Appointments and Cancellations:
Please arrive on time for your scheduled appointment. If you cannot make your appointment please give 24 hour notice. If you cancel less than 24 hours from your appointment, you will be responsible for an $80 cancelled session fee due prior to our next session together.
Confidentiality:
I uphold the highest ethical standards, as specified in the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics. Clients have the right to complete confidentiality with the following exceptions in which confidentiality may not remain absolute. These include:
In the event that there is a threat of serious harm to self or others.
Reasonable suspicion of child abuse, elder abuse or any other incapacitated persons.
By voluntary release when you choose to sign a consent to release your information for the purpose of better coordination of care between providers and for referrals. This consent will be HIPAA compliant.
In consultation with a supervisor: Ethical and legal practice requires regular supervision by a licensed professional counselor who is a certified supervisor. The goal of this relationship is professional development, and any disclosure is within confidentiality guidelines.
As mandated by court order.
In defense against legal action or formal complaint which a client makes before a court or regulatory board.
Maine’s Client Bill of Rights:
Clients have the right
- To expect that a Counselor has met the licensure or registration requirements of state law & rule
- To examine the Counselor’s licensing credentials
- To obtain a copy of the Code of Ethics of the Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure
- To file a complaint against a counselor with the board
- To be informed of the cost of professional services before receiving services
- To expect complete confidentiality except as required by law: and
- To refuse any recommended services and to be advised of the consequences of this action
The practice of counseling is regulated by the Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure. The board is authorized by law to discipline counselors who violate the board’s law or rules. To learn about the complaint process, or to file a complaint against a counselor, contact:
Complaint Coordinator
Office of Licensing and Regulation
35 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
207-624-8660
www.maine.gov/professionallicensing
Payment:
All payments are due at the end of the session.
In a Mental Health Emergency:
In event of an after hours/holiday mental health emergency, please call the Maine statewide crisis line (1-888-568-1112), the Cumberland County Crisis Response Hotline (774-HELP), 911, or go the nearest hospital’s emergency department. Many issue-specific emergency hotlines are listed on the following website: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/hotlines.htm