policies

CONFIDENTIALITY
As an adult, anything you do or say in the context of our session is privileged. This means that
whatever you say to me is confidential. However, there are three legal exceptions to confidentiality:
danger to self or others, using confidentiality as a means of avoiding legal punishment, and
matters of child or elder abuse.

USUAL AND CUSTOMARY FEES
I am committed to providing the best possible course of treatment to my patients. The fee is usual
and customary for specialists in this area. Patients are responsible for payment regardless of any
insurance company's arbitrary determination of usual and customary fees.

Payment is made at the beginning of each visit so that check writing does not interrupt the natural
flow of the session.

MISSED APPOINTMENTS
Any missed appointments are subject to the usual fee, unless canceled or rescheduled at least
24 hours before appointment time.

DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS
Any nonpaying accounts are subject to collection agencies.

EFFECTIVENESS AND RISKS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY
Psychotherapy is a time-consuming and expensive endeavor so you will want to know about its
effectiveness. The success of your therapy depends on the large variety of factors, including the
nature of your problems, the effort you put into the process, and the type and length of treatment,
and the therapist's skill. On the average two-thirds of all clients show improvement during therapy.

At times this process will involve the stirring up of painful or uncomfortable thoughts and feelings.
Nevertheless, the overall gains you achieve through therapy should generally outweigh these
potential risks.