Your responsibilities as a client

Show up when you can:

• Give me 24 hours notice if you need to cancel (emergencies excepted)
• Pay for sessions as we've agreed
• Let me know if something isn't working in our sessions

Stay safe:

• Tell me if you're having thoughts of hurting yourself or others
• Follow through on safety plans we create together
• Use emergency resources if you need immediate help when I'm not available

Be honest:

• Share what feels relevant to our work
• Let me know about other mental health treatment you're receiving
• Tell me if you're having concerns about our work together

My responsibilities as your therapist

Professional competence:

• Continue my education
• Practice within my scope of expertise
• Refer you to specialists when appropriate
• Keep good records of our work

Availability and boundaries:

• Be on time and present for our sessions
• Respond to messages within one business day (except emergencies)
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
• Not provide therapy to people I have other relationships with

Your welfare:

• Put your therapeutic needs first
• Practice according to ethical guidelines
• Respect your autonomy and decision-making
• End our work together if I can't help you effectively

Payment and insurance

Session fees:

• Payment is due at time of service unless we've arranged otherwise
• Sliding scale spots are based on financial need
• Insurance claims are your responsibility (I'll provide documentation)

Missed sessions:

• You're responsible for payment if you don't give 24 hours notice
• Exceptions for emergencies, illness, or situations beyond your control

If our work together ends

You're always in control:

• You can end therapy at any time
• I'll provide referrals if you want to continue with someone else
• Your records stay confidential even after we stop working together

If I end our work:

• I'll give you reasonable notice and explanation
• I'll help you find another therapist
• I'll continue seeing you until we find you appropriate care

Disputes and concerns

If you have concerns:

• Talk to me first—most issues can be resolved directly
• You have the right to file complaints about my practice to the Ombudsman.

Changes to these terms

I'll let you know if I need to change these terms and get your agreement to continue working together under new conditions.

Questions?

Ask me about anything here that isn’t clear or doesn’t make sense. Understanding our agreement is part of good therapy.