Basic Policies and Treatment Guidelines:
Psychotherapy is conducted using a number of different approaches, depending on your therapist and his or her training and
orientation. Psychotherapy is a collaborative effort. The length of therapy will vary depending upon the concerns you choose
to work on. At times what is discussed in therapy may cause you discomfort or anxiety. These feelings often accompany behavioral
and emotional change and are usually a sign of progress. It is important to discuss these experiences with your therapist.
Our psychiatrists are able to provide medical evaluation and prescribe psychotropic medication
if and when this is needed. You will be informed about both the benefits and the possible side effects of medications prescribed.
In our experience, the most effective treatment for certain diagnoses often involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
Your Rights as a Client:
1. To be treated with dignity and respect.
2. To ask
questions regarding the therapeutic process or office procedures.
3. Terminate therapy at any time. You may wish
to see another clinician at Riverside Counseling Center. Your therapist will also provide you with other referral sources
upon request.
4. Specify and negotiate therapeutic goals and be an active participant in therapy.
5.
Confidentiality, as described below.
Confidentiality:
As a client, one of your
most important rights is that of confidentiality. Communications between client and clinician will be confidential and not
disclosed to anyone outside of Riverside Counseling Center without your written consent. There are exceptions to confidentiality
as defined by state law and professional ethics. Reasons for breaking confidentiality include the following circumstances:
1. Your clinician has reason to think that you may seriously harm yourself or another person.
2.
Your clinician has reason to suspect that abuse or neglect of a child, an elderly person, or a dependent adult has occurred.
3. A court orders the release of information regarding your treatment.
4. You are utilizing medical
insurance which requires the disclosure of diagnostic and/or treatment information.
Office Procedures:
1.
Insurance: If you are utilizing insurance it is your responsibility to obtain initial primary care referrals and pre-authorizations
as required. In addition, it is your responsibility to contact your insurance company directly to obtain information about
your mental health/substance abuse benefit package including: deductibles, reimbursement rates and percentages, number of
sessions covered, in-network and out-of-network provisions.
2. Payment method: Payment or insurance co-payment is required
at time of service. Payments can be made in cash or by check or credit card. Should your account remain unpaid for 30 days
or more, the clinician reserves the right to suspend or discontinue treatment until the charges are paid in full or until
the client and clinician agree upon a suitable payment arrangement (in writing). If payment is not made and treatment is discontinued,
the clinician will offer referral assistance to an appropriate municipal or non-profit mental health agency.
3. Missed
Appointments: Missed appointments are a loss for everyone. Your appointment time will reserved exclusively for you. We do
not overbook or double book appointment times as may be common in other medical practices. If we do not receive 24 business
hours notice that you need to cancel an appointment, then you will be charged for that appointment.
4. Telephone Consultations:
Telephone consultations between sessions will be billed on a pro-rated basis. Anything beyond a very brief call will be subject
to this charge. If you request phone contacts with family, friends or other professionals you will be asked to sign a release
of information form.
5. Termination of Treatment: We recommend that you discuss ending therapy with your clinician
rather than discontinue therapy without advise or explanation. If you cancel or miss a scheduled appointment and do not contact
your clinician within 90 days, it will be assumed that you have ended your period of treatment. The therapist maintains no
legal or professional obligations to the client after treatment has ended. You may contact your therapist at a later date
if you wish to resume treatment.
6. Emergency management: Urgent issues may be handled through your therapist during
the normal work week by calling (703) 724-0200. Emergency situations, including thoughts of suicide should be addressed by
calling 911 or going to the nearest hospital emergency room.
7. Medication refills: Please allow at least 48 hours
for medication refills. Prescription refills require ongoing monitoring. You must schedule an appointment with your psychiatrist
at least every 3 months. Your psychiatrist will inform you if more frequent appointments are indicated. If you have concerns
or problems related to your medications you should schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist.
