Upon entering into a counseling relationship, there are specific rights you should be aware of before consenting to treatment. Please review this document carefully and feel free to ask any questions you may have about its’ contents.
Purpose, goals, and techniques
Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers individuals to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. To this end, your therapist will partner with you to identify specific problems you choose to address and help you develop solutions. This process involves discussions and activities identified by you and your therapist that explore the connections between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Potential Risks of Counseling
The discussion of sensitive issues may be part of the process and may put you in the position to experience some uncomfortable emotions/thoughts, as well as, face painful decisions about your life. Together you and your therapist will work through these thoughts and feelings
Right to appropriate referrals
You have a right to request referrals to other mental health professionals at any time. Your therapist is obligated to provide these referrals when:
Either you or your therapist determine, either individually or collaboratively, that the services provided are not meeting your needs.
When your needs are outside the therapist’s scope of practice
When you request referrals for any reason
Provider Consultation
Mental Health Professionals regularly seek consultation with their colleagues to ensure the highest quality of therapy for the clients and to analyze personal biases. Despite the extra expense to the therapist for this consultation, it is essential to maintain the highest standards for your care. All legal and ethical confidentiality laws and standards apply during these professional consultations.