Policies

Informed Consent for Psychotherapy and Telehealth Services

1. Psychotherapy services aim to reduce distress, improve relationships, and address mental health issues. However, there are no guarantees for success in therapy due to various factors involved. During therapy sessions, it is common to discuss uncomfortable topics and situations, which are considered part of the therapeutic process. 

2. Clients have the right to discontinue services and request referrals at any time. The benefits of telehealth services include accessibility, convenience, and flexibility. However, technical interruptions and privacy concerns may arise during telehealth sessions. All telehealth sessions will be conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platform.

Informed Consent for Electronic Communications

1. The client and therapist will communicate through electronic means such as email, phone, and text, for scheduling, payment, appointment confirmation, and cancellation. 

2. Emergency Crisis Disclaimer: Han Bertrand does not provide emergency or crisis services. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency or severe emotional distress, Han cannot provide the immediate assistance that's needed. Please seek urgent care by taking the appropriate emergency actions in your location.

Confidentiality and HIPAA Privacy Notice

1. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), a federal law, requires therapists to protect clients' Protected Health Information (PHI). It is also a professional ethical code for psychotherapists to prioritize protecting confidentiality.

2. Han takes confidentiality very seriously and does not disclose any confidential information in any way unless required by a court order or other legal exceptions such as mandatory reporting, threat to self or others, or insurance claims.

Appointment and Payment Agreement

1. Each session is a one-hour appointment that will end early to allow for a comfortable transition back to your day. 

2. The fee is $200 per session and $100 for each same-day cancellation or no-show.

3. The client is only responsible for copays or deductibles if using health insurance and is fully responsible for out-of-pocket payment for sessions that are not covered by their insurance company for any reason.

Please download this page so you have a copy of the Informed Consent and Agreement.

Availability 

Monday - Friday: 8 AM  - 1 PM (ET).

I am based in Boston, Massachusetts.

One-Hour Appointment

1. Each session is a one-hour appointment, ending early to allow you time for a comfortable transition back to your day. 

2. I encourage you to take a few minutes before the hour to breathe deeply and gather your feelings, thoughts, or simply be aware of what's been on your mind. If nothing comes to mind, that's totally okay too, because sometimes things will come out naturally while talking. 

3. As we approach the end of the session, we will pause our conversation. This will give you the remaining time to ask questions, give feedback, discuss logistics, and prepare to return to your day.  
   
   

Weekly Session

1. I primiarly schedule sessions on either a once-weekly or twice-weekly basis, with appointments held at the same time each week.

2. Non-weekly sessions, such as every other week, once a month, or as needed, are possible. However, there is no guarantee of consistent openings for appointments, as I reserve appointment spots only for weekly sessions. 

Cancellation

1. I charge $100 for each same-day cancellation or no-show. Otherwise, it’s free to cancel. 

2. Same-day cancellations or no-shows do not allow me to offer the opening to others, and the fee compensates for half of my financial loss. 

3. Frequent cancellations (two or more cancellations within a 30-day period, excluding holidays, vacations, and occasional schedule conflicts) may result in losing the reserved spot. 

Location

1. I'm a licensed psychotherapist based in Boston, Massachusetts, and hold licenses a clinical social worker in Massachusetts (LICSW #123987), Oregon (LCSW #L14216), and Florida (LCSW #TPSW3510).

2. I can only provide psychotherapy services to individuals currently residing in the states where I am licensed. However, as a consultant, I offer consulting services to people worldwide.

Zoom Video Meeting

1. I conduct all my client sessions exclusively through Zoom video meetings (HIPAA-compliant) to ensure accessibility, flexibility, confidentiality, and consistency. 

2. I have no plans to return to in-person sessions. Telehealth allows me to offer drop-in, additional, or urgent sessions, and you can reach me via both email and text.

3. If a Zoom meeting ends abruptly, it means that I've lost power and internet at my home office unexpectedly. While this situation is very rare, it's unpredictable during stormy weather. If that happens, I will reach out to you as soon as I am able. 

Fees

1. I charge $200 for each session.

2. I charge $100 for each same-day cancellation or no-show.

Payment

1. I will email you a monthly bill at the end of each month and expect full payment within the next 14 days. 

2. I typically receive payment through Zelle as it's private and secure without any processing fees, but I'm also open to discussing other payment options.

3. I'll provide the necessary paperwork for out-of-network reimbursement if you're eligible.

BCBS (In-Network)

If you're residing in Massachusetts, I can accept only BCBS insurance. Otherwise, I only accept private pay.

1. If you choose to use BCBS insurance, please be aware that you are financially responsible for any sessions not covered by your insurance company. 

2. Please ensure you call your insurance company directly to verify that your BCBS insurance is your "primary insurance" and will cover psychotherapy services (telehealth). 

3. If it is not your "primary insurance," sessions will likely not be covered by your insurance company, and you will have to pay for those sessions out of pocket.

All PPO Plans (Out-of-Network)

I'll provide the necessary paperwork for out-of-network reimbursement if you're eligible.