Please read this document carefully as it contains important information about HeartLife. Once you sign this document it will constitute a binding agreement between us, as well as give us your consent to begin therapy.
Counseling Services
HeartLife clinicians offer in-person sessions and virtual sessions since the advent of the Covid pandemic. We offer services including therapy for individuals, couples, and families. "Therapy" or "counseling" is often difficult to describe. HeartLife offers biblically informed counseling. It is important for you to understand that we are licensed * professionals striving for clinical excellence. If there are any questions about our approach, please ask your therapist during your first session. We also offer psychological and educational testing. *Licensed and/or under the direct supervision of an approved supervisor.
As therapists we cannot provide any medications or perform any medical treatments. However, if medication seems indicated, we maintain close working relationships with many local physicians and psychiatrists, and we will gladly refer you to these practitioners.
One potential benefit of therapy is the ability to detect, challenge, and change those beliefs and attitudes that create, maintain, and worsen conditions such as depression, anxiety, panic, anger, frustration, etc. Christ-centered therapy can help us gain new understanding about our problems and learn new ways of applying God's Truth to our lives. Sometimes there are potential risks when entering any therapeutic relationship. In certain situations, people may experience some degree of discomfort, feelings of sadness, anxiety, frustration, etc., when working through difficult issues. Some may recall unpleasant aspects of their life and at times, report feeling worse before feeling better. Our desire is for people to be strengthened individually as well as in their relationships with others. We will regularly review with you your goals and progress. We value your honesty in providing input or suggestions. At any time during our work together, you have the right to decide to end treatment, and there is no moral, legal, or financial obligation other than to pay for the services already rendered. If you are thinking about ending therapy, we encourage you to discuss this with us and, if you wish, we will provide you with the names of other mental health providers.
Communication with your Therapist and Sessions
Our sessions are 50 minutes, although extended appointments are available. We also offer scheduled phone and virtual sessions with established clients and patients who are a good fit for this option. These sessions will be charged at each of our therapist's normal session rate. It is important to mention that non-scheduled phone calls are not the best way in which to deal with therapy issues. HeartLife office staff will not give out clinician's email addresses due to ethical and legal concerns. Should your therapist determine to email you regarding scheduling etc., they can do so at their discretion. Please be advised that while our servers are secure, we cannot guarantee confidentiality of any information exchanged via email. Our therapists are not interrupted during sessions for incoming calls unless it is an emergency. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, it will be necessary for you to call 911.
Cancellation Policy
Unless 24 hours' notice is given Monday through Friday, you will be expected to pay for the missed appointment (full session charge) unless the Administrator excuses payment due to circumstances beyond your control. Circumstances beyond your control may include illness, family emergency, and severe weather. In the event of this type of situation it is important to reach out to our front desk as soon as possible to speak with our staff about the late cancellation including the reason for the late cancel. Our office needs this notice to fill any vacant appointment times with other clients on a waiting list. In the event of extremely bad weather such as ice and snow, is it advisable to call to make sure the office is open. Please understand that cancellations on the weekend, or holidays do not fall in the 24- hour period as our office is closed and our staff is unable to fill your cancelled slot. The Administrator may discuss your cancellation with your counselor, but the final decision will be determined by our Administrator.