Introduction

FamilyTime Centers ensures you understand your rights, our therapeutic approach, and treatment expectations before beginning services. This consent process protects both clients and therapists while establishing clear boundaries in accordance with California Board of Behavioral Sciences regulations and ethical guidelines.

Nature of Therapy Services

Therapeutic Process: Therapy is a collaborative process between you and your licensed therapist designed to help you address mental health concerns, improve coping skills, and enhance overall well-being. The therapeutic relationship is built on trust, mutual respect, and professional boundaries.

Treatment Approaches: Our therapists utilize evidence-based treatment methods including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Family Systems Therapy

• Trauma-focused therapies

• Mindfulness-based interventions

Individual Treatment Plans: Your therapist will work with you to develop personalized treatment goals and approaches based on your specific needs, preferences, and therapeutic objectives.

Benefits and Risks of Therapy

Potential Benefits:

• Improved emotional regulation and coping skills

• Better understanding of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

• Enhanced relationships and communication abilities

• Reduced symptoms of mental health conditions

• Increased self-awareness and personal growth

• Development of problem-solving strategies

Potential Risks:

• Temporary increase in emotional distress as you process difficult experiences

• Disruption of existing relationships as you make personal changes

• Uncomfortable feelings such as sadness, anger, or anxiety during sessions

• Memories or emotions that may be difficult to manage

• No guarantee of specific outcomes or timeframes for improvement

  
  
  

Therapist Qualifications and Approach

Professional Credentials: All FamilyTime Centers therapists are licensed mental health professionals who have completed graduate-level education, supervised clinical training, and ongoing continuing education requirements.

Therapeutic Orientation: Each therapist's specific approach, training, and areas of expertise will be shared with you during initial sessions to ensure appropriate therapeutic match.

Supervision and Consultation: Therapists regularly participate in supervision and consultation to ensure quality care and professional development.

Session Structure and Expectations

Session Duration: Individual therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes, while couples and family sessions may be 50-80 minutes depending on therapeutic needs and scheduling.

Frequency: Session frequency is determined collaboratively based on your treatment needs, typically ranging from weekly to monthly appointments.

Therapeutic Homework: Your therapist may assign between-session activities, reading materials, or exercises to support therapeutic progress.

Active Participation: Therapy requires your active engagement, honesty, and commitment to the therapeutic process for optimal benefits.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Confidentiality Protection: All information shared in therapy sessions is confidential and protected by law. Your therapist will not disclose information without your written consent except in specific legally mandated situations.

Limits to Confidentiality: Confidentiality may be broken when:

• You pose a serious threat to yourself or others

• There is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult

• A court order requires disclosure of information

• You provide written authorization for information release

Communication Outside Sessions: Your therapist may contact you between sessions for appointment scheduling or brief check-ins. Emergency situations should be directed to appropriate crisis services.

Treatment Records and Documentation

Clinical Records: Your therapist maintains comprehensive treatment records including session notes, treatment plans, assessments, and any correspondence related to your care.

Record Access: You have the right to review your treatment records, though your therapist may recommend discussing record content during sessions to provide context and support.

Record Retention: Treatment records are maintained according to California law and professional standards, typically for a minimum of seven years after treatment termination.

Fees and Financial Policies

Session Fees: Current fee schedules are provided upon intake and may be adjusted periodically with appropriate notice.

Payment Policies: Payment is typically due at the time of service unless alternative arrangements have been made in advance.

Insurance: When using insurance benefits, you remain responsible for deductibles, copayments, and any services not covered by your plan.

Financial Hardship: We strive to make services accessible and may offer sliding scale fees or payment plans based on financial need and availability.

Cancellation and No-Show Policies

Advance Notice: Appointments should be cancelled at least 24 hours in advance to avoid cancellation fees.

Emergency Situations: We understand that genuine emergencies may prevent adequate notice and will work with you on a case-by-case basis.

Repeated Cancellations: Frequent cancellations or no-shows may impact therapeutic progress and could result in treatment plan modifications or termination.

Crisis and Emergency Procedures

Emergency Situations: Therapy services are not designed for psychiatric emergencies or crisis situations requiring immediate intervention.

Crisis Resources: You will be provided with local crisis hotlines, emergency services, and after-hours resources during your initial appointment.

Emergency Protocols: If you experience thoughts of harming yourself or others, contact emergency services immediately or go to your nearest emergency room.

Termination of Therapy

Client-Initiated: You have the right to terminate therapy at any time. We encourage discussing termination plans with your therapist to ensure appropriate closure and referrals.

Therapist-Initiated: Your therapist may recommend termination when:

• Treatment goals have been achieved

• Therapy is not providing sufficient benefit

• A different type of treatment would be more appropriate

• There are unresolved payment issues

• Therapeutic relationship boundaries have been violated

Referrals: When appropriate, your therapist will provide referrals to other mental health professionals or services that may better meet your needs.

Special Considerations for Minors

Parental Involvement: Parents or legal guardians are typically involved in treatment planning for minors, though California law provides certain privacy protections for adolescents.

Confidentiality with Minors: Your therapist will explain confidentiality limits and may involve parents in treatment decisions based on the minor's age, maturity, and clinical needs.

Consent Requirements: Treatment of minors requires appropriate consent from parents or legal guardians unless legal exceptions apply.

Cultural Considerations and Diversity

Cultural Sensitivity: We strive to provide culturally responsive care that respects your background, values, and identity.

Language Services: Bilingual therapists and interpreter services may be available based on your language preferences and our capacity.

Discrimination: We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other protected characteristics.

Technology and Telehealth

Telehealth Options: We offer secure telehealth services as an alternative to in-person therapy sessions.

Technology Requirements: Telehealth requires reliable internet connectivity and compatible devices for effective service delivery.

Platform Security: We use HIPAA-compliant platforms to ensure privacy and security of telehealth communications.

Consent Acknowledgment

By signing this informed consent, you acknowledge that you have:

• Read and understood the information provided about therapy services

• Had opportunities to ask questions about treatment approaches and policies

• Understand the benefits, risks, and limitations of therapy

• Agree to actively participate in the therapeutic process

• Understand your rights and responsibilities as a therapy client

  
  
  

Questions and Concerns

We encourage you to ask questions about any aspect of your therapy experience. Contact Support@familytimecenters.com or discuss concerns directly with your therapist.