Practice Information
CLINICAL PRACTICE POLICIES
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS
Thank you for your interest in psychiatric evaluation, psychotherapy, or psychopharmacologic treatment for yourself or for your child. This document is intended to address some of your initial questions about my professional services and business policies.
MEETINGS
An initial evaluation/consultation usually consists of two 60-minute sessions. At the end of the consultation, we will discuss my impressions of the presenting problem and recommendations will be provided. Occasionally, an extended evaluation is recommended.
If psychotherapy is initiated, we will schedule and reserve sessions at a time and frequency that we agree on. We will discuss which type of psychotherapy is recommended, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive psychodynamic psychotherapy, dialectical behavioral therapy.
In general, I see psychopharmacology patients for 20-45 minute follow up appointments, at a frequency that we will discuss and which depends on patient preference and the level of complexity.
Once an appointment is scheduled, you will be expected to keep this appointment time unless you provide 48 hours advance notice of cancellation.
SERVICE AND RATES AND PAYMENTS
Please call me to discuss my fees in more detail.
HEALTH INSURANCE ISSUES
I do not take insurance; however, some insurance plans will reimburse a portion of the fees if you submit that I am an out of network provider. Although you would be responsible for paying me directly, you would have the option to submit an insurance claim form for sessions with me.
CANCELLATION POLICY
I require at least 48 hours advance notice if you wish to cancel an appointment. Otherwise, you will be charged for the full cost of a session if 48 hours notice is not given or if you fail to show up for a scheduled session. Exceptions to the cancellation policy are official weather emergencies.
TELEPHONE CONTACT
Sometimes I am immediately available by phone. When I am unavailable, my phone is answered by voicemail that I monitor frequently. I collect messages from my voicemail daily, Monday through Friday. I will make every effort to return your call on the same day you make it. I often return calls received later in the day in the evening by 8:30pm.
If you do not receive a call the same day, you can almost always expect a return call the next business day after I have received your message.
I prefer to be contacted by phone for most matters; however, I check my office email regularly and we may both use email to communicate about appointment confirmations or changes, invoices, and to receive documents that you wish for me to review. I do not use email for discussing clinical matters or emergencies, since I cannot guarantee timely receipt of the information.
PROFESSIONAL RECORDS
I am required to keep records of the professional services that I provide. At your request, I will provide you, or other professionals whom you authorize, with a treatment summary.
CONFIDENTIALITY
In general, the privacy of all communications between a patient and psychiatrist is protected by law, and I can only release information about your treatment with your written permission.
Minors:
It is my policy to discuss privacy issues with parents and children before beginning treatment. Children often welcome parent participation and parents may be asked to join for part of therapy sessions or to meet separately to discuss the child’s treatment. While parents of minors who are in treatment generally have the legal right to examine treatment records, it can sometimes be helpful to waive this right to ensure your child or adolescent’s sense of privacy in treatment. Often an agreement is made which provides an opportunity for parents to be informed of general themes discussed in therapy, as well as any serious concerns regarding the safety of the child. More specific information is given to parents only with the minor’s participation and consent. If I ever believe that your child is at serious risk of harming him/herself or another, I will inform you.
Thank you again for the opportunity to be of service to you or your child. I look forward to our work together.
Sincerely,
Deborah Kulick, M.D.