Still Waters Counselling LLC Practice Policies

When you become an active client of Still Waters Counselling, you will receive electronic intake paperwork that will provide greater details about the practice's policies and procedures. Here, you will find a few of the key policies to get a sense of the process.

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Technology and Social Media

 

In order for your therapist to protect the integrity of the professional relationship and to preserve the therapeutic alliance, they do not have any contacts or connection on social media (i.e. Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.) with any former, potential, or current clients. It is unethical for us to do so (per American Counseling Association 2014 Code of Ethics). Please do not be surprised if we are unable to accept a friend request, follow you back, or message you back after a comment. If you have any questions regarding this policy, it is encouraged for you to discuss them with your therapist in session. ​

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Additionally, your therapist does not receive text messages from clients. Text messaging is not a secure or private method of communication. With that said, your therapist will not respond to any text messages. Any text messages will be documented in your electronic health records chart. If you need to reschedule an appointment you may call, leave a voicemail, or email. You can additionally message your therapist securely through your Client Portal (via Simple Practice) once you’ve created your profile. 

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It's a big, yet very small world. Once and a while you might spot your therapist in the community. If you see them in person, it is their policy to not approach you. They will not greet you or engage in any conversation with you—unless you initiate a greeting first and appear welcoming. Additionally, your therapist will not be able to discuss any of the therapeutic work from sessions. If you are with others, your therapist will not share the therapeutic relationship they have with you. We want to respect your privacy and maintain professional boundaries. 

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Depending on when you contact your therapist, if it is late in the evening or on the weekend, it may take 24-48 business hours to respond. Thank you in advance for being patient and understanding!

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Emergencies/"After Hours"

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If you are experiencing a dangerous or life threatening emergency, psychiatric or medical, you should call 9-1-1 immediately and go to your nearest hospital for emergency services. You may also contact pre-selected family members or reliable friends to assist you with your situation, including your mental state and transportation. Still Waters Counselling is not a crisis therapy service, and your therapist does not provide 24/7 on call services, inpatient, or acute outpatient treatment. As a result, if you are currently undergoing recovery for a pervasive and long-term mental health and/or substance use issue(s) or recent/frequent hospitalization, the practice and availability may not provide the best care to fit your treatment needs and your goals.

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As of 16 July 2022: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has been shortened to 9-8-8. When you call or text 9-8-8, you will be connected to trained mental health professionals with the existing lifeline network for 24/7 mental health crisis support. 

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 The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24/7 service and can be reached by calling and/or texting 9-8-8. Below are additional helpful crisis outreach resources: 

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• Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-7233; Text “SUPPORT” to 741741. Apps: “Noonlight,” “Aspire News,” “bSafe”

• Self-Harm: 1-800-366-8288; Text “CONNECT” to 741741. App: “myPlan”

• Bullying: 1-800-420-1479; Text “HOME” to 741741. 

• LGBTQIA+: 1-866-488-7386; Text “START” to 678678. 

• Sexual Assault: 1-800-656-4673; Text “HOME” to 741741. 

• Abortion: 1-866-439-4253; Text “HELPLINE” to 313131. 

• Pregnancy, Infant, and Child Loss: 1-800-944-4773; Text “HELLO” to 741741. 

• National Human Trafficking Hotline: Text “HELP” to 233733. App: “BeFree” 

• Grief: 1-800-445-4808; Text “CARE” to 839863. 

• Eating Disorders: 1-800-931-2237; Text “NEDA” to 741741. 

• Substance abuse/Addiction: 1-800-662-4357; TTY: 1-800-487-4889

• Mental Health: 1-800-950-6264; Text “NAMI” to 741741. App: “Crisis Text Line (CTL)”

• Veteran Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

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Cancellation and Lateness

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Cancellation By You: Should you need to cancel your appointment, you have 24 business hours from the time of your scheduled appointment date and time to notify your clinician (e.g., email, phone call, through the messaging service in your client portal, or voicemail). Please do not text. You will be charged 100% of the service rate if we do not receive 24-business-hours’ notice of cancellation. Please be mindful that: Your insurance does not cover cancellation or “no show” fees. Therefore, this will be an out-of-pocket expense.

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Lateness: If you arrive up to 15 minutes late to a session, we recommend rescheduling the session so that you can receive quality services for your time. If you are late, we can only meet for the remaining time left of the session you had scheduled. We cannot guarantee that we can provide you with additional time to make up for the time you were late. It is your choice if you would like to continue with the session for the remainder of your scheduled appointment. You will be charged the rate of the full session you scheduled. If you arrive 15 minutes late or more, your session will be considered a “no show” and you will be charged 100% of the service rate, even if there is time remaining for the session.

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Cancellation By Me (or Inclement Weather): If your therapist should have to cancel an appointment with you, they will notify you within the 24 business hours from the time of your scheduled appointment via the preferred contact method you provide. They will provide an option to reschedule your appointment at this time. This cancellation is at no cost or penalty to you.

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Frequently Missed Sessions: If you miss 3+ scheduled sessions, you and your therapist will have to discuss if it is the right time for you to commit to counseling. Your therapist would not want to keep you on as a client if there isn’t progress being made or we are unable to help due to schedule incompatibilities.