General Information

The therapeutic relationship is unique in that it is both highly personal and a professional agreement. Because of this, it is important for us to establish a clear understanding of how our work together will proceed and what each of us can expect. This informed consent document outlines the framework for your treatment. Please feel free to discuss any questions or concerns at any time.

Psychological Services

Psychotherapy is a personal and collaborative process that varies depending on your needs, your goals, the issues you bring to therapy, and the approach of your clinician. Many methods may be used to help you understand and address the concerns that arise during treatment.

Unlike a medical appointment where a doctor may offer a direct diagnosis or prescribe medication, psychotherapy requires active participation. The effort you put into the work both during sessions and between sessions plays a significant role in the progress you experience. Much of the growth that occurs in therapy happens as you reflect on and practice insights from sessions in your daily life.

Benefits and Risks of Therapy

Therapy can involve discussing challenging or uncomfortable aspects of your life. As a result, you may experience difficult emotions such as sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness, or helplessness. However, psychotherapy has also been shown to help people develop healthier coping strategies, strengthen relationships, reduce emotional distress, and gain insight into patterns that may be affecting their well-being. While many individuals benefit from therapy, there are no guarantees regarding outcomes.

Initial Sessions and Evaluation

The initial sessions focus on understanding your needs, reviewing your presenting concerns, discussing first impressions, and exploring possible therapeutic interventions. These early sessions also give you an opportunity to determine whether you feel comfortable with your clinician. At the same time, we will assess whether your needs fall within our scope of practice.

If at any point during the evaluation phase or throughout treatment we determine that your needs would be better met by another provider, we will discuss this with you and offer appropriate referrals.

Session Length and Frequency

Sessions are typically 45 or 53 minutes, scheduled weekly or every other week. Monthly sessions are generally not offered due to the amount of time between appointments, which may limit therapeutic progress and continuity.

Therapeutic Fit

Therapy requires a commitment of time, financial resources, and emotional energy. A strong therapeutic alliance is essential for effective treatment. If you or your clinician feel that the match is not ideal, we will discuss this openly. If needed, your clinician can provide referrals to other qualified professionals.

If concerns about the therapeutic relationship arise at any point, please bring them forward. Discussing discomfort, doubt, or uncertainty is often a valuable part of the therapeutic process. If concerns persist, we can assist in arranging a consultation with another provider upon your request.

Termination of Treatment

Psychotherapy may conclude for various reasons, including but not limited to:

• You have met your treatment goals
• Your clinician determines that your needs fall outside their scope of expertise
• You choose to discontinue therapy
• You stop attending scheduled appointments

Whenever possible, treatment will be concluded collaboratively and with a mutually agreed-upon plan. If this is not feasible, we will make every effort to discuss with you the reasons treatment is being closed.

Reasons Your Clinician May Initiate Termination

Your clinician reserves the right to end treatment under the following circumstances:

1. Repeated Late Cancellations or No-Show Appointments

Your appointment time is reserved specifically for you. Treatment may be terminated if:

• You fail to cancel at least 24 hours in advance, and/or
• You miss two consecutive sessions without response, or
• You miss three appointments within a three-month period, or
• You have 90 days of inactivity with no future sessions scheduled, or
• Your needs fall outside the clinician's scope of practice

We will make every effort to notify you if attendance becomes a concern. If we are unable to reach you or do not hear back from you, you will receive a letter or email informing you that your case has been closed. Before closing your case, you will receive written notice and referral options for continued care. Re-establishing services is not guaranteed and may require new intake paperwork or availability.

2. Inactivity for 90 Days

If more than 90 days have passed since your last session and you have no future appointments scheduled, your case will be considered inactive. We cannot hold openings indefinitely for clients who have not attended sessions.

Before closing your case, you will receive written notice and referral options for continued care. Re-establishing services is not guaranteed and may require new intake paperwork or availability.

Emergency Services