Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and their therapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed outiside the therapeutic relationship. We will provide a written copy of our confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone without your written permission. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (ie. your Physician, Psychiatrist, Guidance Counselor), and by law we cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
However, state law and professional ethics require us to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, and elders requires therapists to immediately report to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
* If we have reason to suspect the client intends or is seriously in danger of harming themselves, we will make every effort to enlist the client's cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, we will take further measures without their permission that are provided to us by law in order to ensure their safety.
* If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/persons, we must notify the police and inform the intended victim/victims.
HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.pdf
No Surprises Act
Beginning January 1, 2022, if you are uninsured or do not plan to submit your claim to your health plan, we are legally required to provide you with a “good faith estimate” of expected charges before you receive services. For clients who are insured and plan to submit their claims, we will provide you with a good faith estimate upon request. The good faith estimate is not a bill or contract agreement for listed services, as you will only be charged for completed, no show, or late cancelled appointments. It will include expected charges for the primary item or service you’re receiving, and any other items or services provided as part of the same scheduled experience.
INFORMATION ON PROFESSIONAL FEES IS AVAILABLE TO YOU ON REQUEST
Complaints
Professional counselors and associate counselors are licensed by the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners, Professional Counselor Examiners Committee, an agency of the Division of Consumer Affairs. Any member of the consuming public having a complaint relative to the practice conducted by a professional or associate counselor shall notify the Professional Counselor Examiners Committee, PO Box 45007, 124 Halsey Street, Newark, New Jersey 07101, www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/pc, or the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, PO Box 45027, 124 Halsey Street, Newark, New Jersey 07101, www.njconsumeraffairs.gov.