Office Policies for the Psychotherapy Practice of Lynn Barrett Stone MSW,LCSW

This document contains important information about my professional services and business policies. Write down any questions you can think of, and we will discuss them at our next meeting. When you have read and fully understood this document, I will ask you to sign it. When you sign this document, it will represent an agreement between us.

The Clients Rights

I strongly believe that you should feel comfortable with the therapist you choose and decide when you would like to end treatment. In this private practice, therapy is entirely voluntary, and you have the right to terminate treatment at any time. You are invited to request changes in any aspect of the services I provide. You also have the right and will be encouraged to take part in formulating your treatment plan.

Mission Statement

I am a dedicated professional committed to providing quality mental health services. It is my overall goal to enhance the quality of life for individuals. My belief is that all people are valuable regardless of the type of problems they have had in their lives and should be treated with dignity and respect in a caring environment. I embrace and am committed to my profession’s core values and code of ethics.

About Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is most successful when the client is an active partner. This means the therapist is not normally going to give you advice, or immediate solutions to your problems. The therapist may use many different methods to address the problems you identify but therapy is a process wherein the therapist acts as a guide to assist the client in gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and their life. Through this process the individual may gain more insight into the causes of their problems and become able to make decisions and changes that have a more positive impact in their life.

The Benefits and Risks of Psychotherapy

Therapy often leads to greater self awareness, better relationships,solutions to specific problems, and significant reduction in feelings of distress. Although I anticipate otherwise, you should be aware that despite treatment you may not improve at all, you may not improve as quickly as you might like, or you may improve only after treatment has ended. You should be aware that therapy is intended to induce change in your life, and this may cause discomfort or strong emotions at times. These changes may disrupt your accustomed manner of living and your relationships with others. Therapy can also provoke feelings of affection or anger for the psychotherapist that must be discussed in treatment. In short, treatment can be emotionally painful at times. Such is the nature of growth.

Records

Your clinical file will consist of (a)Legal forms such as this document, (b) a record of visits and payment (c) assessment forms and clinical progress notes* Progress notes will contain enough information about your treatment to justify it, should justification ever become an issue. *Progress notes are not considered part of the permanent record, they may be kept separately.

Training and Experience

I have a Masters degree and a valid license to practice as a Clinical Social Workerin the state of Florida(License # SW7001). I received my Degree in 1993 from the University of Maryland. Additionally, I have training or experience using Hypnosis, Post Traumatic Stress Debriefing, Thought Field Therapy, and Meditation. I have been part of the adjunct faculty at a local private college. Besides private practice I have worked with those who are facing life threatening illnesses and death.

Probable Length of Services

Although some clients elect to pursue long-term, open-ended treatment, many issues can be resolved in about 25 to 30 sessions, while some highly focused issues such as phobias can be resolved in about 12 sessions. Of course, the success of any treatment depends on the motivation and aptitude of the person being treated. For this reason, I can make no guarantees about treatment length or success. I reserve the right to appropriately terminate services or refer clients to other programs or therapists when appropriate.

Scheduling/Appointments/Cancellations

Cancellation: The scheduling of an appointment involves the reservation of time specifically for you, and I will wait the entire 50 minutes for you to arrive. If you are late, we will meet for whatever amount of your time remains. You will, of course, be required to pay for the full session. A minimum of 24 hours notice is required for rescheduling or cancellation of an appointment. You will be charged the full fee for missed sessions without such notification.

Fees/Payments and Billing

Regular therapy services: For a session of 50-60 minutes, the fee is $95.00. You will be expected to pay for services at the time they are provided, unless other arrangements have been made. Because insurance companies cannot be billed for missed sessions, please understand that if you are using insurance coverage you will always be personally responsible for paying the charges for late cancellations and missed sessions. Co-pays and other payments are to be paid at the beginning of each session.

Telephone Calls

Telephone calls:You are welcome to leave messages at any time. If you need to speak with me, I will be happy to call you back and speak for a few minutes. Remember that, in general, telephone calls are not meant to take the place of an office visit; if you require extended time on the phone I may have to start billing you for my time. In special circumstances, I am agreeable to providing treatment over the phone at the same hourly rate as we have agreed upon for your office visits. Refer to the section entitled If You Need to Contact Me for hours.

E-mail:I discourage the use of e-mail with established clients because of the risk it poses to confidentiality.

Other Services: Charges for other services, such as hospital visits, consultations with other therapists, home visits, or any court related services (such as consultation with lawyers, depositions, or attendance at courtroom proceedings) will be based on the time involved in providing the service at my regular fee schedule. Some services may require payment in advance.

I will assume that our agreed upon fee-paying relationship will continue as long as I provide services to you. I will assume this until you tell me in person, by telephone, or by certified mail that you wish to end therapy.

If there is any problem with my charges, billing, your insurance, or any other money-related point, please bring it to my attention. I will do the same with you. Such problems can interfere with our work together. They must be worked out openly and quickly.

If You Need to Contact Me

I cannot promise that I will be available at all times since I usually do not take phone calls when I am with a client. Please leave a message on my voice mail and I will return your call as soon as I am able.

If you call in the evening, on a weekend, or over a holiday, I may be unable to call back until the next business day. In case of an emergency, leave a message for me and then immediately contact 9-1-1, or one of the following community emergency agencies:

  • Pinellas Helpline ( 727) 562-1542 or 211 (24 hours/7day a week)
  • Win Team (727) 548-5733 (24 hours/7days a week, crisis intervention if you are suicidal)
  • P.E.M.H.S. (727) 541-4628
  • Any community hospital emergency room

If I Need to Contact Someone Regarding You

If there is an emergency during our work together, or I become concerned about your personal safety, I am required by law and by the rules of my profession to contact someone close to you—perhaps a relative, spouse, or close friend. I am also required to contact this person, or the authorities, if I become concerned about your harming someone else. Please write down the name and information of your chosen person, in the blanks provide.

Name:

Address:

Phone:

Relationship to you:

Signature of client ______

Signature of guardian ______

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