Therapy is an ongoing process which requires intentionality and commitment.

Procedures:

1. Once we’ve agreed on a specific date and time, your time is reserved and held for you. If you need to reschedule, I can check my schedule to see if alternative times are available. If our schedules are no longer compatible, we will discuss transitioning care to another therapist.

2. At the first session, we will cover expectations regarding attendance and clarify any questions you may have.

3. At the fourth session, we will review the therapeutic relationship and treatment to examine how both parties regarding fit, suitability of needs and goals, and transition of care, if needed.

4. Congratulations! You’ve graduated! Once you feel like you’ve gotten what you needed in our work, we can discuss tapering down or ending therapy altogether. There is not a “set time” of how long it will take. It is dependent on what your goals are, your current situations, and progress. It can be beneficial to meet for a “termination” session to discuss progress, reflections, and have closure for the relationship.

No-Shows, Repeated Cancellations, Tardiness:

No-shows and two repeated cancellations will result in a conversation regarding barriers to attending appointments, current experience in therapy, necessary changes to treatment, or termination/transition of care.

If you’re not present when the session starts, I will reach out via email/call to confirm whether you’d be able to meet after 10 minutes. After 15 minutes without prior notice, a $200 no-show fee will be charged. $100 late-cancellation fee will be charged for cancellations within 48 hours of appointment.

Active Effort

I work hard for my clients because I love seeing clients grow and prosper in their goals. In order to get the most benefits out of therapy, it requires active effort from both you and me.

Ways to make sure you get what you put in are through putting in work during and after therapy, showing up to sessions on time and regularly, as well as reflecting on what was discussed and making behavioral changes.

Read [the blog] to consider how to get the most out of therapy

Fit

Therapeutic fit is important for both the client and therapist. I wholeheartedly believe a strong relationship can make a huge difference in the work.

I recommend giving it at least 3 sessions to get to know each other and assess how you feel once the nerves of meeting someone new settles and we’ve fully gathered necessary information for your care. We can mutually assess the relationships and needs from there to see if we want to continue with care.

I understand I will not be the best fit for everybody, therefore, I advocate you seek a therapist where you feel comfortable with and is able to actively be engaged. If requested, I can provide referrals to a therapist who might be better for your needs.

Read [Therapy Approach] to explore my style and clients I work best with.

As a human, I am also prone to making mistakes. Therefore, if there is ever a time where you felt like I missed the mark, I empower you to bring up anything you’d like to share and we can process that as I am most willing to make sure you’re heard.

Review [Rates & Insurance] for what to ask your insurance provider and full-fee rates. Fees and co-pays will be charged the day of your appointment. Insurance will not pay for $100 no-show/late cancellations; you will be fully responsible for these.

It is your responsibility that you understand your benefits, co-pay and deductible.

In-Network Claims

Coverage typically renews at the beginning of every year. Contact your insurance provider to ensure you're aware of any changes that may impact your coverage. Claims are processed by insurance companies typically 2-5 weeks, however, it could be shorter.

Out-of-Network Claims

I can submit your sessions weekly to your insurance carrier, if you choose. This way your out-of-pocket expenses for therapy sessions will go towards your Out-Of-Network (OON) Deductible.

For OON claims:

1. I will always collect from you the private pay fee (even when the deductibles have been met and the coverage benefits begin.)

2. If there are benefits to be paid, the OON plan will send the checks (reimbursement) for any funds your benefits covered directly to you via direct deposit to your bank account or a physical check.

If for some reason you do not wish for me to send the claims on your behalf, i can provide a "superbill" with all the information so you can send it to your insurance for claims purposes.

Typically, I try my best to respond within the day or the following day. However, I am not available 24 hours per day as I may be in sessions, during the weekends, holidays, or pre-determined vacations. You’re welcome to contact me and I will respond as quickly as I can.

I have an Instagram account [@drvytherapy] that provides tips. This could be helpful as you go through therapy but is not an expectation that you follow, comment, or engage.

Please note that I cannot interact with you through either my personal or professional accounts that will indicate you are my client.

If we see each other in public, I am ethically obligated to not identify that I know you (i.e., waving hi, saying hi, initiating conversation) unless you acknowledge me first.

I do not provide emergency or crisis interventions. In the event of an emergency, please go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 for life-threatening situations.

See [Crisis Contacts] for emergency locations

Risks

• Personal challenges can bring up sadness, guilt, anger, shame, frustration

• May initially feel worse as therapy progresses due to processing suppressed emotions

• You may see the world in a different way such as your relationships and behaviors which can cause internal conflict

Benefits

• Increasing insights into self

• Modifying behaviors

• Deepening relationships

• Improving professional life such as school and work

• Finding solutions to problems

• Reducing distress

• Understanding emotions and thoughts

• Enhancing self-compassion, self-love, and self-acceptance

As required by law, I am required to keep records of the therapy sessions which are stored in a secured location consistent with federal standards for medical records. I will not disclose your personal information unless required by law.

I am ethically and legally responsible to disclose client information without prior consent when:

• you are harm to yourself or others unless protective measures are taken

• reasonable suspicion or known abuse/neglect of children, dependent adults, or elderly

• court order for disclosure of files

• sexual exploitation between therapy client and therapist (client anonymity will be preserved if requested)

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost if you are paying out of pocket and not intending to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.

Given the complexity of mental health therapy, we cannot predict exactly how many sessions you will need as this will vary depending on your goals, concerns, risks, support needed, and other factors. Frequency may change, whether permanently or temporarily, as initiated by therapist or client.