Policies
Confidentiality
Contents of all therapy sessions including artwork are considered to be confidential. Confidentiality is an important part of the relationship between a client and therapist and it is protected by the law. Both verbal information and written records about a client cannot be disclosed without written permission of the client or the client’s legal guardian. New clients and caretakers will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement during the intake session.
Group confidentiality is important to maintain because it helps preserve the group’s sense of safety by keeping the personal conversations shared within the room in the group. Each member and caretakers will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement before joining a group.
Only scheduling information can be sent via email. All confidential information can be given to the therapist during the session, faxed to 888-248-7189, or talked about on the phone at 504-220-1483.
Due to the potential risk of harm to clients, psychotherapy notes and/or other records will only be released with a court order.
Exceptions include the following:
- Suspected child abuse, dependant adult abuse, or elder abuse, for which we are required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, we must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself/ herself, we will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety by creating a safety plan. If they do not cooperate, we are required by law to contact legal authorities and make reasonable attempts to notify the family of the client without their permission.
- Parents or legal guardians of non- emancipated minor clients have the right to access the clients’ records.
- Insurance providers are given information that they request regarding services to clients.
- If a client admits to prenatal exposure to controlled substances that are potentially harmful.
Cancellation Policy
If you do not show up for your scheduled therapy appointment, and you have not notified us at least 24 hours in advance, you will be required to pay a cancellation fee. Insurance will not cover the cost of missed appointments
Payment
Payment for art therapy and counseling services is due at the time of service. The payment can be made using cash, check, debit or credit card.
Return Check Fee- $35
Additional Fees
Clinical needs should be addressed during your session. However, if additional time is required outside of your scheduled appointment, you will be billed additional fees.
Parental Consent
If a child has multiple legal guardians, then all legal guardians must sign the consent to treatment form. This form can be found in the intake packet.
Legal Policy
Court appearance is by subpoena only. Clients are discouraged from having the therapist subpoenaed. Though the client, client’s guardian or the client’s attorney is responsible for the court fees, it does not mean that the therapist’s testimony will be solely in the client’s favor. Once you are a client, the therapist is only able to be a fact witness in any legal case. A therapist is not able to serve both a clinical role and a forensic role. The therapist will only be able to testify to the facts of the case.
NOLA Art Therapy and Counseling does not offer expert witness testimony. If you need an expert witness to give an expert opinion, please ask the court to appoint an unbiased, objective, forensic evaluator, or the attorney can retain a forensic expert to evaluate legal issues and make recommendations to the court in the best interests of the parties involved.
Please also consider that if the therapist must appear in court, it could be damaging to the therapeutic relationship between the client and the therapist.
As a fact witness, I do require compensation for my time, as is usual and customary when professionals are requested to testify in court. Please see the form below for the full legal policy and fee schedule.