Terms and Conditions

 

 

  1. Professional Relationship:

    • Therapist's Role: A mental health therapist is a trained, licensed professional who helps individuals manage and improve their mental health. They provide a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

    • Client's Role: A client's role in therapy is essential to the success of the therapeutic process. Clients are expected to be active in their care for the entirety of the therapeutic relationship. By actively participating, collaborating with the therapist, and prioritizing self-care, clients can maximize the benefits of therapy and achieve their mental health goals.

  2. Confidentiality and Privacy:

    • Limits of Confidentiality: The therapist will legally abide by HIPPA regulations. Confidentiality will be maintained unless; client is harming themselves, harming someone else or a child/dependent adult is being harmed by someone.

    • Data Privacy: Clients personal information provided will only be viewed by the practicing therapist. All data and information will be stored in a secure, HIPPA compliant electronic medical records system and used for purposes of care for client. No personal information will be shared with anyone outside the client without a signed release of information from client.

    • Therapy Risks: While therapy is generally beneficial, it's important to acknowledge that there are potential risks associated with the process: (It's important to note that these risks are relatively uncommon and can often be mitigated by careful selection of a therapist, open communication, and a strong therapeutic alliance.)

    • Emotional Discomfort:

      1. Temporary Worsening: Therapy may initially bring up difficult emotions or memories, leading to temporary discomfort.

      2. Vulnerability: Sharing personal experiences can make individuals feel vulnerable.

    • Relationship Challenges:

      1. Unintended Consequences: Therapy can sometimes lead to unexpected changes in relationships with family, friends, or partners.

      2. Dependency: In rare cases, clients may develop an unhealthy dependence on the therapist.

    • Financial Burden:

      1. Cost: Therapy can be expensive, especially without insurance coverage.

    • Therapist-Client Relationship Issues:

      1. Poor Fit: Not all therapists are a good fit for every client.

  3. Therapy space: Client is expected to respect therapy space with appropriate behavior, respecting others privacy and keeping in mind volume as other clients may be in session.

  4. Fees and Payment:

    • Fees: Therapist accepts private pay at a rate of $160/session. Co-pays must be paid at time of service. Co-insurance and deductible must be paid at time of service.

    • Insurance: Therapist accepts insurance. Client’s insurance will be vetted prior to services being established to ensure client’s insurance is accepted with therapist.

  5. Session Length and Cancellation Policy:

    • Session Length: Standard session duration 30 minutes – 50 minutes

    • Cancellation Policy: Cancellation/rescheduling notice should be given within 24 hours’ notice of the scheduled session or fees may apply. In the event of a ‘No show’ to the scheduled appointment fees may apply or may result in longer rescheduling times.

  6. Communication between client and therapist:

    • Consent for SMS communication:

1.     If you have consented to receive text messages from Blue Moon Counseling, you may receive text messages related to scheduling, appointment reminders, information updates on business hours.

2.     The SMS opt in or phone numbers for the purpose of SMS are not being shared for marketing purposes

    • Client may request on intake paperwork how they prefer to be contacted; email, phone, text.

    • Blue Moon Counseling will not sell, trade, share or distribute personal information that is collected without client consent, unless required by a judge or court order.

  1. Technology use: Telehealth has become a valuable tool for providing therapy services, especially during times of social distancing or for individuals with limited access to in-person care. Here are some key guidelines for to ensure effective and ethical telehealth practice:

    • Client must ensure they have reliable technology to conduct tele-health sessions

    • Data Security: therapist will prioritize clients’ privacy and data security by using HIPAA-compliant teletherapy platforms.

    • Emergency Procedures: Therapist will have a plan in place for handling emergencies, such as sudden disruptions in the connection or client distress.

  2. Emergency Procedures:

    • Emergency Contact Information: Client is required to provide an emergency contact to keep on file. In the event of a crisis the therapist will reach out to the emergency contact and 911 services.

    • Crisis Resources: IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE OR IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING HARMING YOURSELF OR OTHERS OR IF YOU FEEL THAT ANY OTHER PERSON MAY, BE IN ANY DANGER OR IF YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL EMERGENCY, YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES NUMBER AND NOTIFY THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES. THE PLATFORM IS NOT DESIGNED FOR USE IN ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED CASES AND THE THERAPISTS CANNOT PROVIDE THE ASSISTANCE REQUIRED IN ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED CASES. IF YOU PROCEED TO USE THE PLATFORM NOTWITHSTANDING THIS NOTICE, YOU DO SO ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

    • Local Resources:

      1. Suicide hotline: 988

      2. Clive Behavioral Health: (844) 680-0504

      3. Unity Point Health Crisis Center:  1-855-581-8111

  3. Termination of Services:

    • Mutual Agreement: Client and therapist may come to a mutual agreement to terminate the relationship due to; treatment goals being met, therapeutic relationship is unfit for treatment.

    • Therapist Termination: The therapist may terminate the therapeutic relationship for reasons such as, but are not limited to; disruptive behavior, client places them or therapist in unsafe circumstances, lack of effort on client to engage in services, therapist professional recommendation that the therapeutic relationship is unfit and referrals to other providers would be appropriate for client care.

    • Client Termination: Client may terminate the therapeutic relationship at any time they feel necessary.

    • At the time of termination client will be discharged

    • Referrals:

      1. If client is terminated and is still in need of services, therapist will provide appropriate referrals for clients’ care.

      2. It is the responsibility of the client to contact referrals.

  4. Informed Consent:

    • Treatment Plan: Client must sign and agree to receive therapy services

    • Client's Right to Refuse: clients have the right to refuse any part of the treatment plan.

  5. Ethical Guidelines:

    • The therapist adheres to a strict code of ethics to ensure the well-being and safety of their clients. These ethical standards are established by professional organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Counseling Association (ACA).

  • Cultural Competence: Cultural competence is a vital aspect of effective therapy. The therapist will strive to understanding and respecting the cultural differences of clients and tailoring therapeutic approaches to accommodate diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and values.

  • Dual Relationships: Therapists must maintain clear professional boundaries with their clients. This means avoiding dual relationships (e.g., personal or business relationships outside of therapy) and sexual relationships with clients.