Initial consultation sessions with parents will occur to ensure that LPC is a good fit for the child and the presenting situation before a counseling relationship is established with the child. If a counseling relationship is established before court involvement begins, LPC may request additional parent consultation session(s). If parents do not desire to complete the initial consultation session together, they may schedule separate consultation sessions. Consultations sessions are billed at the normal hourly rate.
Parents are expected to agree upon a regular schedule for counseling sessions, schedule those sessions, and keep those sessions. We do not allow one parent to cancel appointments made by the other, but expect that parents are communicating about their children’s sessions and schedule outside of the office. If desired, both parents can receive appointment reminders by informing the front office staff at Solace of this preference.
Both parents are considered 100% responsible for payment of all counseling services. If one parent does not pay, the other is required to pay for services. It is expected that the session is paid in full at the beginning of each session. Many clients choose to leave their credit card information on file with the office so that they can be billed for their portion of the session at the time of each visit.
For a $10/session fee, within 48 business hours following each session, LPC will send an email to both parents providing a brief update about the session. LPC will not discuss how the child feels about either parent or provide information about the other parents’ houses, etc. in these emails or in person. Emails will also be sent within 48 business hours of communication with an attorney. Parents are encouraged to email the counselor any important updates or information at least 24 hours before the session. It is expected that all emails between counselors and parents are sent to all 3 parties and that “reply all” is used in all communication. These emails are only to be communication between biological parents and LPC.
Counseling sessions are billed at the regular hourly rate of the LPC. Should consultation with another mental health provider become necessary, time spent will be billed at the regular hourly rate of the LPC.
Any work completed for court including but not limited to preparation, lawyer consultation, service of subpoenas, writing of treatment summaries, time spent in court waiting to testify, and time spent providing court testimony will be billed at double the regular hourly rate.
All subpoenas must be legally served to LPC in person by a process server with a minimum of 48 business hours’ notice before court and will not be accepted in any other form. A minimum of 3 hours will be billed at double the hourly rate for each court appearance and is due in full 1 week prior to scheduled court appearance. If court is rescheduled with at least 24 hours’ notice to LPC, the 3 hour payment will transfer to the next scheduled court date. If court is rescheduled with less than 24 hours’ notice to LPC, the 3 hours billed will not be refunded or transferred. This policy applies to every court appearance.