If you need to contact me between sessions, please email. I am often not immediately available; however, I will attempt to return your call within 48 hours. Please note that video sessions are highly preferable to phone sessions. However, for special predetermined circumstances phone sessions are available.

If a true emergency situation arises, please call 911 or any local emergency room.

If you are in crisis please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. In Stanislaus County you may also call 888-376-6246, option 1 will connect you to the Mobile Crisis Response Team that will come out to you wherever you are in the community.

Please note that beginning each January, session fees will increase by $10 annually. This adjustment reflects inflation, rising operational costs, and current market rates consistent with my credentials and level of experience. These periodic increases help support the sustainability and continued quality of care provided through my practice.

1. In order for telehealth sessions to be effective, there is an expectation of the following:

   1. Private & Distraction-Free Environment: Clients are expected to attend sessions from a private, quiet, and distraction-free setting to help maintain confidentiality and support the therapeutic process. Sessions should not be conducted in public spaces. Sessions conducted from a vehicle are permitted only if the vehicle is safely parked for the duration of the appointment.

   2. Reliable Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is important to support the quality and continuity of telehealth sessions. If technical difficulties arise or a reliable connection cannot be maintained, phone sessions may be used when appropriate.

   3. Prepared Device: Please ensure your device is fully charged prior to session and close any unnecessary applications or programs running in the background to improve audio and video performance.

   4. Minimize Distractions: To support focus and privacy during sessions, please silence or turn off other devices such as phones, televisions, tablets, or notifications whenever possible.

   5. Headphones: The use of headphones is encouraged when needed to improve sound quality and enhance privacy during telehealth sessions.

To protect client confidentiality and maintain appropriate professional boundaries, I do not accept friend or contact requests from current or former clients on personal social networking platforms, including sites such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Engaging through social media may compromise privacy, create potential dual relationships, and blur the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, I encourage you to discuss them with me during session.

While reasonable efforts are made to protect your privacy, confidentiality cannot be fully guaranteed through electronic forms of communication such as email, text messaging, phone, or other digital platforms. Email and text communication may be used for administrative purposes only, including scheduling, cancellations, or general questions. These methods should not be used to discuss therapeutic content or request urgent or emergency assistance. Although I will make reasonable efforts to respond in a timely manner, immediate responses cannot be guaranteed.

Under the California Telemedicine Act of 1996, services provided through electronic means — including video conferencing, telephone communication, email, and other digital technologies — are considered telehealth services. By participating in telehealth, clients acknowledge and understand the following:

• Participation in telehealth is voluntary, and clients may withhold or withdraw consent at any time without affecting future access to care or services.

• All existing confidentiality protections and ethical standards applicable to in-person therapy also apply to telehealth services.

• Clients have the right to access their medical records and information shared during telehealth sessions, consistent with applicable laws and policies.

• No identifiable images, recordings, or information from telehealth sessions will be shared with third parties without written consent, except as required by law.

Telehealth services may offer several benefits, including increased accessibility, convenience, continuity of care, reduced travel time, and greater flexibility in receiving support. However, there are also limitations and potential risks associated with providing therapy remotely. Because therapy often relies on verbal, visual, and behavioral observations, telehealth may reduce a therapist’s ability to observe certain nonverbal or physical cues that may be clinically relevant. Technical issues, interruptions, internet connectivity problems, or limitations in audio/video quality may also impact the effectiveness of sessions.

Despite these limitations, every effort will be made to provide quality, ethical, and effective care through secure and HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms.

If you are a minor, your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) may have a legal right to access certain information related to your treatment. At the beginning of services, we will discuss confidentiality, including what information may be shared with parents or guardians and what topics may remain private in order to support a safe and trusting therapeutic environment.

Ending the therapeutic relationship can sometimes be a meaningful and emotional process. Whenever possible, therapy termination will be approached thoughtfully and collaboratively to allow time for reflection, closure, and transition planning. The length and nature of the termination process may vary depending on the duration and intensity of treatment.

Treatment may be discontinued if it is determined that therapy is no longer beneficial, clinically appropriate, or if there is ongoing nonpayment for services. Whenever appropriate, these concerns will first be discussed openly to explore possible solutions and support a respectful transition process.

If services are terminated or if you choose to transfer care to another provider, referrals to qualified mental health professionals and additional resources can be provided upon request. Clients are also free to seek services through another provider or referral source of their choosing.