CONSENT, ASSENT, PRIVACY, AUTHORIZATION, AND QUESTIONNAIRE
Treatment begins with beginning the informed consent process. For children, pre-teens, and teens, treatment requires the consent of all legal guardians.
Parents are provided with an informed consent process regarding their role as "collateral contacts."
Teens (13-18) are given the opportunity to assent to treatment via an assent form. Through this process, teens may enter into the therapy experience with a clear understanding of the limits of confidentiality.
Although I provide a great deal of transparency and information to parents, I also ask that they agree to offer children and teens a "zone of privacy" for the therapy sessions.
Typically, in order for me to exchange information regarding patients with primary care physicians, pediatricians, schools, hospitals, psychiatrists, or others who may coordinate care, I must first be authorized.
To save time during your introductory session, beforehand, you will complete a questionnaire that outlines the patient's medical / mental health history. It includes the reason for reason for referral, developmental history, family history, and more.
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Sometimes, at intake, patients and parents have questions about the process involved with mandated reporting of suspected child abuse, elder abuse, and abuse of a disabled person. Click on the "Mandated Reporting" button to learn about the process involved with mandated reporting. I hope the information I provide demystifies the process a bit. Here, you will also find my policies surrounding communication with patients and families, an explanation of privacy, and a HIPPA notice.
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