Updated February 13th, 2024
For Minor Clients: Please list the name and relationship to the client of Parent(s)/Guardian(s) completing this form.
For Adult Clients: Type SELF in the box below.
Treatment Agreement and Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA and Informed Consent)
This notice is to inform you, as the client, of our policies related to the use and disclosure of protected health information for the purposes of providing services. Providing treatment services, collecting payments, and conducting healthcare operations are necessary activities for quality care. State and federal laws allow us to use and disclose your health information for these purposes. “Counselor” refers to all employees (including social workers, psychologist, marriage and family therapist) providing mental health services. As a client of Garrett Counseling (GC), you have the right: to be treated with respect and dignity and in a culturally sensitive manner; to be provided assistance with any communication barriers which make it difficult for you to receive services; to be free from discrimination while receiving services; to terminate services at any time; to be free from exploitation for the benefit of staff and counselors; to report complaints/grievance; to confidentiality, as defined by policy and law.
Counseling is a collaborative process between you and a counselor to work on areas of dissatisfaction in your life and assist you with life goals. For counseling to be most effective, it is important that you take an active role in the process. Counseling activities are governed by the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC) or the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners. Garrett Counseling does not take on clients we do not think we can help. Therefore, we will enter our relationship with optimism about our progress. In the event that you believe GC is not complying with the HIPAA privacy rule, you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We ask that if you have a concern about the privacy of your records, you contact GCC first, before reporting it to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In the event that a report is made, GC will in no way retaliate against you or anyone making the report.
FEES: The fee per 50-60 minute session is $200. We offer a cash pay rate of $150. This is payable at the time of your session unless Garrett Counseling is billing your insurance, in which case you must pay your copayment and/or deductible at the session.
CANCELLATION: Sessions are by appointment only, Monday through Friday. While Garrett Counseling hates charging for missed sessions, they do reserve that time for you. Therefore, you will be charged $125 (not just a copayment) for missed sessions or for those canceled without 48-hour notice. Insurance will not pay for missed sessions. If you must cancel, you may do so by contacting the office (your scheduler) directly through voicemail, text, or email.
AGREEMENT TO PAY: By signing this agreement, you accept the fee charged as a legal and lawful debt and agree to pay said fee, including any/all collection agency fees, (33.33%), attorney fees and/or court costs, if such be necessary. You agree, in order for us to service your account or to collect monies you may owe, Garrett Counseling and/or our agents may contact you by telephone at any telephone number associated with your account, including wireless telephone numbers, which may result in charges to you. We may also contact you by sending text messages or emails, using any email address you provided. Methods of contact may include pre-recorded/artificial voice messages and/or use of automatic dialing devices. We will attempt to collect fees due to Garrett Counseling for 30-60 days before sending them to external collection agency.
NOTE: Any balances not paid by your insurance will be charged to your card on file. Any amount $150.00 or under will be paid automatically. Any balance over that amount, and our billing department will reach out to you directly via email listed to notify you of outstanding balance before charging your card. If that amount is higher than what you can pay at that time we will work out a payment plan with you.
INSURANCE: It is essential that you disclose all possible insurance plans you have that might cover Garrett Counseling services (ex. coverage through your work and a family member’s work). Please be aware that Garrett Counseling will be required to provide a diagnosis on invoices and claims, and coverage may be limited to certain diagnoses or conditions. Even if you have coverage for unlimited sessions, health plans may review treatment, limit coverage, and request treatment notes. While Garrett Counseling may check coverage for you, you are responsible for verifying and understanding the limits of your coverage. Although Garrett Counseling is happy to assist your efforts in obtaining insurance reimbursement, Garrett Counseling is unable to guarantee whether your health plan will provide payment for the services provided. Suppose your insurance company requires that outpatient mental health services be preauthorized. In that case, it is your responsibility to initiate the preauthorization process, i.e. contacting your primary care physician, insurance company, or a third-party “gatekeeper”. Failure to obtain the required preauthorization for outpatient mental health services will result in you being held 100% responsible for all charges. Late charges of 2% per month will be added to balances existing for more than 30 days.
If Garrett Counseling is a provider with your plan: Garrett Counseling will submit claims for you, but at your session, you must pay any copayment or coinsurance or any portion not covered by your plan. Some insurance plans require you to pay a deductible (a specified amount you will have to pay out of pocket) before insurance coverage begins. If insurance does not pay as expected, you remain responsible for the balance.
