Disclosure Packet Inclusions
A disclosure packet can be an important part of your private practice as a counselor. It provides your clients with all the information they will need when beginning the therapeutic process with you. The rights of the clients are protected, and with the notifications of what the law and ethical practice requires, you are protected as well. Beginning the therapy process with this information and consent sets the tone for a healthy and productive working relationship between you and your clients.
-Business card(s)
-Your practice brochure
-A letter of introduction on your practice letterhead, which also provides instructions on what is required of the client regarding the signing of the consent forms included in the packet.
-Your professional information or CV (curriculum vitae). The CV is a listing of everything you have done as a professional in the field. The CV needs to be updated regularly so it is always ready to be sent to potential employers. The categories are:
- Your education
- Your licenses
- Your national certifications
- Post-graduate training
- Conferences attended that expanded your knowledge
- Presentations given/ articles written
- Jobs (past and current)
- University affiliations if you are also teaching
- Professional organizations you belong to
- Any other information related to your work as a counselor
*You do not have to include a CV in the packet if you don’t want to, but instead
include a brief resume of your education, trainings, licenses ( with license
numbers),certifications and job experiences.
-Include a brief outline describing the therapy process as defined by you, in language your
clients will understand.
-Include a listing of the client’s rights. This will define the bounds of confidentiality
and what you are ethically (not legally) required to do in the event you think a client
might do harm to themselves or to someone else. It should also discuss the fact that
the client has the right to see their records upon request and that your notes can be
subpoenaed for court proceedings because LMHC’s do not have privileged
communication.
Clients also need to be notified that under our licensure law we are required to refer a
client to a physician for an evaluation in the event we determine that the client has a
serious emotional illness. We are also required to periodically consult with the
physician in regard to the treatment of the client once they have been assessed. Any
client that refuses to consult a physician will need to have their therapy process
terminated, according to the State Education Department.
The name and contact information for your clinical supervisor also
needs to be included in this information. You are required to notify your clients that
you are being supervised and by whom, in the event they need to contact
your supervisor.
In addition a client needs to be provided with the information on how to contact the
state licensing board if they need to file a grievance against you.
-Consent forms (2 copies). The forms state that the client(s) have read and
understood all of the information in your disclosure packet and understand the
benefits and risks of the therapeutic process. By signing the form they are also
agreeing to the fee and that they may be charged for sessions missed and not
cancelled 24 hours in advance, or any other office policy you might have.
The forms are signed by the client(s) and by you. Each of you keeps a copy.
All of the material above can be included in a folder to be given to each new client.