Practice Policies

What to Expect When Working With Laurel Tree Counseling

We want the counseling process to feel clear and comfortable from the beginning.

Our practice policies help establish shared expectations around appointments, communication, payments, confidentiality, and your care.

Your clinician will review policies that apply to your services during the intake process and answer any questions you may have.

Appointments

Appointments are scheduled in advance and are reserved specifically for you.

Please arrive or log into your appointment on time. If you are participating in a virtual session, please choose a private location where you can speak openly without interruption.

Your clinician will provide instructions for accessing your virtual appointment.

Scheduling

Appointments may be scheduled by contacting our office or through our online scheduling system, when available.

[Insert scheduling instructions.]

If you need to change your appointment, please contact us as soon as possible.

Cancellations and Missed Appointments

We understand that unexpected circumstances happen.

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please provide at least [XX hours] notice.

Appointments cancelled with less than the required notice, as well as missed appointments, may be subject to a $[XX] fee.

Insurance generally does not cover missed appointment or late cancellation fees, so these charges are the client’s responsibility.

[Insert any exceptions to the cancellation policy.]

Late Arrivals

If you arrive late to an appointment, your session may still need to end at the originally scheduled time.

For virtual appointments, please contact us if you are having difficulty connecting.

[Insert your actual policy regarding how much time may be allowed for late arrivals.]

Payment

Payment is due [at the time of service / according to your payment policy].

We accept:

• [Credit/debit cards]
• [HSA/FSA]
• [Other payment methods]

[Insert information regarding cards kept on file, if applicable.]

For questions about fees or insurance, please visit our Fees & Insurance page.

Insurance

Insurance coverage varies by plan.

Even when Laurel Tree Counseling participates with an insurance plan, clients are responsible for understanding their individual benefits and for any copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, or services not covered by their plan.

[Insert your actual insurance policy.]

Communication Between Sessions

Your clinician will discuss appropriate methods for communication between sessions.

Routine communication should generally be limited to matters such as scheduling, brief questions, or information necessary to coordinate care.

Email, text messaging, and other electronic communication may not be appropriate for sharing sensitive clinical information.

Please do not use electronic communication for emergencies.

Emergencies and Crisis Situations

Laurel Tree Counseling is not an emergency or crisis service.

If you are experiencing an immediate emergency or believe you may be in danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.

For mental health crisis support in the United States, call or text 988.

Your clinician will discuss any practice-specific emergency or after-hours procedures with you as appropriate.

Confidentiality

Your privacy is important to us.

Information shared during counseling is generally confidential, subject to the legal and ethical requirements that apply to your care.

Your clinician will review confidentiality and its limits with you during the intake process.

For additional information regarding the privacy of protected health information, please see our Notice of Privacy Practices.

Telehealth

Laurel Tree Counseling may provide services through secure telehealth platforms when appropriate.

Clients participating in telehealth are responsible for being in a private and appropriate setting and for maintaining a reliable internet connection when possible.

Please inform your clinician if you are having difficulty maintaining privacy or accessing your appointment.

Because licensure and telehealth laws vary by jurisdiction, you must be physically located in a state or jurisdiction where your clinician is authorized to provide services at the time of your appointment.

Collaboration With Other Providers

With your written authorization when required, your clinician may communicate with other members of your healthcare team when collaboration would support your care.

This may be particularly relevant when emotional and physical health concerns overlap.

You remain at the center of that collaboration.

Professional Boundaries

The therapeutic relationship is a professional relationship designed to support your treatment goals.

Your clinician will maintain appropriate professional boundaries and will discuss any questions you may have about the therapeutic relationship.

Ending Therapy

You may choose to end counseling at any time.

When appropriate, we encourage you to discuss ending therapy with your clinician so that you can review your progress, address any remaining concerns, and discuss recommendations for continued care.

Your clinician may also recommend a different level or type of care if your needs change or if another service would better meet your needs.

Questions About Our Policies

We want you to understand the policies that apply to your care.

If you have questions about anything in this document, please ask your clinician or contact our practice.