If Garrett Counseling (your counselor) is NOT a provider for your plan: You will pay Garrett Counseling in full at the session. Garrett Counseling can give you an invoice if you wish to seek reimbursement from your insurance provider. However, many plans do not cover sessions with a provider who is not in their network. Garrett Counseling does not bill secondary insurance.
CONFIDENTIALITY: What you say in therapy, your records, and your attendance are all protected and kept confidential. Exceptions include when your records are subpoenaed for legal reasons, when reporting is required or allowed by law (ex. suspected child abuse or neglect, extreme danger to self, suspected elder abuse, or danger to others), when you give written permission to release information, and other exceptions outlined in the Notice of Privacy Practices. As Mental Health Providers in the State of Alabama, we abide by the ACA Code of Ethics and ABEC Standards of Practice (or the agency which holds the counselor’s state licenses). In accordance with these rules, information obtained in the session or in written form will not be disclosed to any outside person(s) of Garrett Counseling or another agency without your written permission, except when such disclosure is necessary to “protect you or someone else from imminent harm” or is otherwise legally required and/or allowed by law (such as abuse of a child, elder or disabled person or court order). If you are under 14, your parents or legal guardian(s) could have access to your records and may authorize release to other parties. Garrett Counseling will use and disclose your health information to provide, manage, or coordinate care based on your individual needs. This includes releasing information as needed to consultants and referral sources, such as the doctor’s office that referred you to our practice. However, Garrett Counseling maintains a strict policy on the confidentiality of your records (written and electronic). All information you share, or what we become aware of through our work with you will remain confidential. There are some circumstances in which this policy becomes void, and staff or independent contractor is required by law to release information to the appropriate authorities. Those circumstances are listed below: (a) if we become aware through our work that you may be a danger to yourself or others; (b) if we become aware of or suspect child abuse or neglect; (c) if we become aware of or suspect abuse or neglect to a vulnerable adult and, (d) if we are court ordered to testify or to submit records for court. We cannot ensure the confidentiality of any form of communication through electronic media. You are advised that any email sent to Garrett Counseling via a computer in a workplace environment is legally accessible by an employer. Counseling concerns cannot be discussed through text messaging or email transmission. Counseling can only be completed over the phone (if scheduled as an appointment) or in the office.
CONFIDENTIALITY for MINORS: While we respect all of your rights as the parent/guardian of your child to know what is happening in your child’s therapy sessions, we also want to place the needs of your child in those sessions as top priority. Please see the accompanying document “Collateral Treatment with Minor Informed Consent -Zone of Privacy” to understand how you and your child’s Counselor can navigate these concerns.
RISKS: In counseling and many other services we provide, major life decisions are sometimes made, including decisions involving separation within families, development of other types of relationships, changing employment settings, and changing lifestyles. The decisions are a legitimate outcome of the counseling experience as a result of an individual’s calling into question many of their beliefs and values. Furthermore, symptoms may be intensified and the emotional experience may be too intense to deal with at this time. We will be available to discuss any of your assumptions or possible negative side effects in our work together.
COURT / STATE REQUIREMENTS: If you are seeking counseling services (individual or group) due to a recommendation for a court official, it is your responsibility to make sure that our services meet the requirements of the referral agency. We are more than happy to provide you with the documentation needed. Services are non‐refundable. We charge $150.00 per letter needed for court or lawyers. We charge a prorated $200.00 when sending emails to lawyers.
GROUP THERAPY: Groups can be categorized into three different types: supportive, educational, or skill‐building. Educational groups help participants better understand life challenges and how to cope with them. Skill‐building groups tend to be highly structured and provide participants with strategies for managing mood and/or behavior, solving problems, and improving their functioning. Support groups are reserved for those who need a safe and comfortable environment in which to discuss difficulties, process feelings, and seek help, guidance, and encouragement from peers who are likely to share similar problems. Group therapy involves an investment of time, money, and energy, so you should think carefully about making this commitment. Group therapy is different from other forms of therapy, such as individual therapy, due to the group nature of the therapy. In other words, your attendance and participation is very important as you are part of a group process. Your input and participation will not only help you but will also help other group members.
Legal Issues in Group: Although our groups are approved by many court systems in our area, it is your responsibility to assure that it meets your individual legal requirements. We are willing to communicate with your court representative and provide a certificate and letter once the group is completed. Services are non‐refundable.
