This is a contract for services with Relationship Counseling Group, LLC. In order to begin therapy, you must agree to the following:
Consent to Treatment
I voluntarily consent to receive therapy services and/or to have my child receive services provided at Relationship Counseling Group, LLC. I understand that if I am not seen for 60 days or longer, my case will be considered inactive and will be terminated. I understand that I may resume therapy by calling Relationship Counseling Group, LLC @ 704.817.0200. I understand that this consent to service will be valid and remain in effect as long as I attend Relationship Counseling Group, LLC. Unless revoked by me in writing, with written notice provided to Relationship Counseling Group, LLC. I understand that all communication with Relationship Counseling Group, LLC are confidential and that no information about my session will be released without my written authorization and the written authorization of each member in the client’s system.
Client Rights and Responsibilities
You have a right to confidentiality. The only exceptions are: the reporting of child abuse as required by law, reporting of patient’s potential danger to self or others, reporting of patient’s grave mental disability (i.e., inability to properly care for self, due to severe disability) or when ordered by a court of law to release information. As a client, you have the right to choose a therapist who best suits your needs and goals. If you work with me, you have a right to raise questions about my therapeutic approach and to request a referral if you believe you might make better progress with another therapist. I would not be insulted if you asked for a referral for an alternative therapist. Also, if for some reason treatment is not going well, I might suggest you see another professional in addition to or instead of me. To assure quality of care, it is your responsibility to keep me fully up to date about any changes in your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors and to cooperate with treatment to the best of your ability.
Benefits and Risks of Therapy
As with any treatment, there are some risks as well as many benefits with therapy. You should think about both the benefits and risks when making any treatment decisions. For example, in therapy, there is a risk that clients will, for a time, have uncomfortable feelings. Clients may recall unpleasant memories. Clients may uncover problems with people important to them. Family secrets may be told. Therapy may disrupt a marriage (although my approach is to enhance relationships, not harm them). At times, a client’s symptoms may temporarily increase after beginning treatment. Most of these risks are to be expected when people are making important changes in their lives. Finally, even with our best efforts, there is a risk that therapy will not work for you.
While you consider these risks, you should know also that the benefits of therapy have been shown by scientists in hundreds of well-designed research studies. Therapy can help people feel less depressed or anxious. Clients’ relationships and coping skills may improve greatly. Their personal goals and values may become clearer. And they may grow in many ways.
No Secrets Policy
I understand that the therapist may work with multiple members of my system. In relational cases, the therapist may need to share information learned in an individual session (or a session with only a portion of the treatment unit being present) with the entire treatment unit- that is, the family or the couple, to effectively serve the unit being treated. This “no secrets” policy is intended to allow the Therapist to continue to treat the couple or family by preventing, to the extent possible, a conflict of interest to arise where an individual’s interest may not be consistent with the interests of the unit being treated.
Seeing Each Other in Public
If the therapist were to seesyou outside of therapy (e.g., the grocery store), they will protect your confidentiality by not acknowledging that they know you, however, you are free to initiate communication if you choose to do so.
Termination of Service
I may terminate therapy with you in the following situations: 1) you fail to pay the negotiated fee; 2) you are not cooperating with the appropriate treatment recommendations; 3) there is a discovered conflict of interest. 4.) The practice is oving or closing .
Multiple Relationships
The therapist can only be your therapist. It is unethical for a therapist to be a close friend or socialize with a client. Even though you are free to invite the therapist, they will not attend your family gatherings, such as parties or weddings. The therapist will not celebrate holidays or give you gifts, and they may refuse gifts from you.
Security Audio/Video Recording
All activity that occurs at the location of 10420 Park Road, Office 100B, Charlotte, NC 28210 is recorded for security and training purposes. The audio/video footage is not shared and will not be displayed without written permission from all parties. The footage is automatically disposed of every twenty-four hours.
Record Keeping
The therapist keeps very brief records, noting only that you have met with them, your name(s) and signed disclosure statement, the session date and fee for service.
Confidentiality
As a client in counseling, you have certain rights that are important for you to know about. There are also certain limitations to those rights of which you should be aware. As a client of a therapist you have privileged communications under state law. With the exception of the situations listed below, you have the right to have information you share with me held in strict confidence; that information includes the fact that you are seeing me. The privilege is yours, not mine, and cannot be waived without your consent. I will always act to maximize your privacy even when you waive your right to confidentiality. The following situations are exceptions to your right of confidentiality
disclosure; (b) you file a complaint against me; (c) a contracted third-party agent contacts you by mail or phone to receive payment for a balance due that exceeds 90 days.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Clients who wish to cancel an appointment must do so before 12:00pm the day prior to their scheduled appointment time. Otherwise the full session fee will be charged.
SCHEDULING FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS & PAYMENTS
You will be provided with the recommended course of therapy and sessions at the conclusion of your first appointment. If your session is not paid in full prior to 24 hours of your appointment time, your appointment will not be confirmed.
FEES FOR THERAPY
- $175 per 60-minute couple or individual session with a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Approved Supervisor)
- $125 per 50-minute couple or individual session with a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate
I understand and accept the contract terms as stated above.
I understand that it is my responsibility to track my scheduled sessions and I will not receive a reminder from the therapist. I understand the above fee policy and agree to pay the above amount for the services being rendered.I have been given the opportunity to read this agreement and all related documents in full and in my own time. I have also been offered the opportunity to have any matters contained therein explained or clarified, prior to entering into this agreement.