Policies

Appointments and Cancellations

Please remember to cancel or reschedule 24 hours in advance. You will be responsible for the entire fee if cancellation is less than 24 hours.

The standard meeting time for Individual psychotherapy is 50 minutes. It is up to you, however, to determine the length of time of your sessions. Requests to change the 50-minute session needs to be discussed with the therapist in order for time to be scheduled in advance. The cost per session varies between therapists based on their qualifications and experience.

50 minute sessions = $75–$225
80 minute sessions = $180–$335

Cash or Credit Cards are accepted. We do not accept insurance including AHCCCS, Medicare, Medicaid or any other government insurance program. If you wish to personally submit for insurance reimbursement, a superbill can be provided.

Cancellations and re-scheduled sessions will be subject to a full charge if NOT RECEIVED AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE. This is necessary because a time commitment is made to you and is held exclusively for you. If you are late for a session, you may lose some of that session time.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining how much your medical and mental healthcare will cost. Under the law, healthcare providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Telephone Accessibility
If you need to contact us between sessions, please leave a message on our voice mail. Our therapists are often not immediately available; however, we will attempt to return your call within 24 hours. If a true emergency situation arises, please call 911 or any local emergency room.

Social Media and Telecommunication
Due to the importance of your confidentiality and the importance of minimizing dual relationships, our team will not accept friend or contact requests from current or former clients on any social networking site (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.). We believe that adding clients as friends or contacts on these sites can compromise your confidentiality and our respective privacy. It may also blur the boundaries of our therapeutic relationship. If you have questions about this, please bring them up when we meet and we can talk more about it.

Electronic Communication
We cannot ensure the confidentiality of any form of communication through electronic media, including text messages. If you prefer to communicate via email or text messaging for issues regarding scheduling or cancellations, we will do so. While we may try to return messages in a timely manner, we cannot guarantee immediate response and request that you do not use these methods of communication to discuss therapeutic content and/or request assistance for emergencies.

Minors
If you are a minor, your parents may be legally entitled to some information about your therapy. We will discuss with you and your parents what information is appropriate for them to receive and which issues are more appropriately kept confidential.

Termination

Ending relationships can be difficult. Therefore, it is important to have a termination process in order to achieve some closure. The appropriate length of the termination depends on the length and intensity of the treatment. We may terminate treatment after appropriate discussion with you and a termination process if we determine that the psychotherapy is not being effectively used or if you are in default on payment. We will not terminate the therapeutic relationship without first discussing and exploring the reasons and purpose of terminating. If therapy is terminated for any reason or you request another therapist, we will provide you with a list of qualified psychotherapists to treat you. You may also choose someone on your own or from another referral source.

Should you fail to schedule an appointment for three consecutive weeks, unless other arrangements have been made in advance, for legal and ethical reasons, we must consider the professional relationship discontinued

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

I. OUR PLEDGE REGARDING HEALTH INFORMATION:
We understand that health information about you and your health care is personal. We are committed to protecting health information about you. We create a record of the care and services you receive from us. We need this record to provide you with quality care and to comply with certain legal requirements. This notice applies to all of the records of your care generated by this mental health care practice. This notice will tell you about the ways in which we may use and disclose health information about you. We also describe your rights to the health information we keep about you and describe certain obligations we have regarding the use and disclosure of your health information. We are required by law to:

-Make sure that protected health information (“PHI”) that identifies you is kept private.
- Notify you promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your information.
-Give you this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to health information.
-Follow the terms of the notice that is currently in effect.
-We can change the terms of this Notice, and such changes will apply to all information we have about you. The new Notice will be available upon request, in our office, and on our website.

For more information see: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/noticepp.html.

II. HOW WE MAY USE AND DISCLOSE HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT YOU:
The following categories describe different ways that we use and disclose health information. For each category of uses or disclosures we will explain what we mean and try to give some examples. Not every use or disclosure in a category will be listed. However, all of the ways we are permitted to use and disclose information will fall within one of the categories.

For Treatment, Payment, or Health Care Operations: Federal privacy rules (regulations) allow health care providers who have direct treatment relationship with the patient/client to use or disclose the patient/client’s personal health information without the patient’s written authorization, to carry out the health care provider’s own treatment, payment or health care operations. We may also disclose your protected health information for the treatment activities of any health care provider. This too can be done without your written authorization. For example, if a clinician were to consult with another licensed health care provider about your condition, we would be permitted to use and disclose your personal health information, which is otherwise confidential, in order to assist the clinician in diagnosis and treatment of your mental health condition.