Confidentiality in Group: As a participant in group therapy, you agree not to discuss any details of the group outside of the sessions. This includes the names of other group members and/or any other information that may identify them to others.
Group Payment: Group therapy sessions are paid in full, upfront, in accordance with each class. Depending on the subject, group therapy will take place weekly or bimonthly. Payment is due by the first meeting of the new series. Considering the time and commitment provided by your therapist, group members, and office staff, missed group therapy sessions are not refundable.
RECORDS: You will be required to have written authorization on file before we can release any medical records to another party. There is a fee for records ( Section 12216.1 Alabama Code Reproduction). You have the right to revoke any release; however, your request must be in writing via email to garrett@garrettcounseling.com. Revocation is not valid to the extent that you have acted in reliance on such previous authorization. A judge can subpoena your records for a variety of reasons, and if this happens, we must comply. We can be called to testify about the contents of the records and we must comply. Your records will be maintained for 7 years for adults and 10 years for children. After this time, GC will shred and dispose of your record. Records are maintained and stored using Therapy Appointment services. You have a right to inspect and purchase records but the counselor may deny your request. There is a fee for copying and mailing of records. This fee is determined by the size of your record. We require two weeks for processing the records request once payment is made. In the event Garrett Counseling (A. Garrett or office staff) is unable to provide ongoing services (due to death or incapacitation), Laura Browder, LPCS will provide those services or will refer you to the appropriate resource. She will maintain your records for a period of 7 years (10 years after the case closes if under 18 years of age). In this situation, the custodian of records may be contacted at 1‐256‐549‐0807. If the custodian of records is to change, you will be notified by letter. If needed, GC will work to ensure a referral is provided. MINORS and RECORDS: If the client is under 18 years of have, please be aware that the law may provide the parents (in the case of divorces, the custodial parent/s) with the right to examine the child’s treatment records. Counselors will usually provide the parents only with general information on how their child’s treatment is proceeding, unless they feel that there is high risk that the child will seriously harm themselves or another, in which case the parents will be notified of the therapist’s concerns. Your child’s counselor will also provide you with updates of your child’s treatment. Before giving you any information, the counselor will discuss the matter with your child and will do the best they can to resolve any objections your child may have about what they are prepared to discuss.
Right to Add Information or Amend Your Medical Records: You may request to amend your records; however, GC has the right to deny your request. If GC denies your request, you have the right to file a disagreement statement. This statement and your response will be filed in your record. Please note that all amendment requests must be in writing.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: HIPAA enables clients to learn to whom GC has disclosed their private health information. The accounting of disclosures will cover up to six years prior to the client’s request date, beginning with the date the counselor came into compliance. The accounting does not include information about disclosures that GC made: to carry out treatment, payment, or healthcare operations; that the client authorized with a signed release form; to the individual client; for national security or law enforcement.
Right to Request Restrictions on Uses and Disclosures of Your Health Information: Under the HIPAA privacy regulations, you have a right to request that GC restrict its use or disclosure of your private health information in certain situations. This request must be made in writing. GC will consider the requested restrictions. However, GC has no obligation to agree to any such request, nor is it required to cite a reason for refusing to do so.
RIGHT TO REQUEST WHERE WE CONTACT YOU: As communicated on your demographic intake form you have the right to communicate how you prefer to be contacted. We cannot ensure the confidentiality of any form of communication through electronic media. You are advised that any email sent to Garrett Counseling via a computer in a workplace environment is legally accessible by an employer. Counseling concerns cannot be discussed through text messaging or email transmission. Counseling can only be completed over the phone (if scheduled as an appointment) or in the office.
IN AN EMERGENCY: You may also go to the emergency room or dial 911. You can also call the crisis hotline at 800‐273‐8255. We will follow those emergency services with standard counseling. You may contact the office to schedule a follow-up. Please indicate when a call is an emergency or if it is urgent. Please go to the emergency if you are in need of immediate care.
E-MAIL / SOCIAL MEDIA: In general, email is the quickest way to reach our counselors and our office. Garrett Counseling uses email to arrange/change appointments if needed. Garrett Counseling does not provide therapy by email or video unless agreed upon at the time of service. Please do not email Garrett Counseling information related to your therapy, as email is not completely confidential, and important issues should be reserved for sessions. Be aware that emails between you and your counselor become part of your legal record. Counselors at Garrett Counseling do not accept friend requests or contact requests from clients on social networking sites (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc) out of concern for your confidentiality and our privacy. It may also blur the boundaries of your therapy relationship. If you desire to connect with Garrett Counseling, we invite you to join our company page, which is open to the general public. Please note that we will not acknowledge nor address any concerns related to your personal treatment on these public sites.
