Please carefully read through the following Counseling Policies, which outlines important information about my professional services and policies, as well as responsibilities and expectations of you as a client.

Welcome to Core Counseling! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. I appreciate your trust and the opportunity to be of assistance to you. Psychotherapy is a holistic endeavor, geared to the specific needs of each client. It is comprehensive and collaborative, and requires each client's active involvement. The therapy approach focuses on the potential for personal growth, problem solving, and decision making. It employs a variety of techniques tailored to your specific need, including coping mechanisms to improve your quality of life. Therapy usually include some homework items to maximize your therapy dollars, and to lead to better outcomes. After a clinical evaluation, a plan of treatment and/or action is discussed, so that each client can make the best treatment decisions for you, and/or your minor child. It usually includes some homework items to maximize your therapy dollars. 

To assure the highest possible outcome for each client, I must point out certain commitments that each client needs to consider before proceeding in a collaborative relationship: 

1. Client agrees to communicate openly and honestly.

2. Client understands that personal growth and learning requires a commitment to change. 

3. Client agrees to execute action steps discussed in each session and understand that no promises have been made as to the results of treatment or of any procedures provided by this therapist. 

4. Client realizes there may be times in the process where they may confront realizations that are uncomfortable or difficult to accept. 

5. Client is aware that they may at any time stop treatment with the therapist and they are only responsible for payment of services that they have already received. 

6. If, at any time, the client is dissatisfied with the counseling relationship they will fully discuss their views, reasons and plans with the counselor. After regular reviews of progress if the client is not progressing the counselor has an ethical responsibility to suggest that the client see another professional. The Client and therapist will fully discuss their reasoning and recommendations ahead of time so they can come to an agreement. 

7. If the client is a minor, the guardian understands that while they have the right to general information on issues and progress, some information shared in the professional relationship will be held in confidence by the counselor and the minor child.

Appointments are scheduled by calling during regular office hours. If the therapist doesn't pick up, please leave a voice message on the confidential line and your call will be returned with in 24 hrs. excluding weekends and holidays. 

Cancellations: My cancellation policy is this: Clients can cancel or reschedule an appointment anytime, as long as they provide 24 hours notice. If you cancel an appointment with less than 24 hours notice, or fail to show up, you will be charged for the appointment. 

Out of Office Contact: In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you cannot reach me at the cell phone number provided, please contact your personal physician.

The confidentiality of our conversations, including your records, is legally protected by federal and state law, and by American Counseling Association ethical principles in all but a few rare circumstances. Listed below are two exceptions to confidentiality and for a full disclosure of exceptions. Confidentiality Exceptions: page 2 of 4 generated Sep 10, 2019 11:00 am 1. Counselors are mandated reporters for suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child or vulnerable adult. 2. Counselors have a duty to warn if there is clear and immediate danger to another person, or if you are a threat to yourself. This includes persons with HIV/Aids, who are required by SC law to share their status before intimate sexual contact or sharing needles. For the full text, please refer to: http:// www.scstatehouse.gov/code/ t40c075.htm Section 40-75-190. Professional ethics prohibits counselors from entering into a sexual relationship with a client.

Email: Many clients will use email as a way to communicate information to me prior to or in between sessions. Please be aware that the internet is not always 100% secure and for this reason, I will not respond to emails or texts regarding treatment information. I will read the email and then place it in your file and we will discuss it in your next session. All text and email communication will become part of your client record. 

Texting:Texting can be useful for scheduling or rescheduling appointments when needed. However, please either call/voicemail if there is more detailed information of which I need to be aware. I prefer voicemail messages when possible. 

I understand that email, text, correspondence is not considered to be a confidential medium of communication. I understand the risks of unencrypted Email, and do hereby give permission for Core Counseling, LLC or personnel associated with Core Counseling LLC to contact me or to reply to me via unencrypted email for administrative purposes (scheduling appts, notification of cancellation or late arrival). I also understand that phone is the preferred method of communication for Core Counseling, LLC. 

REMINDER: All technology is not 100% reliable. If you feel that your safety or the safety of another is at risk you need to immediately call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room as your first resource. 

I understand that in the event of an emergency, I should contact 911 or go the the nearest emergency room.

As a client or patient receiving behavioral services through telebehavioral health technologies, I understand:

Telebehavioral health is the delivery of behavioral health services using interactive technologies (use of audio, video or other electronic communications) between a practitioner and a client/patient who are not in the same physical location.The interactive technologies used in telebehavioral health incorporate network and software security protocols to protect the confidentiality of client/patient information transmitted via any electronic channel. These protocols include measures to safeguard the data and to aid in protecting against intentional or unintentional corruption.

Software Security Protocols:
Electronic systems used will incorporate network and software security protocols to protect the privacy and security of health information and imaging data, and will include measures to safeguard the data to ensure its integrity against intentional or unintentional corruption.

Benefits & Limitations:
This service is provided by technology (including but not limited to video, phone, text, apps and email) and may not involve direct face to face communication. There are benefits and limitations to this service.

Technology Requirements:
I will need access to, and familiarity with, the appropriate technology in order to participate in the service provided.

Exchange of Information:

The exchange of information will not be direct and any paperwork exchanged will likely be provided through electronic means or through postal delivery.During my telebehavioral health consultation, details of my medical history and personal health information may be discussed with myself or other behavioral health care professionals through the use of interactive video, audio or other telecommunications technology.

If a need for direct, in-person services arises, it is my responsibility to contact Core Counseling, LLC

Self-Termination:

I may decline any telebehavioral health services at any time without jeopardizing my access to future care, services, and benefits.

Risks of Technology:
These services rely on technology, which allows for greater convenience in service delivery. There are risks in transmitting information over technology that include, but are not limited to, breaches of confidentiality, theft of personal information, and disruption of service due to technical difficulties.

Modification Plan:
My practitioner and I will regularly reassess the appropriateness of continuing to deliver services to me through the use of the technologies we have agreed upon today, and modify our plan as needed.

Emergency Protocol:

In emergency situations you should dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. 

Disruption of Service:
Should service be disrupted both parties will try to reconnect and if unable we will discuss other strageties over the phone. 

Client Communication:
It is my responsibility to maintain privacy on the client end of communication. Insurance companies, those authorized by the client, and those permitted by law may also have access to records or communications. I will take the following precautions to ensure that my communications are directed only to my psychologist or other designated individuals:

1. I will make sure I am in a private location while receiving tele therapy. 

2. I will make sure I am on a private, password protected network while I'm receiving teletherapy. 

3. I will store any pictures or video in a file that is encrypted or password protected. 

Laws & Standards:
The laws and professional standards that apply to in-person behavioral services also apply to telehealth services. This document does not replace other agreements, contracts, or documentation of informed consent.

The fee for an initial evaluations for Individual Counseling or Coaching is $175. Thereafter, sessions are $150. Credit card, cash, check or Venmo are accepted. Please make all checks payable to Core Counseling, LLC. Returned checks are subject to a $30 service fee. Any returned checks must be resolved before future appointments can be arranged. 

Phone Coaching Fees: I typically return routine/non-urgent phone calls within the same business day. My policy is to provide quality client care through scheduled office visits, not unscheduled phone calls, so I may direct you to make an appointment. Unscheduled calls in excess of fifteen minutes will be charged at a rate consistent with office time. 

Financial Policy: Upon request, I will provide you with a super bill invoice which includes: national provider number and appropriate codes for you to file for reimbursement from your insurance Company. Payment is due at time of service by cash, check, credit card or money order. Any returned checks are subject to a $30 service fee. Any returned checks must be resolved before future appointments can be arranged.