Introduction
Welcome to Palm Beach Couples ("we," "our," or "us"). Please read these Terms of Service ("Terms") carefully as they govern your use of our website and therapy services. By accessing our website or utilizing our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
We provide marriage and family therapy services, including couples counseling, individual therapy, family therapy, and related mental health services. These Terms outline the expectations, rights, and responsibilities for both clients and our practice.
Therapy Services
Our therapy services are provided by licensed mental health professionals who specialize in marriage and family therapy. Our therapists are licensed according to state regulations and adhere to professional ethical standards.
While we strive to provide effective therapeutic services, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes from therapy. Success in therapy depends on many factors, including client participation, honesty, and commitment to the therapeutic process.
Appointment Policy
Sessions are typically scheduled for 50 minutes. We request that clients arrive on time for appointments. Late arrivals may result in shortened sessions, as we must maintain our schedule for all clients.
We understand that circumstances may arise that necessitate cancelling or rescheduling an appointment. We require 48 hours' notice for cancellations. Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours notice will be subject to a cancellation fee, as outlined in our fee schedule.
Fees and Payment
Our current fee schedule is available upon request. Fees may vary based on the type of service provided. Payment is expected at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
We accept various forms of payment, including cash, venmo, and major credit cards. Some services may be eligible for insurance coverage. We recommend that clients verify their insurance benefits prior to beginning therapy.
For clients using insurance, please note that:
- You are responsible for verifying your insurance coverage
- You authorize us to release necessary information to your insurance company
- You are responsible for any co-payments, deductibles, or services not covered by your insurance
Telehealth Services
We may offer telehealth services (therapy conducted via secure video conferencing) in accordance with state regulations and professional standards. By using our telehealth services, you agree to:
- Participate in sessions from a private, secure location
- Use a secure, private internet connection (not public WiFi)
- Not record sessions without explicit consent from your therapist
- Provide an emergency contact and local emergency resources
- Understand that technical difficulties may occasionally disrupt services
Insurance coverage for telehealth services varies. We recommend verifying your telehealth benefits with your insurance provider.
Confidentiality
We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all client communications and records in accordance with HIPAA regulations and professional ethical standards. Information shared during therapy sessions is confidential with the following exceptions:
- You provide written consent to release information
- There is reasonable suspicion of abuse/neglect of a child, elderly person, or dependent adult
- You present a danger to yourself or others
- A court order requires disclosure
- For insurance billing purposes (limited information)
- For clinical consultation and supervision (without identifying information)
For couples and family therapy, please note that we maintain a "no secrets" policy, meaning that information shared individually with the therapist may be shared with other family members involved in therapy if the therapist deems it therapeutically necessary.
Electronic Communications
Email, text messaging, and other electronic communications are not completely secure or confidential. While we take precautions to protect your information, we cannot guarantee the security of electronic communications. By communicating with us electronically, you acknowledge these limitations.
We recommend limiting electronic communications to scheduling matters. Therapeutic discussions should occur during scheduled sessions. We strive to respond to non-urgent electronic communications within 1-2 business days.
Crisis Situations
Our practice is not an emergency service. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or contact one of the following crisis resources:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-8255
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Local Crisis Center: [Insert local crisis center information]
We will make reasonable efforts to respond to urgent situations during business hours, but cannot guarantee immediate availability.
Termination of Services
Therapy is a voluntary process that may be terminated by either the client or therapist under the following circumstances:
- Treatment goals have been achieved
- The client chooses to discontinue therapy
- The therapist determines that they cannot provide the specialized services needed
- The client fails to comply with treatment recommendations or agreements
- The client fails to attend scheduled appointments without notice
- Non-payment of fees
When therapy is terminated, we will provide appropriate referrals if continued treatment is recommended. We maintain client records in accordance with state laws and professional guidelines.
Website Use
Our website is provided for informational purposes only. The content on our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have.
We make reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy of information on our website, but we do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. We reserve the right to modify website content at any time without notice.
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these websites. We provide these links for convenience and informational purposes only.
Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.
Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at:
Palm Beach Couples
[Street Address]
Palm Beach, FL 33480
Phone: 561-440-4242
Email: susanhyattmft@gmail.com