UNATTENDED CHILDREN: We are unable to provide supervision for children outside of the session and cannot accept responsibility for their safety if left unattended. For the safety and welfare of the children and out of consideration for others, please make arrangements for childcare during therapy sessions, or provide adult supervision for children while waiting. Parents will be held responsible for any property damage caused by their children. We offer a quiet and safe space for all clients. We charge $1.00 per minute if you are not present when your child’s session ends. We ask that you do NOT leave the property during their session time, should there be an emergency. If there is a medical emergency and the parent is not on the property please know that we will call 911 for medical support and the parent will be responsible for all fees from medical/emergency care.
COLLABORATIVE CARE APPROACH: Garrett Counseling will use and disclose your health information for review of treatment procedures, review of business activities, certification, staff training, and compliance and licensing activities as needed. We are required by law to maintain records of each time we meet or talk on the phone. These records include a brief synopsis of the conversation, along with any observations or plans for the next meeting. Ashley Garrett, LPCS, and Laura Browder, LPCS provide consultation as needed on a case-by-case basis which is noted in the file. Garrett Counseling utilizes a team consultation approach without utilizing client names so that each client can get the expertise of a team of clinicians, not just one solo practitioner.
NOTICE OF CAMERAS AND RECORDINGS: This section is to notify you that our property is under 24/7 video and audio surveillance. Our individual counseling rooms are under video surveillance, not audio. If audio is needed, then the client and counselor will discuss and a waiver will be signed that clearly states the client/guardian is aware of the video/audio being recorded. This (or live observation) is sometimes used for supervision purposes and the client will sign a release for observation for supervision.
NO WEAPONS / NO SMOKING POLICIES: We do not permit guns or any type of weapons on the property due to the nature of our work. This is a safe space, please help us by not bringing weapons on the property, including the parking lot and garden. We are a tobacco-free property (including smoking and vaping) including the parking lot and garden.
ENDINGS: If you are unhappy with any aspect of therapy, please don’t just leave – Garrett Counseling asks that you talk to your counselor or our Clinical Director to see if you can work it out. Even if you can’t, endings usually feel better this way. Of course, you may end therapy at any time, and our team is happy to assist with referrals. It is our ethical duty to provide therapy only when we feel you are actively participating and benefiting from the sessions. Our counselors may end treatment if there have been repeated no-shows, late cancellations, repeated treatment interruptions, or for lack of payment.
REFERRALS / GROUP: A referral to another provider may become necessary if it becomes clear in Garrett Counseling’s opinion that your concerns would be better treated by a professional with different expertise. It is unethical for counselors to practice beyond the level of their competence, education, training, or experience. Garrett Counseling is not responsible for the care received from professionals to whom your counselor refers you. Agreements made between you and Garrett Counseling do not involve other professionals in the office suite, who each may operate independent solo practices, and may not be employees of Garrett Counseling.
MULTIPLE RELATIONSHIPS / DUAL: We make all attempts to avoid dual / multiple relationships in regard to our clients engaged in counseling services. A multiple relationship occurs when a counselor is in a professional role with a person and (1) at the same time is in another role with the same person, (2) at the same time is in a relationship with a person closely associated with or related to the person with whom the psychologist has a professional relationship, or (3) promises to enter into another relationship in the future with the person or a person closely associated with or related to the person. Although some multiple relationships are unavoidable, multiple relationships have the potential to impair our objectivity and effectiveness in our role as a therapist. Therefore, we usually refrain from providing individual services to more than one member of a family.
TELEHEALTH: Informed Consent for Telehealth Services
Definition of Telehealth: Telehealth involves the use of electronic communications to enable Garrett Counseling clinicians to connect with individuals using live interactive video and audio communications. Telehealth includes the practice of psychological health care delivery, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, referral to resources, education, and the transfer of medical
and clinical data.
I understand that I have the rights with respect to telehealth:
1. The laws that protect the confidentiality of my personal information that I have already signed also apply to telehealth. Copy of our Policies and Informed Consent can be provided and is posted online at www.garrettcounseling.com
2. I understand that I have the right to withhold or withdraw my consent to the use of telehealth in the course of my care at any time, without affecting my right to future care or treatment.