Disclosures for treatment purposes are not limited to the minimum necessary standard. Because therapists and other health care providers need access to the full record and/or full and complete information in order to provide quality care. The word “treatment” includes, among other things, the coordination and management of health care providers with a third party, consultations between health care providers and referrals of a patient for health care from one health care provider to another.

Lawsuits and Disputes: If you are involved in a lawsuit, we may disclose health information in response to a court or administrative order. We may also disclose health information about your child in response to a subpoena, discovery request, or other lawful process by someone else involved in the dispute, but only if efforts have been made to tell you about the request or to obtain an order protecting the information requested.

III. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION:
1. Psychotherapy Notes. We do keep “psychotherapy notes” as that term is defined in 45 CFR § 164.501, and any use or disclosure of such notes requires your Authorization unless the use or disclosure is:
a. For our use in treating you.
b. For our use in training or supervising mental health practitioners to help them improve their skills in group, joint, family, or individual counseling or therapy.
c. For our use in defending ourselves in legal proceedings instituted by you.
d. For use by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to investigate our compliance with HIPAA.
e. Required by law and the use or disclosure is limited to the requirements of such law.
f. Required by law for certain health oversight activities pertaining to the originator of the psychotherapy notes.
g. Required by a coroner who is performing duties authorized by law.
h. Required to help avert a serious threat to the health and safety of others.

2. Marketing Purposes. As a psychotherapist practice, we will not use or disclose your PHI for marketing purposes.

3. Sale of PHI. As a psychotherapist practice, we will not sell your PHI in the regular course of our business.

IV. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES DO NOT REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION:
Subject to certain limitations in the law, we can use and disclose your PHI without your Authorization for the following reasons:

1. When disclosure is required by state or federal law, and the use or disclosure complies with and is limited to the relevant requirements of such law.
2. For public health activities, including reporting suspected child, elder, or dependent adult abuse, or preventing or reducing a serious threat to anyone’s health or safety.
3. For health oversight activities, including audits and investigations.
4. For judicial and administrative proceedings, including responding to a court or administrative order, although our preference is to obtain an Authorization from you before doing so.
5. For law enforcement purposes, including reporting crimes occurring on our premises.
6. To coroners or medical examiners, when such individuals are performing duties authorized by law.
7. Specialized government functions, including, ensuring the proper execution of military missions; protecting the President of the United States; conducting intelligence or counter-intelligence operations; or, helping to ensure the safety of those working within or housed in correctional institutions.
8. For workers’ compensation purposes. Although our preference is to obtain an Authorization from you, we may provide your PHI in order to comply with workers’ compensation laws.
9. Appointment reminders and health related benefits or services. We may use and disclose your PHI to contact you to remind you that you have an appointment with us. We may also use and disclose your PHI to tell you about treatment alternatives, or other health care services or benefits that we offer.

V. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRE YOU TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBJECT:
1. Disclosures to family, friends, or others. We may provide your PHI to a family member, friend, or other person that you indicate is involved in your care or the payment for your health care, unless you object in whole or in part. The opportunity to consent may be obtained retroactively in emergency situations.

VI. YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING RIGHTS WITH RESPECT TO YOUR PHI:
1. The Right to Request Limits on Uses and Disclosures of Your PHI. You have the right to ask us not to use or disclose certain PHI for treatment, payment, or health care operations purposes. We are not required to agree to your request, and we may say “no” if we believe it would affect your health care.
2. The Right to Request Restrictions for Out-of-Pocket Expenses Paid for In Full. You have the right to request restrictions on disclosures of your PHI to health plans for payment or health care operations purposes if the PHI pertains solely to a health care item or a health care service that you have paid for out-of-pocket in full. We will say “yes” unless a law requires us to share that information.
3. The Right to Choose How we Send PHI to You. You have the right to ask us to contact you in a specific way (for example, home or office phone) or to send mail to a different address, and we will agree to all reasonable requests.
4. The Right to See and Get Copies of Your PHI. Other than “psychotherapy notes,” you have the right to get an electronic or paper copy of your medical record and other information that we have about you. We will provide you with a copy of your record, or a summary of it, if you agree to receive a summary, within 30 days of receiving your written request, and we may charge a reasonable, cost based fee for doing so.
5. The Right to Get a List of the Disclosures we Have Made. You have the right to request a list (accounting) of instances in which we have disclosed your PHI for purposes other than treatment, payment, or health care operations, or for which you provided us with an authorization. We will respond to your request for an accounting of disclosures within 60 days of receiving your request. The list we will give you will include disclosures made in the last six years unless you request a shorter time. We will provide the list to you at no charge, but if you make more than one request in the same year, we will charge you a reasonable cost based fee for each additional request.
6. The Right to Correct or Update Your PHI. If you believe that there is a mistake in your PHI, or that a piece of important information is missing from your PHI, you have the right to request that we correct the existing information or add the missing information. We may say “no” to your request, but we will tell you why in writing within 60 days of receiving your request.
7. The Right to Get a Paper or Electronic Copy of this Notice. You have the right get a paper copy of this Notice, and you have the right to get a copy of this notice by e-mail. And, even if you have agreed to receive this Notice via e-mail, you also have the right to request a paper copy of it and receive it promptly.
8. The Right to Choose Someone to Act for You. If you have given someone medical power of attorney or if someone is your legal guardian, that person can exercise your rights and make choices about your health information. We will make sure the person has this authority and can act for you before we take any action.
9. The Right to File a Complaint if you Feel Your Rights Are Violated. You can complain if you feel we have violated your rights by contacting us using the following information: Privacy Official: (602) 550-0175, carlos@thetraumahealingcenter.com. You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights by sending a letter to 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201, calling 1-877-696- 6775, or visiting www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/ complaints/. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS NOTICE
This notice went into effect on the 26th day in September, 2020.

