Each session length will be negotiated based upon your agenda.  Your insurance company might require pre-authorization for session longer than 40 - 50 minutes and it will be your responsibility to check with them for what they will cover.  The intervals between sessions is negotiated and is best based upon the problem and the progress in therapy.  Sessions usually begin on a once per week schedule and may become less frequent as positive changes occur and prior to termination of treatment  Both you and I need to evaluate the process and progress of therapy periodically and renegotiate further appointments.  It is your right to discontinue treatment at any time you feel it is in your best interest to do so.  It is my ethical responsibility to end the treatment when it is reasonably clear that you are not benefiting from treatment.

LENGTH OF TREATMENT

 For many problems, short-term treatment (between 5 and 20 sessions) is customary.  This is particularly true when one basic problem is identified and focused upon in treatment.  When there are multiple problems, or problems have persisted over a long period of time, a longer term of therapy is likely.      

PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENT

 The type of treatment used will be chosen based upon the problem presented.  Some treatments have been shown to be effective through systematic research and will be recommended.  If you feel uncomfortable with the treatment offered, you should discuss this with me and the various options will be explained.

FEES

Individual (with client or family member)              30 minutes                                       $96

Individual (with client or family member)              45 minutes                                       $145

Individual (with client or family member)              60 minutes (if available)           $170

Family/Conjoint                                                                                                             $170

Diagnostic Interview (first session)                                                                                 $225

Any additional time will be billed at the rate of $45 per 15 minutes.  You will be billed for all time spent with you or on your behalf.  This includes individual, conjoint, or family therapy; letters, consultations, travel time for “out of office” services, telephone calls and reviewing formal reports and records.  Fees are based on the amount of time involved.

CANCELLATIONS/MISSED APPOINTMENTS

Cancellations, unless for emergency reasons, will need to be 24 hours in advance in order to avoid being charged half the usual and customary charges.  The answering service (410.867.0301) will take your cancellation message.

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES RENDERED

Payment at each session is preferred.  If you are expecting insurance to cover some of the fee, bring your health insurance card and the correct address where claim forms must be submitted.  It is important that you understand that it is your responsibility to pay your bill.  Disputes with your insurance company are between you and them.  Billing statements will be mailed monthly if it is known what you owe.  Payment in full is expected within 15 days after receipt of a statement.  If more than 90 days elapses without payment, unless arrangement have been made, I reserve the right to turn the account over to a collection agency or attorney.

EMERGENCIES

Being a solo practitioner has a variety of benefits for all.  I am able to work a more flexible schedule and offer more personalized and more focused attention.  However, when I am in session, or unavailable during off office hours, it is important that you still be able to talk with someone should an emergency arise.  If you experience an emergency and call the office, you will reach my answering service.  If they are not able to patch you through to me you will be offered the option to call Rescue Crisis yourself (419.255.9585) or they will patch you through to them.  This is a community based 24 hour confidential service where you can talk with someone trained in mental health issues at the time of crisis.  They will be able to aid you in thinking through what you need to do at that time to best deal with your current crisis.  I wish I could be available to help in the event of a crisis, but know that no one person has the ability to be available at all times.  This option, I believe, will allow me to continue to treat a wide variety of issues and will provide you with the necessary safety net should I be unavailable.  If this option seems unacceptable, I would certainly encourage you to consider a group practice where licensed professionals are more likely to be available as needed.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Ohio law requires that issues discussed during the course of therapy with a psychologist are confidential.  Confidentiality even includes that you have seen a psychologist at any time.   The information you reveal will not be discussed with others without your knowledge and consent and/or your records will not be sent or shown to others without a signed release from you. 

However, you need to be aware of several relatively unusual circumstances where there are exceptions to confidentiality.  In situations of potential harm to yourself (suicide) or others (homicide), of suspected child or elder abuse or neglect, and in instances where the court may subpoena records (most commonly, contested divorce actions), the release of confidential materials is, or may be, required.

Increasingly, some insurance companies seek to justify the need for treatment and require information from the therapist before they will pay for treatment.  In such cases, I will, at your request, discuss options with you and share with you any information released to the insurance company.

If you learn at any time during your therapy that information may be requested from me by a third party (i.e., your attorney, parents), it will be helpful if you discuss this information as soon as possible.

Ohio law also permits you to waive the privilege of confidentiality.  You may request that some information be discussed with another person (i.e., physician, spouse, child, parent) by signing a release of information form.  If I feel it will be useful to you to discuss your situation with another person, you will again be asked for your permission and asked to sign a release of information form.

ETHICS

As a psychologist licensed by the State of Ohio and as a member of the American Psychological Association and the Ohio Psychological Association, I agree to abide by and uphold the most responsible ethical and professional standards possible.  I accept responsibility for the consequences of my acts and make every effort to protect the welfare of those who seek services and to ensure that those services are used appropriately.

If you are unhappy with your services at Psychological Directions it is especially important that you try your best to communicate the sources of your dissatisfaction to me.  If you feel unable to do this directly, you can do this in writing.  If we should not reach an agreeable solution and you need help finding additional or alternate assistance, I will do my best to help you locate a more suitable referral or therapy resource.  Since therapists generally agree that it is not in your best interest to be receiving similar services from another professional, should you wish to contract with another psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor for services, it is important that you indicate your desire to make a change and, if possible, your basic reasons for doing so.

QUESTIONS

If during the course of therapy, you have any questions about the nature of your therapy (i.e., goals, procedure) or about fees, or any other aspect, please ask.  This issue is even more important on matters which you fear might be embarrassing to either yourself or me.  You are encouraged to bring such matters up for consideration since dealing with these matters is often an important part of your treatment.