Meeting with Clients During the Pandemic
I have been meeting with clients remotely since April 6th by video or phone and plan to do so until it is safe to meet in person. I am closely monitoring Solano County's recommendations on how to conduct business safely.
Email and Boundaries
I use email and texting for making/modifying appointments and invoicing. While working remotely, I have also used email to send attachments that I would normally give to a client in person such as treatment plans and homework. I expect clients to refrain from emailing or texting therapy content and do not use either as a processing tool. Email and texts are not always secure so it's best to share content during sessions. Email and texts also leave room for miscommunication, which can complicate the therapeutic relationship. You have the right to ask me to send attachments via Zoom if we're meeting remotely, USPS or not at all if it makes you feel more comfortable.
The 50-minute therapy hour is a boundary that prevents dual relationships and confusion about my role as your therapist. It's important to refrain from contact with me outside of sessions, which not only includes therapy content exchanges but also social media. The defined boundary of therapist and client gives you the opportunity and freedom to come as you are and helps me remain objective.
There is the rare occasion when I run into a client at an event or on the street. If this happens, you're welcome to say hello or not. I will never initiate out of respect for your confidentiality so please don't take it personally if I see you and don't initiate a greeting.
The 50-minute therapy hour is a boundary that prevents dual relationships and confusion about my role as your therapist. It's important to refrain from contact with me outside of sessions, which not only includes therapy content exchanges but also social media. The defined boundary of therapist and client gives you the opportunity and freedom to come as you are and helps me remain objective.
There is the rare occasion when I run into a client at an event or on the street. If this happens, you're welcome to say hello or not. I will never initiate out of respect for your confidentiality so please don't take it personally if I see you and don't initiate a greeting.
Limitations of Confidentiality
Your confidentiality is of the utmost important to me and I'm required by law to break that confidentiality under certain circumstances. These circumstances are:
- Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder or dependent adult.
- A court order for your health records.
- A threat to harm yourself or someone else.
- Insurance companies that may need access to your health records to justify treatment and/or file claims.
Insurance, Invoicing and Your Privacy
I provide monthly statements at your request if it helps you get reimbursed for the cost of therapy by your insurance company. The invoice includes a diagnosis code as insurances need this to process your claim. The invoice can act as a type of individual contract with your insurance and they can request copies of your mental health records or ask to speak with me directly to justify treatment and/or reimbursement. If this happens, I will alert you before talking to your insurance company.
Office Hours and Emergencies
Office hours are Monday through Friday 9AM - 7PM. I normally don't respond to emails or texts afterhours unless you're having a mental health emergency. If you think you are having a mental health emergency and I'm unavailable, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255, 9-1-1 or take yourself to the nearest emergency room and I will get back to you as soon as I can. I return non-emergency voicemail and email messages within 48 hours. If you need support afterhours, we can talk about available resources and create an emergency plan while in session.
Cancellation Policy
I have a 24-hour cancellation policy and charge your full fee for late cancellations and no shows. Please note that insurance companies do not reimburse for late cancellations and missed appointments.
Payments
Payment is due the day of the appointment. Late payments place me in a dual relationship with you as your creditor, which may interfere with our therapeutic relationship. I accept cash, checks, Venmo, PayPal and major credit cards through a HIPAA-compliant, third party app called IvyPay. Please note that Venmo and PayPal are not considered confidential methods of payment.
© 2021 Hillary Dupuis, MFT
BBS License No. 52412
