that needs to be discussed or if there are questions about the upcoming appointment. Please leave a message if you would like a return call. The voicemail is confidential. Although calls are typically returned much sooner, policy is to allow 48 business hours to return your phone call. If it is an emergency, please simply call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
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