Policies

Counseling Services
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. I provide individualized services appropriate for your concerns by utilizing a variety of modalities and therapeutic techniques to best meet your needs. I have extensive experience and training in behavior counseling. I previously worked as a school counselor for elementary students. I also have experience working in therapeutic settings with women and married couples.

Practice Policies
Clients are seen by appointment only. Sessions will last 50 minutes. If you wish to change your appointment or cancel, please give at least 24-hour notice. Allowances will be made for emergencies but be mindful that you will be charged the full fee for missed or no-show appointments. My services are private pay only, however I do accept HSA and FSA cards. I can also provide invoices or super bills for insurance reimbursement. The initial parent-intake fee is $125 and each session following will be $115. Couples therapy session fee is $120. Payment is due at the completion of each session.

Contact Information. I may be reached at the phone number 817-239-9996. I will work to return calls/texts within 24 hours. If you or your child are experiencing a mental health crisis, go immediately to the nearest emergency room for an evaluation. If you have concerns about the services provided, I invite you to discuss them with me. This process may enhance the therapeutic experience and the client’s progress. Formal complaints may be made to:

Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
333 Guadalupe St, Tower 3, Room 900 Austin, TX 78701
512-305-7700
1-800-821-3205 24-hour complaint system

What to Expect
The initial intake appointment will occur with the parent(s) or guardian only if the client is under 18. If the client is over 18, the initial appointment will be with the client. This is an information gathering session to review paperwork and policies and get a general idea of therapy goals. After intake session, regular sessions with the client will be scheduled. There are times during the counseling process where I will meet with the parent only (if a child client) to update on progress. Please note that counseling holds no guarantees. Research has shown, however, that psychotherapy may contribute to productivity, enhanced self-respect, and improved communication in relationships.

Confidentiality

I am required by federal and state law to maintain the privacy of your mental health information. I am also required to give notice about my privacy practices, legal obligations, and your rights concerning your health information (Protected Health Information or PHI). Limits to confidentiality include if the client is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else. PHI may be disclosed for the following reasons:

a. Treatment: I may disclose PHI to provide treatment to you. For example, I may use PHI to diagnose and provide counseling services to you. In addition, I may disclose PHI to other health care providers involved in your treatment when consulting about care.

b. Payment. I may use or disclose PHI so that services you receive are appropriately billed.

c. Required or Permitted by Law. I may use or disclose PHI when I am required or permitted to do so by law. For example, I may disclose PHI to appropriate authorities if I feel that the client is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else. In addition, I may disclose PHI to judicial and law enforcement officials in response to a court order or other lawful process.

Counseling Minors

To build a therapeutic relationship with a minor, it may be necessary for me to keep certain pieces of information from a guardian. However, check-ins may be scheduled with the parent or guardian to update the child’s overall process in therapy.

Email

There are limitations to confidentiality when using electronic mediums for communication. Emails will be used for communication if the client prefers but will not be used in lieu of face-to-face counseling.

Social Networking

I will NOT engage in any social activities with the client or client representative including day-to-day life, virtual reality, or social networking sites.

Uses and Disclosures Requiring Authorization.

i. Psychotherapy Notes. Notes recorded by your clinician documenting the contents of the session (psychotherapy notes) will be used only by your clinician and may not be disclosed without your written authorization unless requested legally.

ii. Other Uses and Disclosures. Uses and disclosures other than those listed above will only be made with your written authorization. For example, I will request a written authorization before communicating with insurance companies, schools, or attorneys. You may revoke the authorization at any time

Client’s Individual Rights.

a. Right to inspect and copy. You may request access to your medical records and billing records maintained by me to inspect and request copies of the records. Requests must be made in writing.

b. Terminate Counseling. You have the right to terminate counseling at any time during the therapeutic process. If you choose to terminate, I am happy to provide referrals to counselors who might be a better fit. For continuity, it is not advised that a client see more than one counselor at a time. However, if the client is participating in a group or seeing anyone in a therapeutic setting, I will ask that you complete a release of information to communicate with other therapists as needed.

c. Information Request. You have the right to request information regarding sessions if done so in writing. You also have the right to ask for information regarding therapist’s qualifications, license information, education, training, and experience.

d. Right to Amend. If you feel PHI is incorrect or incomplete, you may ask me to amend the information although I am not required to agree to the amendment.

e. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures. You have the right to request an accounting of certain disclosures made of your PHI.

f. Right to request Restrictions. You have the right to request restriction or limitation on the use or disclosure of your PHI for services, payment, or business operations.

g. Right to Copy of Notice. You have the right to a copy of this notice

Divorce Decree or Custody Paperwork.

The divorce decree or custody paperwork is required before seeing a minor.

I do not specialize in high-conflict divorces.

Court Policy
As a client, it is important to understand the limitations of confidentiality regarding legal matters and court involvement. Please review the following court policy:

1. Court Appearances & Legal Testimony
   • I do not provide court testimony, evaluations, or expert opinions unless legally required by a court order.
   • If subpoenaed, I may be required to provide factual information but will not offer opinions on custody, legal matters, or fitness for duty.
   • If subpoenaed, my time will be billed at a rate of $300 per hour, including preparation, travel, and court appearances.
   • There will be a retainer required due before the court date. 
2. Subpoenas & Records Requests
   • If my records are subpoenaed, I will take reasonable steps to protect your confidentiality within legal limits.
   • If I am required to release records, I may charge a fee for administrative time and copying costs.
3. Legal Consultation & Communication
   • I do not provide legal advice. If you need legal support, I recommend consulting with an attorney.
   • Any communication with attorneys or legal professionals will be billed at my standard rate.
4. Potential Impact on the Therapeutic Relationship
   • Court involvement can strain the therapeutic relationship. If legal proceedings interfere with treatment, I may discuss alternative care options with you.

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