Embedded Files
Informed Consent
Expectations
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process between you and your therapist. Together, we work toward your treatment goals, with each of us bringing important responsibilities to the relationship.
As your therapist, I will provide professional knowledge, clinical expertise, and evidence-based interventions. As the client, your role is to participate openly, attend sessions consistently, and engage in the therapeutic process both during and between sessions. While therapy cannot guarantee specific outcomes, your active participation greatly increases the likelihood of meaningful progress.
As a psychotherapy client, you have important rights and responsibilities, as do I as your therapist. You should also be aware that there are legal limits to confidentiality and other client rights. These rights and responsibilities are outlined throughout this document.
Please note: Psychotherapy is not an emergency service. If you are experiencing suicidal or homicidal thoughts, are in crisis, or need immediate assistance, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
Benefits and Risks of Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy offers many potential benefits, but it also involves some risks.
Because therapy often requires discussing difficult experiences and emotions, you may experience temporary feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness, or helplessness. These reactions are a normal part of the therapeutic process.
Research has shown that psychotherapy can help reduce emotional distress, improve relationships, increase self-awareness and insight, strengthen coping skills, and support lasting solutions to personal challenges.
Results vary from person to person, and no specific outcomes can be guaranteed. Therapy is most effective when you actively participate in sessions and practice what we discuss in your daily life.
The First Few Sessions
The first session focuses on gaining a comprehensive understanding of your concerns, strengths, and treatment needs.
Following this assessment, I will share my initial clinical impressions, discuss recommendations, and work with you to develop an initial treatment plan based on your goals.
You are encouraged to be fully transparent. If there is resistance, distraction, discomfort, or confusion, these are all important parts of understanding your complex inner system and lead us closer to the root of the issues.
Appointments and Cancellations
Appointments are scheduled in advance through Google Calendar and confirmed on Headway at a frequency that reflects your treatment goals, clinical needs, and our mutual availability.
Payment is processed through Headway using a debit card, credit card, or ACH transfer.
Because your appointment time is reserved specifically for you, I ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a $50 late cancellation fee.
Communication
Email is my preferred method of communication.
I do not answer phone calls or emails while I am with clients or otherwise unavailable. You are welcome to leave an email or confidential voicemail, and I will respond as soon as reasonably possible. For non-urgent matters, responses may take 1–2 business days.
If I plan to be away from the office, I will make every effort to notify you in advance. If I need to cancel an appointment unexpectedly, I will contact you as soon as possible to reschedule.
Please remember: Email and voicemail are not appropriate for emergencies. If you are experiencing suicidal or homicidal thoughts, are in crisis, or need immediate assistance, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
Ending Treatment (Discharge)
Our therapeutic relationship may end for several reasons, including:
You have achieved your treatment goals.
You are not progressing.
We decide your needs would be better suited with another provider.
I determine that another level or type of care would better meet your needs.
Therapy is no longer clinically beneficial.
Whenever possible, we will discuss ending treatment together. Upon request, I will provide referrals to other qualified providers and, when clinically appropriate, assist with a transition to continued care.
Treatment may also end if there is ongoing failure to attend appointments, pay for services, or communicate respectfully and in a timely manner. Even in these situations, I will make reasonable efforts to contact you and provide referral resources before closing your case.
Additional Consents
I understand that I may be eligible for a variety of behavioral health services. The type and duration of services I receive will be determined through an initial assessment and ongoing discussions with my provider. Treatment recommendations will be based on my individual needs and goals.
I understand that I have the right to ask questions at any time during treatment and may request an outside consultation. My provider may also discuss specific treatment methods or recommendations as they become relevant, and I have the right to consent to or decline those interventions.
I understand that my treatment plan will be reviewed periodically to evaluate progress toward my goals. I agree to actively participate in both treatment and these ongoing reviews.
I understand that no guarantees have been made regarding the outcome of treatment or any therapeutic interventions. I also understand that I may discontinue treatment at any time, although I agree to discuss this decision with my provider whenever possible.
Confidentiality
Your privacy is important, and information shared during therapy is kept confidential except as permitted or required by law.
Your written authorization is generally required before information about your treatment is released to another person or organization. However, once information has been released to an insurance company or other authorized third party, I cannot guarantee that it will remain confidential.
Confidentiality may be broken under the following circumstances:
Risk of serious harm: If there is an imminent risk that you may harm yourself or someone else, I am ethically and legally required to take reasonable steps to help protect those involved.
Abuse or neglect: If I suspect that a child, older adult, or other vulnerable person is being abused, neglected, or is at risk of abuse, I am legally required to report this to the appropriate authorities.
Court orders: If I receive a valid court order requiring the release of records, I am legally obligated to comply.
Appointment Availability
Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Clients who require ongoing weekly appointments may request a recurring appointment time, subject to availability.
Office Hours
Monday–Friday
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM CST
Payment Options
Insurance Accepted
Texas
Aetna
Optum
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
Anthem BCBS
Oscar Health
Oxford
Quest Behavioral Health
Carelon Behavioral Health
Colorado
Aetna
Optum
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
Anthem BCBS
Oscar Health
Oxford
Quest Behavioral Health
Carelon Behavioral Health
North Carolina
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
Optum
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
Self-Pay
$120 per 60-minute session
Sliding-scale slots are currently at capacity.
For any other questions, email me at reneemerazlpc@gmail.com
Report abuse