Policies

1

Appointments

Please arrive promptly for all appointments. My practice management system sends out an email reminder for all appointments 48-72 hours in advance. It is your responsibility to read the email. Therapy sessions are 60 minutes long. Double sessions are 90 minutes. Evaluations (first sessions) are $200.00 for either individual or couples. My current fees for a session are $175.00 per therapy hour for an individual and $200.00 for a couple's session. I use a system called Ivy Pay for collecting fees. Ivy Pay is an online system that I will send to you via text to enroll. You will need to put in your data, and I do billing once a week. You will receive a text message that your card has been charged for our visit.  Ivy pay is a secure site, that follows HIPAA laws, and your credit card information is also secure.  

​

I am not an in-network insurance provider and do not accept payment directly from insurance companies. If you would like to use your out-of-network benefit, I can provide you with an itemized receipt, which you can use to submit a claim. It is your responsibility to determine the limits of your insurance and to secure any authorizations necessary.

​

I reserve the right to collect any and all unpaid fees, including the use of a collection agency and/or small claims court. If this becomes necessary, you will be responsible for any costs incurred (typically and additional 35% of the amount owed). 

2

Cancellations

If you must cancel your appointment, please contact my office as soon as possible. You will be charged the full fee for appointments that are scheduled and missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice. Repeat cancellations, even with notice, will be discussed, and might signal the need to end therapy.

3

Confidentiality

Under Massachusetts law, communications between clients and a licensed psychotherapist are privileged and confidential and may not be disclosed without the specific authorization of the client except under specific, limited circumstances. For example, the privilege does not apply in a civil commitment proceeding in which the issue is whether the individual is a danger to self or others or when a client is seeking treatment related to a worker’s compensation claim. Records may also be subject to audit by regulatory authorities. Also, reporting laws create exceptions. 

In most situations, I can only release information about your treatment to others (attorneys, primary care doctors, other professionals working with you) if you sign a written Authorization form. You will have the option to either give or decline consent. 

​

There are 4 specific situations covered separately by your signature on this Agreement: 

​​

• Periodic consultation with mental health colleagues, all of whom are legally bound to maintain confidentiality. During these case reviews, every effort will be made to avoid revealing your name/identity. 

• Communication with your insurance company, at your request. The information I submit pursuant to your claims will become part of the insurance company’s files, which I have no control over. 

• Communication for protection. If you threaten to harm yourself, I may be obligated to contact family members or others who can help provide protection. 

​

There are some situations where I am permitted or required to disclose information without your consent: 

​

• Court order. If you are involved in a court proceeding and a request is made for information concerning your treatment, I will not disclose that information without your consent, unless there is a court order to do so. 

• Health oversight activities. If a government agency requests information for health oversight activities, I may be required to provide it. 

• Legal complaint. If you file a complaint or lawsuit against me, I may disclose relevant information in order to defend myself. 

If such situations arise, I will make every effort to fully discuss them with you before taking action, and I will limit my disclosure to what is necessary. 

​

It is important that we discuss any questions or concerns you may have about confidentiality. Please feel free to bring these up with me.