CONFIDENTIALITY
As a psychotherapist I have the ethical and legal obligation to protect your legal right for information given during psychotherapy sessions to be kept completely private. There are several conditions under which this right may be superseded.
- If I have reason to believe that a person is in danger from violence that a patient may commit (to another or to him/herself, I must take action to warn that person and any relevant authorities.
- If I have reason to believe that a case of child abuse, whether disclosed to me by the child, other adults, or the abuser, I legally must report it.
- If I have reason to believe that a case of elder abuse, I legally must report it.
- There are also some law suits that you may initiate that may give the sued party the right to force information from a therapist.
- If there is an unpaid balance that I cannot collect in any other way, I sometimes use a credit collection agency or Small Claims Court. By incurring a bill with me without making arrangements and not paying, you give me the consent to disclose identifying information, your debt, the dates of treatment, and the date and amount of payments to the collection agency and the courts.
TELEPHONE
To reach me by phone, call 310-490-2130. If I am available, I answer the phone; I do not monitor calls, but I do return all calls. If I am not available, you can leave a message. Please leave a brief message with your name, good times to reach you, and your phone number. I check for messages frequently and, with the exception of weekends, will get back to you as soon as possible. Remember, machines are fallible so, if you don't hear from me in a reasonable length of time, please call again. In an emergency, I will return your call as soon as I receive it, including weekends. If you have an emergency, please use community resources--your local hospital emergency room, 211 or Suicide Prevention Center (toll free) 877.727.4747.
CANCELLATIONS/MISSED APPOINTMENTS
A scheduled appointment means that time is reserved only for you. If an appointment is missed or cancelled with less than twenty-four (24) hours' notice you will be billed according to the scheduled fee. I would appreciate knowing about cancellations as soon as possible.
LETTERS
There will be a prorated fee based on my hourly fee for reviewing your chart and writing any letters on your behalf. The prorated fee is based on my actual fee not on the sliding scale fee. Exceptions will be discussed in session.
ADDRESS CHANGES
Please advise me if you change your address, telephone number(s) or place of employment.
OUT OF TOWN
I am out of town occasionally for periods of 1-2 weeks and on weekends. If this is difficult for you, please discuss it with me at our next session. Another psychotherapist is on call for emergencies when I am away.
TERMINATIONS
Endings are an important life experience and an important part of therapy. If you are considering ending your therapy, I want to discuss it with you in person.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the above information, please discuss them with me. I look forward to a productive and satisfying therapeutic relationship.
INSURANCE
I work with all private pay clients and PPO's as an "Out of Network" provider. When working with a PPO insurance I accept payment up front for the session and I provide you with a statement for your health plan.
Please Note:
Insurance companies often require significant disclosure of your mental health information in order to provide benefits. If you need a statement to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement it is your responsibility to verify eligibility, coverage, and benefit levels with your insurer.
I do offer a sliding scale fee option for those who demonstrate a need for this accommodation.
