Counseling helps people address thoughts, behaviors, and feelings that may be contributing to difficulties in life and relationships. If you decide to continue counseling after your initial session, you are expected to treat your counseling commitment as a high priority. Your appointment time is reserved specifically for you.
This document is designed to provide clear information regarding the pastoral counseling process, the nature of the services provided, policies, expectations, and limitations. Please read it carefully and raise any questions before beginning or continuing counseling.
Disclosure, Informed Consent, and Counseling Agreement
I, {name3}, the client (referred to as “I” or “the client”), acknowledge that I have been informed by Lee Higginbotham (referred to as “I” or “the counselor”) that Biblical counseling and spiritual guidance are being provided. I understand that this agreement governs the pastoral counseling relationship between the parties.
Any disputes or proposed modifications of this agreement shall first be addressed through good-faith discussion between the parties. If such efforts are unsuccessful, the parties agree to engage in mediation with a mutually acceptable third-party mediator as a mandatory condition precedent to any legal action.
This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. Venue for any legal action shall lie exclusively in Lubbock County, Texas. In the event that legal action is initiated by the client and the counselor prevails, the client agrees to be responsible for all litigation costs, including court costs, mediation fees, and reasonable attorney’s fees to the fullest extent permitted by Texas law. The parties knowingly and voluntarily waive the right to a jury trial.
Nature and Scope of Services
The services provided under this agreement are pastoral and spiritual in nature and are offered exclusively within the context of Christian ministry and Biblical guidance.
These services do not constitute medical care, mental health treatment, psychotherapy, psychological services, professional counseling, or any other state-licensed healthcare service. No diagnosis, treatment of mental illness, or clinical intervention is provided.
The counselor is not acting as a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, professional counselor, social worker, or marriage and family therapist. The client voluntarily elects to receive faith-based pastoral counseling and acknowledges that these services are religious and ministerial in nature.
Adult-Only Services
Pastoral counseling services are provided exclusively to adults eighteen (18) years of age or older. The counselor does not provide counseling services to minors under any circumstances.
By entering into this agreement, the client affirms that they are at least eighteen (18) years of age and legally competent to consent to pastoral counseling services.
General Information
I, Lee Higginbotham, am an Ordained Pastoral Counselor and practice as such. Under Texas law, pastoral counselors are exempt from professional clinical licensing. My training includes NCCA Pastoral and Christian Counseling, Spiritual Formation, and Psychology.
My counseling approach reflects a unified Biblical perspective on the emotional, spiritual, relational, and physical dimensions of personhood, including God-given temperament. This approach is grounded in the belief that temperament reveals aspects of how God has uniquely formed the heart and mind and how those dynamics influence relationships and life experiences.
Pastoral counseling is often organic and non-linear. At times, the process may involve emotional discomfort or periods of feeling worse before meaningful and lasting change occurs. If symptom relief alone is the primary goal, this counseling approach may not be an appropriate fit.
My Desires and Responsibilities as Your Counselor
It is my desire to see the concerns that bring you into counseling addressed in a manner that serves your growth and well-being. As a pastoral counselor, I also desire that you grow in your capacity for joy, freedom, and love toward others.
I seek to conduct counseling in a respectful, supportive, and appropriately challenging manner. I will operate within the scope of my training and pastoral role and will be honest with you if an issue exceeds my competence. Certain concerns may involve medical or psychiatric components; in such cases, I may recommend consultation with a licensed medical or mental health professional.
While I expect counseling to be beneficial, no specific outcomes are guaranteed.
Counselor Qualifications
I am an Ordained Minister of Pastoral Care and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am a NCCA Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor and NCCA Licensed Clinical Christian Counselor through the National Christian Counselors Association (License #13878). I hold a Master of Arts in Clinical Christian Counseling.
I am not engaged in the practice of psychology, psychotherapy, professional counseling, or state-licensed marriage and family therapy. NCCA certification does not imply or guarantee the effectiveness of any treatment. It is the client’s responsibility to determine whether the services offered are appropriate and helpful.
Biblical Basis of Counseling
Pastoral counseling includes prayer, use of Scripture, encouragement of spiritual disciplines, and application of Biblical principles to life circumstances.
This counseling is faith-based and ministry-oriented, not medical, psychiatric, or psychological. No guarantees are made regarding outcomes. The client understands that their participation and effort play a vital role in the counseling process.
Confidentiality and Mandated Reporting
Communications in pastoral counseling are generally confidential under clergy-penitent privilege. However, confidentiality is not absolute.
Under Texas law, confidentiality may be broken without client consent when there is a credible risk of serious harm to self, serious harm to others, or abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or disabled individual. Any disclosure will be limited to what is legally required.
Electronic Communication and Privacy
Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed for electronic communications such as email, text messages, or voicemail. By communicating electronically, the client acknowledges and accepts these risks.
Pastoral counseling records are maintained as ministry records and are not subject to HIPAA regulations, though reasonable safeguards are used to protect information.
Location and Visibility
Sessions are typically conducted at 1718 33rd Street, Lubbock, Texas, or at other agreed-upon locations. The counselor cannot control or be responsible for others observing clients entering or exiting counseling locations or interacting in public.
Fees and Payments
Sessions are offered on a suggested donation basis of $75. Cash, check, credit/debit card, Venmo, and PayPal are accepted.
This ministry is donor-supported, and no one is denied services due to inability to contribute. Missed appointment and late cancellation fees are administrative fees and are addressed separately below.
Session Length and Scheduling
Sessions typically last approximately 60 minutes. Late arrival does not extend session time. Appointments more than 15 minutes late may be shortened or canceled.
Missed Appointments and Late Cancellation Policy
A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel an appointment. Failure to provide adequate notice or failure to attend a scheduled session may result in a $75 administrative fee.
This fee reflects reserved time that cannot be reassigned and is not waived except in extreme emergencies or at the sole discretion of the counselor.
Assignments
The client agrees to participate honestly and actively in counseling, including completing agreed-upon assignments. Counseling progress depends on the client’s effort and engagement.
Communication Outside Sessions
Email and text messaging are limited to scheduling and general information. Counseling conversations are reserved for sessions.
The counselor does not provide crisis or emergency services. In emergencies, clients should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency facility.
Chance Meetings in Public
The counselor will not initiate contact in public settings. If the client initiates contact, conversation will be brief and non-counseling in nature.
Client Rights and Responsibilities
Counseling duration varies by individual. Clients are encouraged to discuss progress and termination openly. The client may end counseling at any time.
Termination of Counseling
Either party may terminate counseling at any time. Failure to attend sessions, schedule appointments, or respond to contact attempts for two consecutive weeks will be considered voluntary termination by the client.
Termination does not constitute abandonment. Financial obligations are limited to fees already accrued.
Court Involvement
The counselor does not serve as a forensic evaluator or expert witness and will not voluntarily provide testimony or reports. If legally compelled, disclosures will be limited to what is required by law.
Complaints and Ethical Standards
Concerns should be raised directly with the counselor. The counselor abides by the ethical standards of the National Christian Counselors Association.
Late Cancellation and No-Show Agreement
I understand that missed or late-cancelled appointments may result in a $75 administrative fee and authorize Lee Higginbotham to charge any credit or debit card on file for applicable fees.