*Currently only accepting clients for coaching at this time.
Benefits and Risks of Therapy
Psychotherapy is a process in which Therapist and Patient discuss a myriad of issues, events, experiences and memories for the purpose of creating positive change so Patient can experience his/her life more fully. It provides an opportunity to better, and more deeply understand oneself, as well as, any problems or difficulties Patient may be experiencing. Psychotherapy is a joint effort between Patient and Therapist. Progress and success may vary depending upon the particular problems or issues being addressed, as well as many other factors.
Participating in therapy may result in a number of benefits to Patient, including, but not limited to, reduced stress and anxiety, a decrease in negative thoughts and self-sabotaging behaviors, improved interpersonal relationships, increased comfort in social, work, and family settings, increased capacity for intimacy, and increased self-confidence. Such benefits may also require substantial effort on the part of Patient, including an active participation in the therapeutic process, honesty, and a willingness to change feelings, thoughts and behaviors. There is no guarantee that therapy will yield any or all of the benefits listed above.
Participating in therapy may also involve some discomfort, including remembering and discussing unpleasant events, feelings and experiences. The process may evoke strong feelings of sadness, anger, fear, etc. There may be times in which Therapist will challenge Patient’s perceptions and assumptions, and offer different perspectives. The issues presented by Patient may result in unintended outcomes, including changes in personal relationships. Patient should be aware that any decision on the status of his/her personal relationships is the responsibility of Patient.
During the therapeutic process, many patients find that they feel worse before they feel better. This is generally a normal course of events. Personal growth and change may be easy and swift at times, but may also be slow and frustrating. Patient should address any concerns he/she has regarding his/her progress in therapy with Therapist.
Professional Consultation
Professional consultation is an important component of a healthy psychotherapy practice.
As such, Therapist regularly participates in clinical, ethical, and legal consultation with appropriate professionals. During such consultations, Therapist will not reveal any personally identifying information regarding Patient.
Records and Record Keeping
Therapist may take notes during session, and will also produce other notes and records regarding Patient’s treatment. These notes constitute Therapist’s clinical and business records, which by law, Therapist is required to maintain. Such records are the sole property of Therapist. Therapist will not alter his/her normal record keeping process at the request of any patient. Should Patient request a copy of Therapist’s records, such a request must be made in writing. Therapist reserves the right, under California law, to provide Patient with a treatment summary in lieu of actual records. Therapist also reserves the right to refuse to produce a copy of the record under certain circumstances, but may, as requested, provide a copy of the record to another treating health care provider. Therapist will maintain Patient’s records for ten years following termination of therapy. However, after ten years, Patient’s records will be destroyed in a manner that preserves Patient’s confidentiality.
Confidentiality
The information disclosed by Patient is generally confidential and will not be released to any third party without written authorization from Patient, except where required or permitted by law. Exceptions to confidentiality, include, but are not limited to, reporting child, elder and dependent adult abuse, when a patient makes a serious threat of violence towards a reasonably identifiable victim, or when a patient is dangerous to him/herself or the person or property of another.
Patient Litigation
Therapist will not voluntarily participate in any litigation, or custody dispute in which Patient and another individual, or entity, are parties. Therapist has a policy of not communicating with Patient’s attorney and will generally not write or sign letters, reports, declarations, or affidavits to be used in Patient’s legal matter. Therapist will generally not provide records or testimony unless compelled to do so. Should Therapist be subpoenaed, or ordered by a court of law, to appear as a witness in an action involving Patient, Patient agrees to reimburse Therapist for any time spent for preparation, travel, or other time in which Therapist has made him/herself available for such an appearance at Therapist’s usual and customary hourly rate of [$122 per hour or $111 per hour when purchased in a package of 8 sessions in advance].
Payment/Failure of Payment/Cancellations
Therapist reserves the right to report client to collections if payment is not received within 30 days of services. Payment plans are available for clients who qualify with proof of pay stub. In the case that insurance does not fully pay for therapy sessions then the client is responsible for the difference in pay within 30 days of the insurance refund disbursement. Therapist offers the service, “IVY” as the payment method for sessions to maximize client and therapist session time. Please download the app on your smart phone or computer prior to your first session. Therapist reserves the right to charge client the amount owed up to 24 hours prior to the session.
If session is cancelled with less than 24 hours-notice, the therapist reserves the right to charge the full cost of one session (either $122 if purchased individually or $111 if purchased from the package). Clients who purchased a package can choose to use on of their package session or pay out of pocket. Cancellation notice should be left on Therapist’s voice mail at [800-222-2222] or emailed at ariannazabriskie@gmail.com.
Purchase Options and Session Structure
Clients have the option to purchase each session at $122 or purchase 8 session in advance for $111 each. Clients have the option to add group therapy at $55. The initial session will last 55 minutes where subsequent sessions will last 50 minutes. Therapist reserves the right to periodically adjust fee. Patient will be notified of any fee adjustment in advance.
From time-to-time, Therapist may engage in telephone contact with Patient for purposes other than scheduling sessions. Patient is responsible for payment of the agreed upon fee (on a pro rata basis) for any telephone calls longer than ten minutes. In addition, from time-to-time, Therapist may engage in telephone contact with third parties at Patient’s request and with Patient’s advance written authorization. Patient is responsible for payment of the agreed upon fee (on a pro rata basis) for any telephone calls longer than ten minutes.