Acknowledgement of Receipt of Privacy Notice
Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), you have certain rights regarding the use and disclosure of your protected health information. By agreeing to services, you are acknowledging that you have received a copy of HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.

General Information
The therapeutic relationship is unique in that it is a highly personal and at the same time, a contractual agreement. Given this, it is important for us to reach a clear understanding about how our relationship will work, and what each of us can expect. This consent will provide a clear framework for our work together. Feel free to discuss any of this with us.

The Therapeutic Process
You have taken a very positive step by deciding to seek therapy. The outcome of your treatment depends largely on your willingness to engage in this process, which may, at times, result in considerable discomfort. Remembering unpleasant events and becoming aware of feelings attached to those events can bring on strong feelings of anger, depression, anxiety, etc. There are no miracle cures. We cannot promise that your behavior or circumstance will change. We can promise to support you and do our very best to understand you and repeating patterns, as well as to help you clarify what it is that you want for yourself.

Confidentiality
The session content and all relevant materials to the client’s treatment will be held confidential unless the client requests in writing to have all or portions of such content released to a specifically named person/persons. Limitations of such client held privilege of confidentiality exist and are itemized below:
1. If a client threatens or attempts to commit suicide or otherwise conducts him/herself in a manner in which there is a substantial risk of incurring serious bodily harm.
2. If a client threatens grave bodily harm or death to another person.
3. If the therapist has a reasonable suspicion that a client or other named victim is the perpetrator, observer of, or actual victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse of children under the age of 18 years.
4. Suspicions as stated above in the case of an elderly person who may be subjected to these abuses.
5. Suspected neglect of the parties named in items #3 and # 4.
6. If a court of law issues a legitimate subpoena for information stated on the subpoena.
7. If a client is in therapy or being treated by order of a court of law, or if information is obtained for the purpose of rendering an expert’s report to an attorney.

Occasionally we may need to consult with other professionals in their areas of expertise in order to provide the best treatment for you. Information about you may be shared in this context without using your name.

If you are to accidentally encounter any of our team members outside of the therapy office, we will not acknowledge you first. Your right to privacy and confidentiality is of the utmost importance to us, and we do not wish to jeopardize your privacy. However, if you acknowledge any of us first, we will be more than happy to speak briefly with you but feel it appropriate not to engage in any lengthy discussions in public or outside of the therapy office.

1. You understand that “teletherapy” includes consultation, treatment, transfer of medical data, emails, telephone conversations, and education using interactive audio, video, or data communications. You also understand that teletherapy/coaching also involves the communication of your medical/mental health information, both orally and visually.

2. Unless we explicitly agree otherwise, our teletherapy exchange is strictly confidential. Any information you choose to share with us will be held in the strictest confidence. Just like our face-to-face clients, we will not release your information to anyone without your prior approval unless we are required to do so by law. In Arizona, we are required to notify authorities if we become convinced a client is about to physically harm someone, about to harm themselves or if they are abusing or about to abuse children, the elderly, or the disabled.

3. You understand that our teletherapy services are furnished in the state of Arizona and the services we provide are governed by the laws of that state. In a manner of speaking, you are using this modality to visit us in our Arizona office, where we meet to do our work.

4. You have the right to withdraw or withhold consent from teletherapy services at any time. You also have the right to terminate treatment at any time.

5. You understand that there are risks and consequences with teletherapy services including, but not limited to, the possibility, despite reasonable efforts on our part, that: the transmission of your medical information could be disrupted or distorted by technical failures; the transmission of your information could be intercepted by unauthorized persons, and/or the electronic storage of your medical information could be accessed by unauthorized persons.

