Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Exceptions for confidentiality include the following:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.
Notice of Privacy Practices
McGowan Family Counseling is dedicated to maintaining the privacy of your individually identifiable health information (also called protected health information, or PHI). As required by the privacy regulations created as a result of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), this notice describes how medical information may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to your individually identifiable health information. All clients will receive and review this notice in their secure client portal before their first session. If your session is in-person, you will also receive a copy of this notice at your first session.
Please review this carefully: Notice of Privacy Practices
*Please email McGowan Family Counseling to obtain the password for the Notice of Privacy Practices. It is also available in your secure client portal.
Cancellation Policy: 48-Hour Notice
Please make cancellations or rescheduling requests at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled appointment will be billed the full fee of the appointment. Please note that insurance cannot be billed for late cancellations or no shows.
Appointment Reminders
For your convenience, appointment SMS text and/or email reminders are sent out 72 hours (3 days) before a scheduled appointment. Please notify McGowan Family Counseling if you do not want to receive appointment reminders. To cancel or reschedule an appointment, please do not reply to the reminders.
You must contact McGowan Family Counseling directly to cancel or reschedule or an appointment.