PSYCHOTHERAPIST-CLIENT AGREEMENT

Welcome to Franktalk Therapy and Consulting. This document contains important information about our professional services. Please read this Agreement carefully. We can discuss any questions you have about it at your first session. When you sign this document, it will also represent an agreement between us. You may revoke this Agreement in writing at any time and that revocation will be binding on me unless I have taken action in reliance on it.

PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements. It varies depending on the personalities of the psychologist and client, and the nuanced problems you are experiencing. There are many different methods I may use to deal with the problems that you hope to address. Psychotherapy is not like a medical doctor's visit. Instead, it calls for a very active effort on your part. For the therapy to be most successful, you will have to work on things we talk about both during our sessions and at home. Psychotherapy can have benefits and risks. Since therapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life, you may experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness, and helplessness. On the other hand, psychotherapy has also been shown to have many benefits. Therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reduction in feelings of distress. There are, of course, no guarantees of what you will experience. Our first few sessions will involve an evaluation of your needs. By the end of the evaluation, I will be able to offer you some first impressions of what our work will include and a treatment plan to follow if you decide to continue with therapy. You should evaluate this information along with your own opinions of whether you feel comfortable working with me. Therapy involves a commitment of time and energy, so you should be careful about the therapist you select. If you have questions about my approach, we should discuss them whenever they arise. If your doubts persist, I will be happy to help you set up a meeting with another Counseling professional and possible referral. When the treatment needs of a prospective client exceed my scope of practice, every effort will be made to identify appropriate resources.

CONTACTING ME
Due to my work schedule, I am often not immediately available by telephone. Texts are best, emails also work well. I will make every effort to return your call on the same day you make it, with the exception of weekends and holidays. I will do my best to respond, but I am often travelling and speaking around the country. If you are unable to reach me and feel that you cannot wait for me to return your call, you may find it helpful to go to the nearest emergency room and ask for the psychiatrist on call.

LIMITS OF CONFIDENTIALITY
In accordance with professional ethics and laws, the information revealed in psychotherapy is confidential and will not be revealed to anyone without your written permission, except as required by law. Most states require that I make appropriate reports if you are suicidal or homicidal, or if any child or elder adult has been abused or neglected or may be in danger of harm. While this written summary of exceptions to confidentiality should prove helpful in informing you about potential problems, it is import that we discuss any questions or concerns that you may have now or in the future.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
These counseling services are out-of-network for all insurance companies. Many clients submit claims to their insurance company for reimbursement. The cost of each session is $250 for a 50-minute session. You will be given an invoice with appropriate diagnoses codes and billing information. Payment is made when the appointment is booked. Payment may be made via Zelle, Google Pay, or Venmo. Thank you for letting me help you achieve your goals,

Paul R. Nelson, LMHC, CSE
Franktalk Therapy

INFORMATION SHEET