Office Policies

These policy statements have been developed for your information and our discussion. They are written in accordance with current legal and professional ethical standards. Please talk with me about any questions you may have. It is important that you understand your client rights in order for us to develop a healthy and effective working relationship.

CONFIDENTIALITY is maintained regarding all information except in emergency situations that involve threat of serious harm to you or others, as is the case in suicide or abuse. Should I seek consultation from my colleagues to improve my ability to help you, your name will be withheld. By law, if required, I must disclose your health information to authorized federal officials who are conducting national security and intelligence activities, and I cannot reveal this to you if I have done so.

Finally, in the event of my unexpected incapacitation, the confidentiality of your clinical records will be protected by an executor who is a licensed mental health professional. Otherwise, the release of information regarding your treatment will only occur with your written permission.

APPOINTMENT for psychotherapy and/or counseling sessions with individuals, couples and families are typically 45 – 50 minutes unless an extended or shorter session is indicated. Since your appointment time is held exclusively for you, I ask you to arrive promptly. Also, please do not use your mobile phone or other electronic devices to make maximum use of the time allotted to you. If you are unable to keep an appointment, you are asked to provide a minimum of 24 hours notice or you will be financially responsible for this appointment. Please note that insurance companies generally do not cover the charge for missed appointments.

TELEPHONE CALLS are received at 619-213-3000 and usually returned during business hours Monday through Friday. In order to expedite a return call, please leave me a selection of times and phone numbers where you can be reached. If you are calling from a cell phone, please repeat this information slowly. Unless you have been notified by my voice message that I am out of the office and I have not returned your call within 48 hours, please call and leave another message. When I am out of the office and you experience an urgent or emergency situation, please call the Crisis Hotline at 800-479-3339 or go the emergency room of your nearest hospital.

EMAIL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS: Because confidentiality is not guaranteed, I do not address therapeutic issues through fax, email or cell phone (with the exception of an emergency). I will, however, acknowledge receipt of any these communications and respond to the email for which you have given consent to requests for scheduling appointments and other administrative issues.

PAYMENT for all initial evaluations and individual, couple or family sessions are billed
according to my fee schedule. Shorter or longer appointments will be pro-rated accordingly. Additional services that you request (or are for your benefit), such aswriting reports, phone calls over ten minutes, etc. are on my fee schedule as well. If you wish a copy, please ask me.

Payment is expected at the time of service unless we have made other arrangements in advance of your appointment. Periodically, I adjust my fees. You will be notified in advance for any fee adjustment.

INSURANCE COVERAGE for my services may be included in your health insurance policy. If so, I am willing to assist you in completing the reimbursement request and other required forms. However, your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company and final responsibility for your entire bill remains with you.

INFORMATION CHANGES:
Please advise me if you change your address, telephone number(s), email address, place of employment or insurance coverage or company.