3. I understand that there are risks and consequences from telehealth, including, but not limited to, the possibility, despite reasonable efforts on the part of the counselor, that: the transmission of my personal information could be disrupted or distorted by technical failures, the transmission of my personal information could be interrupted by unauthorized persons, and/or the electronic storage of my personal information could be unintentionally lost or accessed by unauthorized persons. Garrett Counseling utilizes secure, encrypted HIPAA-compliant audio/video transmission software to deliver telehealth via Doxy.me.
4. Garrett Counseling follows the State of Alabama ABEC Regulations for telehealth: 10.A.12. TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS, as well as their respective board regulations (ACA/NASW) and ethics. They have also received training to provide telehealth services.
5. By signing this document, I agree that certain situations, including emergencies and crises, are
inappropriate for audio-/video-/ computer-based psychotherapy services. If I am in crisis or in an emergency, I should immediately call 9-1-1 or seek help from a hospital or crisis-oriented healthcare facility in my immediate area.
6. I understand that telehealth therapy sessions can not be held while the client is driving an automobile. If this happens, the session will be canceled and the client will be charged the no-show fee.
Payment for Telehealth Services:
Garrett Counseling will bill insurance for telehealth services when these services have been determined to be covered by an individual’s insurance plan. The standard copay and/ or deductibles would apply. In the event that insurance does not cover telehealth, you may wish to pay out-of-pocket, or when there is no insurance coverage. We can provide you with a statement of service to submit to your insurance company.
Telehealth Services During Unforeseen Circumstances:
Garrett Counseling will transfer all in-person appointments (that are therapeutically appropriate) to telehealth when unforeseen circumstances arise. Typically these are issues such as severe weather, the counselor becoming ill and is unable to provide face-to-face services due to potential exposure, or if the client or family of the client is ill and/or unable to meet at a physical office location.
Patient Consent to the Use of Telehealth:
I have read and understood the information provided above regarding telehealth, have discussed it with my counselor, and all of my questions have been answered to my satisfaction. I have read this document carefully and understand the risks and benefits related to the use of telehealth services and have had my questions regarding the procedure explained.
I hereby give my informed consent to participate in the use of telehealth services for treatment under the terms described herein. By my signature below, I hereby state that I have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this document.
PATIENT RIGHTS: A list of your client rights is posted on our website. You have the right to ask any questions about your treatment or refuse to participate in treatment at any time. This office does not discriminate in the delivery of healthcare services based on race, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, religion, gender, gender identity, age, mental/physical disability, medical condition or history, or sexual orientation.
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By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read this Treatment Agreement (Updated February 12, 2024), and you acknowledge receipt of Garrett Counseling’s Notice of Privacy Practices (Updated February 12, 2024). Garrett Counseling’s Notice of Privacy Practices provides information about how employees may use and disclose your private health information. Garrett Counseling encourages you to read it in full. The Notice of Privacy Practices is subject to change. If Garrett Counseling changes their notice, they will give you notification of the revised notice. If you have left treatment, you may obtain the revised notice from GC at the address and phone number listed below or online at www.garrettcounseling.com. If you have any questions about the notice or any of the above, please feel free to ask. Garrett Counseling 256-239-5662 PO BOX 1162 Jacksonville, AL 36265
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I give permission for you to contact me by:
Email – listed on intake form (GCC can not ensure the security of this method)
Cell Phone- listed on the intake form
Mailing address – listed on the intake form
I acknowledge that I have read and understand all of the foregoing statements and that my signature below indicates that I agree to abide by all of the above conditions.
I have received a copy of the Privacy Practices Form (emailed to you at the point of intake) and I understand I can access it at www.garrettcounseling.com.
I consent to the exchange of treatment information between Garrett Counseling and my primary care physician.
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The card on file will be charged on the day of the missed appointment. By signing here I am giving GCC permission to charge my card on file any outstanding balance, including no-shows.
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If using your insurance or Employee Assistance Program: “I authorize the release of any information necessary (including notes, treatment summaries and diagnosis) to process insurance or Employee Assistance claims, to prove medical necessity for treatment, to request additional sessions, or to comply with mandated quality control or administrative chart reviews from the insurance plan.”
“I authorize payment of benefits to Garrett Counseling.”