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/Social Media and the Therapeutic Relationship

 

In order for me to protect the integrity of our professional relationship and to preserve the therapeutic alliance, I 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 me to do so (per American Counseling Association 2014 Code of Ethics). Please do not be surprised if I am unable to accept a friend request, follow you back, or message you back after a comment. If you have any questions regarding this policy, I encourage you to talk with me about it in session. Lastly, I do not engage in social media platforms for marketing and providing mental health information (i.e., TikTok, Instagram, etc.).

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It's a big, yet very small world. Once and a while you might spot me in the community (or as I like to say, out in the wild). If you see me in person, it is my policy to not approach you. I will not greet you or engage in any conversation with you—unless you initiate a greeting first and appear welcoming and open. Additionally, I will not be able to discuss any of the therapeutic work from sessions. If you are with others, I will not share the therapeutic relationship they have with you. I want to respect your privacy and maintain professional boundaries. I describe more about this in my Frequently Asked Questions.

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Depending on when you contact me, if it is late in the evening or on the weekend, it may take 1-3 business days 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 I do 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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 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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• Choose From your Local Community Service Board

• 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). You will be charged 100% of the service rate if I do not receive 24-business-hours’ notice of cancellation. Please be mindful that 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, I 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. I 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 in the session.

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Cancellation By Me: If I should have to cancel an appointment with you, I will notify you within the 24 business hours of the time of your scheduled appointment via the preferred contact method you provide. I 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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Intake Paperwork: Please note that Still Waters Counselling has a 48-hour paperwork policy, requesting you to please complete all initial paperwork prior to 48 business hours from your first appointment (“intake”). It allows me time to thoughtfully review the information you provided, prepare your chart for your session, as well as identify your insurance benefits and coverage and/or create your Good Faith Estimate. If paperwork is not completed prior to the 48-business-hour window, your session will be rescheduled.