6. In addition, you understand that teletherapy based services and care may not be as complete as traditional face-to-face services. While teletherapy is a great way to get help with many of life’s problems, overwhelming and potentially dangerous challenges are best met with face-to-face professional support. You understand that teletherapy is neither a universal substitute, nor the same as face-to-face psychotherapy. Finally, you understand that there are potential risks and benefits associated with any form of psychotherapy, and that despite our efforts or the efforts of any such provider, your condition may not improve, and in some cases may even get worse.

7. You understand that you may benefit from teletherapy, but that results cannot be guaranteed or assured.

8. You understand and accept that teletherapy does not provide emergency services. If you are experiencing an emergency situation, you understand that the protocol would be to call 911 or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency room for help. If you are having suicidal thoughts or making plans to harm yourself, you may also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1- 800-273-TALK (8255) for free 24 hour hotline support. If you are in Maricopa County and need added support, please contact the Crisis Line at (602) 222-9444 or 1 (800) 631-1314.

9. You will be responsible for the following: (1) providing the computer and/or necessary telecommunications equipment and internet access for your teletherapy sessions, (2) securing or encrypting protected health information (PHI) transmitted to or stored on your computer/telecommunications device, and (3) arranging a location with sufficient lighting and privacy that is free from distractions or intrusions for your teletherapy sessions.

10. You understand that while email may be used as a form of communication with us, that confidentiality of emails cannot be guaranteed due to complexities and abnormalities involved with the Internet, including, but not limited to, viruses, Trojans, worms, and other involuntary intrusions that have the ability to obtain and disseminate information you wish to keep private.

11. You have the right to access your medical information and copies of your medical records in accordance with HIPAA privacy rules and applicable state law.

I have discussed it with my psychotherapist, and all of my questions have been answered to my satisfaction.

I understand that the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). I further understand that COVID-19 is extremely contagious and may be contracted from various sources. I understand COVID-19 has a long incubation period during which carriers of the virus may not show symptoms and still be contagious. I understand that I am the decision maker for my health care. Part of this office’s role is to provide me with information to assist me in making informed choices. This process is often referred to as “informed consent” and involves my understanding and agreement regarding recommended care, and the benefits and risks associated with the provision of health care during a pandemic. Given the current limitations of COVID-19 virus testing, I understand determining who is infected with COVID-19 is exceptionally difficult.

I understand my treatment may create circumstances, such as the discharge of respiratory droplets or person-to-person contact, in which COVID-19 can be transmitted.

I understand that I am opting for in-person therapy and that I have the option to seek therapy via teletherapy. However, while I understand the potential risks associated with receiving treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, I agree to proceed with my desired treatment at this time.

I understand due to the frequency of appointments with clients, the attributes of the virus, and the characteristics of procedures, I may have an elevated risk of contracting COVID-19 simply by being in an office

I confirm I am not experiencing any of the following symptoms of COVID-19:
-Fever
-Dry Cough
-Sore Throat
-Shortness of Breath
-Runny Nose
-Loss of Taste or Smell

I understand travel increases my risk of contracting and transmitting the COVID-19 virus. I verify that I have NOT in the past 14 days:
-Traveled outside of the United States to countries that have been affected by COVID-19
-Traveled domestically within the United States by commercial airline, bus, or train

Trauma Healing Center LLC has implemented preventative measures intended to reduce the spread of COVID-19. However, given the nature of the virus, I understand there may be an inherent risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 by proceeding. I hereby acknowledge and assume the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and choose on my own fruition to continue in-person therapy.

I understand that I can receive a copy of this consent form if I request it.

I KNOWINGLY AND WILLINGLY CONSENT TO THE IN-PERSON THERAPY WITH THE FULL UNDERSTANDING AND DISCLOSURE OF THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH RECEIVING CARE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. I CONFIRM ALL OF MY QUESTIONS WERE ANSWERED TO MY SATISFACTION. I HAVE READ, OR HAVE HAD READ TO ME, THE ABOVE COVID-19 RISK INFORMED CONSENT TO TREAT. I APPRECIATE THAT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO CONSIDER EVERY POSSIBLE COMPLICATION TO CARE. I HAVE ALSO HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT ITS CONTENT, AND BY AGREEING TO SERVICES, I AGREE WITH THE CURRENT OR FUTURE RECOMMENDATION TO RECEIVE CARE AS IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE FOR MY CIRCUMSTANCE. I INTEND THIS CONSENT TO COVER THE ENTIRE COURSE OF CARE FROM TRAUMA HEALING CENTER LLC FOR MY PRESENT CONDITION AND FOR ANY FUTURE CONDITION(S) FOR WHICH I SEEK CARE FROM THIS OFFICE.