Welcome to my practice.  This document contains important information about my professional services and business policies.  Please read it carefully and jot down any questions that you might have so that we can discuss them at our first meeting. Once you sign this, it will constitute a binding agreement between us.

PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements.  It varies depending on the personality of both the therapist and you and the particular problems which you bring.  There are a number of different approaches which can be utilized to address the problems you present.  It is not like visiting a medical doctor in that it requires a very active effort on your part. In order to be most successful, you will have to work both during our sessions and at home.

Psychotherapy has both benefits and risks.  Risks sometimes include experiencing uncomfortable levels of feelings like sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness and helplessness.  Psychotherapy often requires recalling unpleasant aspects of your history.  Psychotherapy also has shown to have many benefits for people.  It often leads to a significant reduction of feelings of distress, better relationships, and resolutions of specific problems.  There are no guarantees what will happen.

The initial meeting will provide an evaluation of the problems presented.  We will agree together on the treatment plan and course of action.

The initial meeting will provide an evaluation of the problems presented.  We will agree together on the treatment plan and course of action.  If you have questions about my procedures, we should discuss them whenever they arise.  If your doubts persist, I will be happy to help you to secure an appropriate consultation with another mental health professional.

MEETINGS

My normal practice is to conduct an evaluation upon our first session (aprox. 50 minutes).  During this time, we can both decide whether I am the best person to provide the services which you need in order to meet your treatment objectives.  EAP sessions are scheduled by 35-40 minute sessions.

Please note:  In keeping with my philosophy of treating clients with respect, appointments will start on time.  Late arrival may take away from your scheduled time slot, so please be punctual. 

PROFESSIONAL FEES

My initial consultation fee is $100.00 and my regular hourly fee is $85.00.  In addition to weekly appointments, it is my practice to charge this amount on a prorated basis for other professional services you may require such as report writing, telephone conversations which last longer than 10 minutes, attendance at meetings, consultations with other professionals which you have authorized, preparation of records or treatment summaries, and the time required to perform any other service which you may request of me.

BILLING AND PAYMENTS

You will be expected to pay for each session at the time it is held unless we agree otherwise (cash or check).  In circumstances of unusual hardship, I may be willing to negotiate a fee adjustment or installment payment plan.  Appointments cancelled less than 24 hours will be charged the normal fee.

CONTACTING ME

I usually will not answer the phone when I am with a client.  I will make every effort to return your call on the same day you make it with the exceptions of weekends or holidays.  If you cannot reach me, and you feel that you cannot wait for me to return your call, you should call your family physician or the emergency room at the nearest hospital and ask for the psychologist or psychiatrist on call.